Definition and Purpose:
Fasting and petitioning are spiritual disciplines practiced by believers to seek God's guidance, intervention, and favor. Fasting involves voluntarily abstaining from food, drink, or certain activities for a set period, while petitioning refers to earnest prayer and supplication to God. These practices are often combined to intensify one's spiritual focus and demonstrate humility and dependence on God.

Biblical Instances:

1. Old Testament Examples:
· Moses: Before receiving the Ten Commandments, Moses fasted for forty days and nights on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:28). This period of fasting was a time of preparation and consecration for receiving God's law.
· Esther and the Jews: When faced with the threat of annihilation, Queen Esther called for a fast among the Jews in Susa. She and her people fasted for three days and nights before she approached King Xerxes to plead for their lives (Esther 4:16).
· Daniel: Daniel sought understanding and revelation from God through fasting and prayer. In Daniel 9:3, he states, "So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes."

2. New Testament Examples:
· Jesus: Before beginning His public ministry, Jesus fasted for forty days and nights in the wilderness, where He was tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:2). This period of fasting was a time of spiritual strengthening and preparation.
· The Early Church: The early Christians practiced fasting and prayer when making significant decisions. In Acts 13:2-3, the church in Antioch fasted and prayed before sending out Barnabas and Saul (Paul) on their missionary journey.

Theological Significance:

· Humility and Repentance: Fasting is often associated with humility and repentance. In Joel 2:12-13, God calls His people to return to Him with fasting, weeping, and mourning, emphasizing the heart's posture over mere outward actions.
· Seeking God's Will: Fasting and petitioning are means of seeking God's will and direction. In times of uncertainty or crisis, believers turn to these practices to align themselves with God's purposes.
· Spiritual Warfare: Fasting is a tool in spiritual warfare, as seen in Jesus' response to His disciples in Matthew 17:21 (footnote in), where He indicates that certain spiritual battles require prayer and fasting.

Practical Application:

· Personal Devotion: Believers are encouraged to incorporate fasting and petitioning into their personal devotional lives, seeking God's presence and guidance in their daily walk.
· Corporate Worship: Churches may call for times of corporate fasting and prayer, especially during seasons of discernment, crisis, or revival.
· Balanced Approach: While fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline, it should be approached with wisdom and balance, ensuring that it is done with the right motives and in a manner that honors God.

Warnings and Considerations:

· Hypocrisy: Jesus warned against fasting for show or to gain human approval. In Matthew 6:16-18, He instructs believers to fast in secret, focusing on their relationship with God rather than public recognition.
· Health Considerations: Individuals should consider their health and physical condition when deciding to fast, ensuring that their practice is safe and sustainable.

Fasting and petitioning remain vital practices for believers seeking a deeper relationship with God, greater spiritual insight, and divine intervention in their lives and communities.