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08.17.07: LightForTheDay
"Prayer and Fasting"
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(Home) (VN) (C1) (C2) (K) (S) (F) (It) (De) (Ru) (Ar) ("Pray To Receive Christ") -- Acts 13:2-3; 14:23 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. 14:23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. 
1. Prayer and Fasting (1) - Showing Humility and Repentance - Seeking God's Face More Fully - Asking for Something You Desire - Fasting to Know God's Will - Developing Discipline - Men of God Continue to Fast 2. Prayer and Fasting (2) - Prayer and Fasting are Spiritual Warfare - The Purpose God Had in It - Examples of Fasting and Prayer 3. In How to Fast / the Normal Fast - Biblical Fasting and Spiritual Objectives 4. Beginning the Fast / Breaking the Fast - Physical and Spiritual Preparation for Fasting 5. The Pain of Fasting - Physical and Soulish pain of Fasting 6. What Will Be Your Response? - Enter with a Positive Faith that God will reward those who fast with the Right Motives.
(<<) 1. Prayer and Fasting (1) When you think of fasting, what image comes to mind? A self-righteous Pharisee? An ascetic monk? For many of us, these are cultural stereotypes of a person who abstains from food and prays. Often we are confused about the purpose of fasting. Fortunately, Scripture provides many examples both in the Old and New Testaments of how fasting can make a difference in our lives and ministries. God considers fasting important, and His Word contains 92 passages mentioning it Many of our heroes of the faith, including Moses, Elijah, Esther, Nehemiah, Daniel and Paul, fasted at crucial points. Jesus both taught and modeled fasting. After being anointed by the Holy Spirit, He was led into the wilderness to fast and pray for 40 days (Matthew 4:1-2). -- Matthew 4:1-2 + 1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. During the Sermon on the During the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), Jesus gave specific instructions on how to fast (Matthew 6:16-18). Jesus knew the followers He addressed would fast. -- Matthew 6:16-18 + 16 When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. But what is the purpose of fasting in the life of the believer today? Here are some answers. Showing Humility and Repentance One reason we fast is to demonstrate humility before the sovereign Creator of the universe. God responds when we diligently and wholeheartedly seek Him (2 Chronicles 7:14). -- 2 Chronicles 7:14-15 + 14 if My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15 Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. Sometimes this involves confession and repentance from sin. This was the case of the Ninevites when Jonah reluctantly told them God was going to bring judgment upon them (Jonah 3:5,10), they called a fast and repented of their sin. Fasting demonstrates humility by acknowledging our dependence on God. -- Jonah 3:4-5, 10 + 4 On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: "Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned." 5 The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. ... + 10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, He had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction He had threatened. In Psalm 35, David laments his enemies' harsh treatment of him in contrast to how he cared for them when they were ill. He humbled his soul by fasting and praying for their recovery. -- Psalm 35:13 + But when they were sick, I wore sackcloth. I humbled myself with fasting. When my prayer returned unanswered, Seeking God's Face More Fully A second reason we fast is to respond to God's love toward us. It is as if we are saying to God, "Because You are righteous and holy, and loved me enough to send Jesus to die for my sins, I want to get to know You more intimately." -- Jeremiah 29:13 + You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. We may want to take extra time to seek and praise God by missing a meal or abstaining from food for a day or more. When we deliberately set aside time for fasting, we are showing we want to seek God. Asking for Something You Desire Sometimes we fast to demonstrate our sincerity to God concerning something we truly desire. Ezra proclaimed a fast to ask God to protect His people as they journeyed to Jerusalem from exile. God responded by leading them safely to Jerusalem, delivering them from their enemies and ambushes along the way (Ezra 8:21 31). -- Ezra 8:21, 31-32 + 21 There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask Him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. ... + 31 On the twelfth day of the first month we set out from the Ahava Canal to go to Jerusalem. The hand of our God was on us, and He protected us from enemies and bandits along the way. 32 So we arrived in Jerusalem, where we rested three days. Although fasting may show our sincerity, it does not guarantee we will receive what we desire. Maybe our request is not within God's will, or we may be asking with the wrong motives. (Isaiah 58:2-11; James 4:3). -- James 4:3 + When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. David fasted for seven days when God struck with illness the child Bathsheba conceived by David. David repented of his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband. He humbled himself, fasted and prayed, but the child still died. But God forgaves David's sin and bless him with the second child names Solomon. (2 Samuel 12:15-25). -- 2 Samuel 12:15-25 + 15 After Nathan had gone home, the LORD struck the child that Uriah’s wife (Bathsheba) had borne to David, and he became ill. 16 David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and went into his house and spent the nights lying on the ground. 