I’m fasting this week
Monday, I received some troubling news that immediately rattled and unsettled me and my family. Everything went to the backburner and all of my energy and focus was on addressing this situation.
After the initial shock, I began to pray about it. There was a time when I considered prayer the “only” thing that I could do in reference to situations where I had lost all control. However, now I know that prayer isn’t the “only” thing that I can do - it’s the best thing that I can do.
Because the need is so great, not only am I in a heightened prayer posture this week, but I’m also fasting. My fast started Monday afternoon and will continue until Tuesday. My prayer is very specific and my fast is on purpose.
Though it’s only been 48 hours, I already sense greater communion with Almighty God. I’m praying all day and no longer feel hunger pains. I’ve not fasted in about a year or so, but usually after the first 24 hours, food is no longer on my mind. The need for food is one of our most basic physiological needs and I believe that when a person can put it (i.e. hunger) under subjection that it strengthens a person’s discipline. I’m just drinking water and juices.
Though fasting has some additional benefits for me it is a great way to clear my mind and focus on God’s Voice. I NEED to hear, feel, and sense God this week. Though like every other week I have many commitments and people pulling at me for various reasons, I’m not answering my cell phone that often. I’m not running to meetings every night of this week. And I’m definitely not entertaining foolishness. I’m being extremely stingy with my time and energy. I’m demanding an audience with God.
In addition to praying and fasting for myself (and family), I’m also interceding for a pastor friend of mine who’s wife is experiencing some health challenges and a dear sister of mine who is facing some tension in her marriage and household.
I believe in the power of prayer. And let it be known that I’m also praying for you.
April 9th, 2008 at 10:09 am
WoW… ii think a lot of times prayer is probably over looked because so many people stop BELIEVING in what it can do. I’m glad that you wrote this because ii bet there was somebody reading that for a quick second wanted to give up on having a conversation with God. You and the fam are in my prayers and perhaps a week to just slow down and focus on God is what you really need.
Love Yah Much Bruh…
Tanae’ A.
April 9th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
God’s best of blessings to you and your family. I agree with the sister’s comments, in gladness that you wrote this. My prayers are always with all of you and your loved ones.
Peace & Love ,
Niambi
April 17th, 2008 at 6:12 am
[...] My fast ended this past Tuesday at 12:00 Noon. Eight days I went without food drinking only water and juices in order to bring my flesh under subjection, clear my mind, and achieve a greater sense of intimacy with God. A very specific issue caused me to do this and reading the words of Jesus that “some things come only by prayer and fasting” (Matt 17: 14-21), I was led to engage in this ancient spiritual practice. [...]