what is the real purpose of fasting when one prays esp.. during these prayer marathons?

Question

I realize that many faiths "fast" before they pray during a specific time, and wondering what's the purpose for it?

Answer 1

It comes from the idea that we deny our physical selves and concentrate on the spiritual side of our persons.

It is also in some religions a sign of sacrifice.. a way of saying.. okay {insert diety here} I am serious about this.. so serious that I am not eating.. and going hungry...

Answer 2

Well, I fast on occasion because it makes me much more aware of whatever it is I am praying for.

For example - My little sister when she was 4 or 5 had the worst problem with stealing. She would steal anything, just to steal. My parents would punish her, take away her stuff, try anything and everything and nothing worked.

My husband and I asked her "why do you steal" and she said "I dont know, I just want to take stuff". We asked her "do you need that thing you stole", and she said "No, a little voice inside my head says "Take it, Take it". So my husband and I prayed for her for 2 days and during one of the days we fasted. Everytime I would get hungry, I would remember, Oh Yeah, and stop and do a small prayer for her. It also shows how serious you are about the issue you are praying about. If you are willing to fast (go without) then there must be some backing to your request. Rather than just "hey, I want a new car, can you make it happen".

Incidentally, she hasnt stolen one thing since.

Answer 3

expensive one, God already is conscious our desires. the objective of prayer is to talk with Dad. Praying isn't begging.. that's speaking purely such as you do with your mothers and dads or siblings. purely like this under... hiya Dad how are ya. Did ya see the buddies, what's up with them? Oh, and thank you for the showers the former day, they have been attractive. i'm gonna be going up city immediately are you able to rearrange a motor vehicle parking area? thank you Dad. and could you purely inspect this room, the youngsters have left it a large number lower back, Oh Dad i know how your infants make a large number of issues too. I purely know devil replace into approximately 15 while he rebelled.. LOL.. Lord, Lord help them gained`t ya. And oh God, I observed Evelyn the former day and he or she replace into with Joe. they're one among those beautiful couple, sturdy interest Dad.. It isn`t gained`t ya help me, gained`t ya try this, gained`t ya try this, gained`t ya??? Now there are situations we do ask for something, yet expensive, that's continuously if that's the will of pop. continuously... Peace and advantages from Heaven.

Answer 4

Fasting heightens your spiritual awareness. However, a fast is more than 3 days and allows water only. I know several who have fasted for 40 days-they are strange folk. Good people, but strange.

Answer 5

Good answers. The purpose of "fasting" (whether it is food, or sex, which the Bible also says you can fast) is to set aside something important so that you can give the time and effort to prayer. It helps to remind you of the importance of what you are doing, and to show your dedication to it.

Answer 6

Fasting is like emptying out yourself and making room for God.
It will cleanse your body and mind, getting rid of toxins of both the physical and spiritual kinds.It is also helps to prepare Christians for spiritual battle in prayer.

Answer 7

Hmm...well depends on the faith because they are not all the same, some are very similar but they do have their differences. When you fast you cant have what you want, you cant eat, drink to make your body satisfied...it teaches you restraint and self control because you cant have what you want. Some religions also restrict other things such as sexual intercourse , and by not allowign it we are learning that its not alll about us.

Answer 8

I believe the main reason for fasting is because when we are weak he is strong, and when our flesh is weak our spirit is strong. I have fasted and it is the most powerful thing, outside of being saved that has ever happened to me. Really try it you will never be the same.

Answer 9

To trancend the body. Also many believe that when you eat a lot of your blood goes to your stomache area to work on digestion and when you aren't you have more blood available for your brain.

Answer 10

fasting gives you a heightened sense of awareness and gets gods attention.. its like offering him a sacrifice.

this will help you a lot more

http://www.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Lent/fast-abstinence.html