17 The elders of his household stood beside him to get him up from the ground, but he refused, and he would not eat any food with them. 18 On the seventh day the child died. David’s servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they thought, "While the child was still living, we spoke to David but he would not listen to us. How can we tell him the child is dead? He may do something desperate." 19 David noticed that his servants were whispering among themselves and he realized the child was dead. "Is the child dead?" he asked. "Yes," they replied, "he is dead." 20 Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate. 21 His servants asked him, "Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!" 22 He answered, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, ‘Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.’ 23 But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me." 24 Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. The LORD loved him; 25 and because the LORD loved him, He sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah. {means "loved by the LORD"). Through fasting we can determine the sincerity and correctness of our requests. Fasting to Know God's Will Seeking God's will or direction is different from petitioning Him for something we desire. When the Israelites were in conflict with the tribe of Benjamin, they sought God's will through fasting. The entire army fasted until evening, and "the men of Israel asked the Lord, 'Shall we go out again and fight against our brother Benjamin, or shall we stop?"' (Judges 20:26-28). -- Judges 20:26 + Then the Israelites, all the people, went up to Bethel, and there they sat weeping before the LORD. They fasted that day until evening and presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings (peace offerings) to the LORD. Acts 13:1-3 implies that church leaders were seeking God's direction for their ministry through prayer and fasting. The Holy Spirit responded by saying, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." In both instances, people fasted and prayed to determine God's will. -- Acts 13:1-3 + 1 In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. Developing Discipline An important benefit of fasting is that it promotes self-control by disciplining our bodies. When we say no to our natural appetite for food, we develop the willpower and discipline to say no to other fleshy desires -- 1 Corinthians 9:27 + I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.. Other reasons people in the Bible fasted include deliverance (2 Chronicles 20:3), mourning the loss of a loved one (1 Samuel 31:13), healing the sick (Psalm 35:13; James 5:14), spiritual strength (Matthew 4:2), and the appointment of elders in the church (Acts 14:23). -- 2 Chronicles 20:2-3 + 2 Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, "A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Sea. It is already in Hazazon Tamar" (that is, En Gedi). 3 Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. -- 1 Samuel 31:13 + Then they took their bones (Saul and his sons) and buried them under a tamarisk tree at Jabesh, and they fasted seven days. -- Acts 14:23 + Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. -- James 5:13-16 + 13 If any of you are having trouble, pray. If you are happy, sing psalms. 14 If you are sick, call for the church leaders (elders). Have them pray for you and anoint you with (olive) oil in the name of the Lord. 15 Prayers offered in faith will save those who are sick, and the Lord will cure them. If you have sinned, you will be forgiven. 16 So admit your sins to each other, and pray for each other so that you will be healed. Prayers offered by those who have God’s approval are effective. Losing weight is NOT the emphasis when fasting for spiritual reasons. Men of God Continue to Fast Fasting is not limited to believers the Bible mentions. Most of the church's reformers-including Martin Luther, John Calvin and John Knox-fasted. Knox fasted and prayed so much that Queen Mary said she feared his prayers more than all the armies of Scotland. John Wesley, the renown English preacher, missionary and founder of Methodism, fasted twice weekly from sun up until late afternoon. Charles Finney, a revivalist of the 1800s, fasted regularly week and would often go three days without eating when he felt any diminution of spiritual power at his meetings. Dr. Bill Bright, founder and president of Campus Crusade for Christ, makes it his practice to fast and pray. He believes it plays a vital role in what God does through him and the ministry of Campus Crusade. Dr. Bright encourages believers to fast, but he also warns of two common pitfalls: First, we can become legalistic about fasting. It is essential to remember God loves us and is not displeased with us when we do not fast. Second, we can take pride in our fasting. We can avoid this problem by focusing on God's character and all He has done for us. Most of us do not need to worry about having the wrong attitude or motive while fasting. A more likely problem is we may not fast at all. Fasting is a commitment to seeking the Lord. It is not reserved for the self-righteous, but it is a privilege from which each of us can benefit.
