SUNDAY March 22, 2020

Secret Prayers

“But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”
Matthew 6:17-18

Jesus taught His disciples that there was a right way and a wrong way to fast. They were not to follow the example of the hypocritical Pharisees who allowed others to see them fasting. People would see their somber faces and appearances. Fasting should be done in secret before the Lord.

When Jesus taught about fasting, he was teaching the Beatitude of denial––putting self to death. Fasting is a denial of self because our human bodies want to be fed. When our earthly body appetites desire food––an In-N-Out hamburger––we say, “That smells good!” We need to say to ourselves, “No!” The enemy does not want us to fast because our intuitive knowledge of God will be sharpened. Fasting will enable us to be more in tune with the Spirit of God. Our senses are spiritually sharpened. Christians will be able to discern God’s answers. They can be given a word of wisdom or a word of knowledge.

It is important to understand, fasting is not for everybody, especially if you have health problems; but if you can, as a spiritual person, it is important to fast for a certain reason. Believers can fast to help themselves overcome an area of sin, when they have a specific desire on their heart, or for help when facing a difficult situation. As you fast and give yourself to the Lord, wait on Him for an answer. God can move in any of these situations and then receive all the glory.

Remember, in your giving, praying, servanthood or fasting––it is all about attitude and doing things for the Lord––being on target with Him.

Prayer is reaching out after the unseen; fasting is letting go of all that is seen and temporal. Fasting helps express, deepen, confirm the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice anything, even ourselves to attain what we seek for the kingdom of God.
~Andrew Murray~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!