The Bible supports the importance of prayer and fasting. It can deepen one’s relationship with God when done in conjunction with close fellowship with Jesus. Fasting is to be done in a spirit of humility and joy. The Lord rebuked Israel for their misplaced views on fasting. Rather than being a way to humble oneself before the Creator, fasting “came to be regarded as a pious achievement.”
Jesus corrected this view, when He said” When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 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’ ” (Matt. 6:16-18).
“Now and onward till the close of time the people of God should be more earnest. more wide awake, not trusting in their own wisdom, but in the wisdom of their Leader. They should set aside days for fasting and prayer”
(Ellen G. White. Review and Herald, Feb. 11, 1904).
Last modified: March 3, 2024