(<<) 2. Prayer And Fasting (2) It has been well said that prayer is not preparation for the battle - prayer IS the battle. And of all the things we can do to enhance the power and focus of prayer, fasting is doubtless the most potent. This is where the power is at, because fasting puts us in harmony with an All Powerful God who demands humility from those who wish to be close to Him. Fasting humbles the flesh. When it is done for that purpose, it pleases the Spirit of God. You can go a certain distance in God, and experience many things, without fasting much, but the highest, richest and most powerful blessings always go to those who together with other disciplines, fast much unto God. The most significant Biblical characters, with the possible exception of Abraham, were all men of fasting and prayer. Jesus, the Son of God, was a man of fasting and prayer (Matthew 4:2). So was the apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 11:27). Moses fasted 80 days (2x40 - Deut 9:9, 18). Elijah fasted 40 days (1Kings 19:8).The early church fasted before starting any major work. The greatest spiritual leaders of the 20th century who are making an impact are all men of fasting of prayer to my knowledge. Anyone who started a significant spiritual movement in Christianity was, to the best of my knowledge - Luther, Wesley, Finney, Booth were all men of fasting. In our day, Cho, Bonnke, Osborn, Annacondia are all men of much fasting. If done right, fasting counts a lot with God. Fasting is not magic, nor does it twist the arm of God. God wants to do many amazing things, but He looks for those willing to urgently make the corrections needed to come into line with Him. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble (Prov 3:34; James 4:6; 1Peter 5:5). Successful fasting is also the fastest way to learn patience. It takes patience and endurance to fast for more than a day. Many of God's tests come quicker to us when we fast, and we have a better opportunity to pass them. If we want to go far with God we would have to face these tests anyway, but much later, and in a more time consuming and difficult way. We need to "bite the bullet" and embrace the correction God wants to apply to our souls. Fasting gives you God's focus for your life. It is a major key to hearing God's voice (the other is true worship - the two are related). We need focus from God more than anything. The world we live in is working overtime to distract us, to entice us, to win our hearts and minds, our focus, and to determine our vision. Fasting cuts out the world so we can tune into God. If we are obedient to God fasting will make us catalysts for revival and awakening. Examples of Fasting and Prayer and the Purpose God Had in It Moses fasted to receive the Ten Commandments and the Law of God, and to see God's glory and goodness. (Deut 9:9, 18) Elijah needed to fast 40 days before he heard God's voice again. (1 Kings 19:8) King David fasted when the son of his adulterous union with Bathsheba was struck sick by God, in punishment for the adultery and for David's murder of Bathsheba's husband, Uriah the Hittite. Nevertheless, the son died, upon which David broke his fast (2 Samuel 12:15-25). King Jehosaphat proclaimed a fast throughout Judah for victory over the Moabites and Ammonites who were attacking them (2 Chronicles 20:3). The prophet Isaiah chastised the Israelites in Isaiah 58 for the unrighteous methods and motives of their fasting. He clarified some of the best reasons for fasting and listed both physical and spiritual benefits that would result. The prophet Joel called for a fast to avert the judgement of God (Joel 2:15). The people of Nineveh in response to Jonah's prophecy, fasted to avert the judgement of God (Jonah 3:7). The Jews of Persia, following Mordechai's example, fasted due to the genocidal decree of Haman. Queen Esther declared a three-day fast for all the Jews prior to risking her life in visiting King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) uninvited (Esther 4). Daniel the prophet fasted for the fulfilment of God's promises, and received mighty revelations from God. (Daniel 10:3). Ezra the priest fasted for God's protection while carrying valuable things for God's temple. We too can fast for God's protection. (Ezra 8:21-23) Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights while in the desert, and spoke the Word of God to overcome Satan's three temptations (Matthew 4:1-10; Luke 4:1-13). Jesus fasted to begin His public ministry, and have the power of God and the anointing. (Luke 4:14). The Pharisees in Jesus' time fasted regularly, and asked Jesus why His disciples did not. Jesus answered them using a parable (Luke 5:33-39, Matthew 9:14-15, Mark 2:18-20). Jesus also warned against fasting to gain favor from men. He warned his followers that they should fast in private, not letting others know they were fasting (Matthew 6:16–18). Jesus said : But this kind (evil spirit) does not go out except by prayer and fasting. (Matthew 17:21; Mark 9:29) The prophetess Anna, who proclaimed the birth of Jesus in the Temple, fasted regularly (Luke 2:37). The elders, prophets and teachers in Antioch fasted and ministered to God, which resulted in the launching of Paul and Barnabas' apostolic ministry to the Gentiles (Acts 13:2,3). Likewise we should fast and pray before getting involved in full time ministry and mission work. ////////////////////////////// Jesus says to us in Matthew 6:16, "When you fast..." not "If you fast". A true disciple of the Lord will fast at times. God made it clear through the prophet Joel that the last days outpouring of the Spirit will be in proportion to our fasting and crying out to God in humility, hunger and repentance. (Joel 1:14; 2:12). -- Joel 1:3, 14 + 3 Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. + 14 Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD. -- Joel 2:12-14 + 'Even now,’ declares the LORD, ‘return to Me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.' 13 Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and He relents from sending calamity. 14 Who knows? He may turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing -- grain offerings and drink offerings for the LORD your God. Even wicked King Ahab's fast moved God so that he did not bring full judgment down on him in his own lifetime (1 Kings 21:27-29). -- 1 Kings 21:27-29 + 27 When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and fasted. He lay in sackcloth and went around meekly. 28 Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite: 29 "Have you noticed how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? Because he has humbled himself, I will not bring this disaster in his day, but I will bring it on his house in the days of his son."
