what is the purpose of fasting?

Question

has anyone had it work for them in terms of prayer or enlightenment?

Answer 1

Fasting goes with prayer. The exercise of fasting is making your spirit stronger than your body by letting the will of the spirit become stronger than the demands of the body.

Fasting, when accompanied with prayer, is intensely spiritual and a wonderful source of communion with God through the Holy Spirit. When you show Father in Heaven that your spirit is stronger than your body, your prayers are more meaningful and your efforts are consecrated for your benefit.

If you can't fast for health reasons, like me (diabetic), you can still fast with intense prayer and do the best to eat for nourishment and not enjoyment, so it's not a carnal pleasure. Instead it is a necessary responsibility. The Spirit of God is felt just as strong. This weekend I fasted to know of God's love for me, and it doesn't take much prayer before I am overwhelmed with an amazing sense that I am loved so much more than I could even comprehend. That knowledge makes it much easier to serve others, because I know He loves others equally as He loves me.

Answer 2

If you will look at Matthew 17:21 you will see that fasting and prayer is very important. The deciples were trying to cast out demons. They were unable to do it. They asked Jesus why. He said that these only go out by prayer and fasting. This is the King James Version. If you have a NIV version the verse is missing. Satan does not want people to know how to cast out his demons.
The other aspect of fasting is the denial of self. Food is the basic need of the body to survive. It also has positive attributes. When you fast it actually helps the immunes system to improve itself.
Some church leaders teach that you can fast by giving up TV or something else that you like. This is a LIE and total misrepresentation of the Word of God.
If you don't have a concordance I would suggest that you invest in one. This will help you to understand the Word of God much better.
As to answer your question. YES It helps you to to come closer to the Lord and have better understanding of the spiritual realm.
Peace be with you, (SHALOAM)

Answer 3

I have had experience with it working for someone I fasted for. I fasted for three days so someone who was terrifed to get up in front of a crowd, would be able to do it...they made it just fine, so I'm thinking it worked...I don't do it enough, so I can't claim enlightment necessarily, but when i am sick and can't eat, I do feel the presence of God with me.

Christian fasting isn't some kind of a "work" that's commanded by Christ or required by Scripture. However, that doesn't mean that fasting isn't recommended as a part of our spiritual growth. The Book of Acts records believers fasting before they made important decisions (Acts 13:4; 14:23). Fasting and prayer are often linked together (Luke 2:37; 5:33). Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food. However, the purpose of fasting is to take our eyes off the things of this world and instead focus on God. Fasting is a way to demonstrate to God and to ourselves that we are serious about our relationship with Him. Although fasting in Scripture is almost always a fasting from food, there are other ways to fast. Anything you can temporarily give up in order to better focus on God can be considered a fast (1 Corinthians 7:1-5). Fasting should be limited to a set time, especially when the fasting is from food. Extended periods of time without eating are harmful to the body. Fasting is not intended to punish our flesh, but to focus on God.

Answer 4

If done correctly, fasting is an absolutely wonderful way to draw closer to God. I once heard that fasting without prayer and a purpose for the fast, is just going hungery for 24 hours.
Mormons fast for 24 hours once per month. Many of us fasted this past Saturday after lunch through Sunday until dinner. During which time we don't eat or drink anything. We pray - some of my friends pray every time their hungry or their stomach growls.
Yes, I have several times.

Answer 5

Faith needs prayer for its development and full growth, and prayer needs fasting for the very same reason. Fasting humbles the soul before God ( Psalm 35:13). Yes. I have fasted and do benefit spiritually from it. Let's be realistic. There is no way to fight the devil's power without the power of God, and fasting is a great arsenal to use!

Answer 6

Isaiah 58:6. Is this not the fast I have chosen. To brake the chains of injustice. sharing your food to the hungry.inviting the homeless poor into your homes.putting clothes on the shivering clad.being available to your own families. I want to see you do this says the Lord.

This is the kind of fast day I am after. get rid of the exploitation in the workplace,and free the opressed.

Answer 7

A simplified answer is the reason you fast is so that you can clearly hear what the Holy Spirit is saying. You can fast various ways--like going without food--or sometimes things..like tv. Fasting is a sacrifice. It crucifies your flesh as well so that you can clearly hear. Our flesh sends out so many messages, but when we fast, we are bringing under subjection our flesh so that the things of the spirit can be revealed.

Answer 8

the real purpose of fasting is (Insan Me Ruhaniyat Lani Thi) the person living in heaven never eat food or anything. Islam has to train Human beings for heaven that's why we do fast ?

Answer 9

It is usually a token of sacrifice; doing without when tied to religious custom. For general use it is for cleansing or unhealthy weight loss.
Some do say that fasting is a spiritual experience when extended over multiple days or even weeks. I'm sure that being sick beyond description could cause hallucinations.

Answer 10

To cleanse the body. Lack of food can bring on dreams and hallucinations. What some people may term as enlightenment.