(<<) 3. In How to Fast Most people go without food during a diet or when they're too busy to eat, but this isn't biblical fasting. what does fasting mean? Our sincerity and attitude play important roles in biblical fasting. Before beginning ask yourself, "Am I confident that my desire to fast is God-given? what are the spiritual objectives in this fast? Personal sanctification and consecration? Intercession? Special burdens? Is there any hidden desire to impress others?" when you've honestly answered these questions you're ready to begin. Now that you've decided to fast and are properly motivated, you still may not know how to begin the fast, or how long it should last. The Normal Fast The normal fast involves abstaining from all forms of food but not from water, and commonly lasts 24 hours, from sunrise to sunrise. According to The Foods and Nutrition Encyclopedia, "For healthy individuals, no harm results from short-term fasting." The average healthy person can go without food between 21 and 40 or more days before the body begins to eliminate vital tissue (starvation). You should consult your physician before beginning any fast lasting longer than three days. If you are under the care of a physician for any kind of disease, if you struggle with anorexia nervosa or bulimia, or if you are pregnant, do not begin a fast before you have the approval and supervision of your physician. If you want to learn more about the physical effects of fasting (and especially if you're considering a fast longer than one to three days) read books dealing with the medical aspects. Fasting: The Ultimate Diet by Allan Con, M.D. (contains an extensive bibliography); Therapeutic Fasting by Amold DeVries, and books by Dr. Herbert Sheldon (a leading authority on fasting) are a few suggestions.
(<<) 4. Beginning the Fast If you are fasting for the first time, you might begin by missing a meal or two. Over time, you can build up to a full day or more. Begin by refraining from solid food, but drink liquids. Water is the best, since soft drinks 'poison' the digestive system and inhibit the purifying process, and coffee and tea stimulate the nervous system. Before beginning the fast it is best to eat lightly and cut back on caffeinated drinks. However, during the first few days of the fast, it is common to experience headaches as the body withdraws from and removes caffeine. During your fast set aside specific and significant time to worship and seek God. Plan where you'll he, so your time can he unhurried and conducive to enjoying the Lord. Many people begin this time by repenting of any sins the Holy Spirit brings to mind and asking for God's forgiveness. This is essential to ensure that sin is not hindering your communication with God. Then plan time to make your requests known to God and to seek His will. Take breaks to study Scripture passages you have chosen. Don't rush your fellowship with God. Take time to listen. Keep a notebook and pen nearby to record the ideas, insights, directions and instructions He impresses on your mind. When you turn down the "noise of western civilization" by fasting, you can more easily hear God. Breaking the Fast Breaking the fast may require as much discipline as beginning it. During the fast your stomach contracts and your body's digestive and elimination systems rest. The longer you fast, the more time the digestive organs need to reactivate before functioning at full speed. If you plan to fast only a day or two at a time, it is best to end the fast with a small glass of fruit juice as your first meal. Gradually introduce small amounts of easily digestible foods such as yogurt, soup, fresh fruit, and cooked vegetables. If your fast lasts longer than a few days, you should continue with juices for a day or more before gradually introducing more substantial foods like yogurt, soup and fruit. Be sure you introduce new foods in small quantities, and that it is chewed well. You should stop eating at the slightest sensation of fullness. If fasting only a few days at a time, ending the fast should be easier. If you have built up to and desire to fast longer, you should consult your physician and review a health book on fasting. Remember, it is your attitude toward God and your walk with Him that is important, not how long you fast. God desires for you to love, obey, follow and enjoy Him. Deliberately abstaining from food is one way to demonstrate your commitment and sincerity in seeking Him.
(<<) 5. The Pain of Fasting Fasting is not easy. There are degrees of fasting, of course. The pain of fasting is twofold. The physical pain is due to the detoxification of our bodies. All the accumulate poison and garbage starts to come into our blood and we feel dreadful. This can be alleviated by fasting on juice. With juice fasting you have some control on the speed of your body's detoxification. The soulish pain is due to the conflict in the spiritual realm between your flesh and the Spirit of God. This goes behind the natural desire to eat. There is soulish pain because: 1. Most times our bodies are demanding food 3 times a day and complain that food is needed when they are denied. A little training in fasting soon clears up this misconception. 2. You cannot use food as an emotional crutch to give pleasure, drowsiness, satisfaction and escape. Instead you must depend on God for comfort. 3. You are brought face to face with other painful issues in your life. God reveals the need for you to forgive others, to repent of your wicked ways, to stop running from Him and start trusting Him. There is thus also a spiritual and soulish detoxification which happens when we fast. 4. You will be attacked by demonic forces seeking to induce you to give up the fast. Jesus experienced this in the wilderness with Satan (Matthew 4:1-10). Great spiritual victories are won or lost on our willingness to endure spiritual hardship and temptation out of love and faithfulness to the Lord. 5. You will experience weakness at times, and we like to feel strong and in control. Fasting teaches us dependence upon God.
(<<) 6. What Will Be Your Response? As we look at the Bible it becomes evident that fasting was practiced more often than Christians usually practice it today. There is the challenge for you today to begin the practice of fasting. If you accept the challenge of God's Word to fast, here are some guidelines for you as you begin to make this a more regular part of your Christian life. The Lord will reward your efforts at fasting. Here are some individual guidelines for fasting: Reach a personal conviction on the subject through careful Bible study. -- Get into the Word on your own. See what the Bible really says about fasting. A physician's note: Make sure you are medically able to fast before attempting it. Some brothers and sisters can only do a one-day partial fast. They drink different types of juice, but take no food or other liquid. God knows and understands their medical condition and does not expect them to harm their "temple" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) in order to be spiritual. There are no rigid standards about fasting in the Bible that say you must do this or that. -- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 + Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. Begin with short fasts and gradually move to larger periods of time if you desire. If you've never fasted before, you need to start slow. Don't start with a three day fast! Be prepared for some dizziness, headache, or nausea in the early going. Most of our bodies have never gone without food for longer than a few hours. Break a prolonged fast gradually with meals that are light and easy to digest. Trying to gorge yourself following a fast will only make you sick and will leave you with an unpleasant memory of fasting. Enter with a positive faith that God will reward those who fast with the right motives. Jesus gave this promise: "When you fast, your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:18). Sometime during your fast, mix your fast with prayer, time in Scripture reading, singing, or devotional reading. Remember: fasting is not an end in itself. Seek the Lord, not the experience of fasting. Keep checking your motives concerning your fasts. Hypocrisy and spiritual pride can easily creep in. There is a reward for fasting, but only fasting done with the right motives. (Matthew 23:28; Isaiah 58:2-11). -- Matthew 23:28 + Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness. -- Isaiah 58:2-11 + 2 Yet they seek Me daily, And delight to know My ways, As a nation that did righteousness, And did not forsake the ordinance of their God. They ask of Me the ordinances of justice; They take delight in approaching God. + 3 ‘We have fasted before You!’ they say. ‘Why aren’t You impressed? We have been very hard on ourselves, and You don’t even notice it!’ “I will tell you why!” I respond. “It’s because you are fasting to please yourselves. Even while you fast, you keep oppressing your workers. 4 What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with Me. 5 You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like reeds bending in the wind. You dress in burlap and cover yourselves with ashes. Is this what you call fasting? Do you really think this will please the LORD? + 6 “No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. 7 Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. + 8 “Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the LORD will protect you from behind. 9 Then when you call, the LORD will answer. ‘Yes, I am here,’ He will quickly reply. “Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors! 10 Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. 11 The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well–watered garden, like an ever–flowing spring.
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
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