Topical Bible: Prayer and Fasting

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Prayer

Prayer is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, serving as a means of communication between believers and God. It is both a privilege and a duty, allowing individuals to express adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on prayer, emphasizing its importance in the life of a believer.

In the Old Testament, prayer is depicted as a vital practice for the people of God. Figures such as Abraham, Moses, David, and Daniel are noted for their prayer lives. For instance, Daniel's commitment to prayer is highlighted in Daniel 6:10, where he continues to pray three times a day despite the threat of persecution.

The New Testament further underscores the significance of prayer. Jesus Christ, the ultimate model for believers, frequently engaged in prayer. In the Gospels, Jesus is often seen withdrawing to solitary places to pray (Mark 1:35). He also provides explicit instruction on prayer in passages such as Matthew 6:9-13, where He delivers the Lord's Prayer, teaching His disciples how to pray.

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, encourages believers to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and to present their requests to God with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6). Prayer is portrayed as a powerful tool in spiritual warfare, as seen in Ephesians 6:18, where believers are urged to "pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests."

Fasting

Fasting, often coupled with prayer, is a spiritual discipline involving abstaining from food or certain activities to focus on spiritual growth and seek God's guidance. The practice of fasting is rooted in the Bible and is observed by many biblical figures.

In the Old Testament, fasting is associated with repentance, mourning, and seeking God's favor. The Day of Atonement, as described in Leviticus 16:29-31, is a prescribed fast for the Israelites. Other instances include the fasts of Moses (Exodus 34:28), David (2 Samuel 12:16), and Esther (Esther 4:16).

The New Testament continues to affirm the practice of fasting. Jesus Himself fasted for forty days and nights in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry (Matthew 4:2). He also taught about fasting in the Sermon on the Mount, instructing His followers to fast discreetly and not for show (Matthew 6:16-18).

The early church practiced fasting as a means of seeking God's direction and empowerment. In Acts 13:2-3, the church in Antioch fasted and prayed before sending out Barnabas and Saul on their missionary journey. Similarly, in Acts 14:23, fasting accompanied the appointment of elders in the churches.

Interconnection of Prayer and Fasting

Prayer and fasting are often intertwined in Scripture, serving as complementary practices that enhance spiritual focus and dependence on God. Together, they are used to seek divine intervention, guidance, and strength. The combination of prayer and fasting is seen as a powerful means of drawing closer to God and aligning oneself with His will.

Throughout the Bible, prayer and fasting are depicted as vital components of a devout life, enabling believers to deepen their relationship with God and experience His presence and power in profound ways.

Topical Bible Verses

Matthew 6:16-18
Moreover when you fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear to men to fast. Truly I say to you, They have their reward.
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Nehemiah 1:4
And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,
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Luke 2:37
And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
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Acts 13:3
And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
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Library

Thirteenth Lesson. Prayer and Fasting;'
... THIRTEENTH LESSON. Prayer and fasting;'. Prayer and fasting;' ... Howbeit this kind
goeth not out but by prayer and fasting'"Matthew 17:19-21. ...
/.../with christ in the school of prayer/thirteenth lesson prayer and fasting.htm

Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... LETTER V. Prayer and Fasting. ... But, when some of his Christian friends heard what
he was doing, they advised him to spend his gained time in fasting and prayer. ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm

Christ Tells the Disciples the Cause of their Failure. --The Power ...
... Section 188. Christ tells the Disciples the Cause of their Failure."The Power
of Faith."Prayer and Fasting. (Matt., xvii., 20, 21.). ...
/.../section 188 christ tells the.htm

How Bishop Cedd, Having a Place for Building a Monastery Given Him ...
... How Bishop Cedd, having a place for building a monastery given him by King Etheiwald,
consecrated it to the Lord with prayer and fasting; and concerning his ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xxiii how bishop cedd.htm

The Lenten Fast.
... little faith. This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer;" or, as
our Authorised Version has it, "by prayer and fasting.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/percival/sermons at rugby/xiii the lenten fast.htm

Concerning Fasting and Prayer (The Lord's Prayer).
... The Lord's Teaching Through the Twelve Apostles to the Nations. Chapter
VIII. "Concerning Fasting and Prayer (the Lord's Prayer). ...
/.../various/the teaching of the twelve apostles/chapter viii name fasting and.htm

Separated unto the Holy Ghost
... Now, here were these men ministering to the Lord, serving Him with prayer and fasting. ...
And see how this partnership calls to new prayer and fasting. ...
/.../murray/absolute surrender/separated unto the holy ghost.htm

The Power of Faith.
... [5878] But let us also attend to this, "This kind goeth not out save by prayer and
fasting," [5879] in order that if at any time it is necessary that we should ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/7 the power of faith.htm

Ministry
... Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting." Their unbelief, that
shut them out from deeper sympathy with Christ, and the carelessness with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 47 ministry.htm

Whether the Works of Satisfaction are Suitably Enumerated?
... Now, as Jerome says on Mk.9:28, "This kind" of demons "can go out by nothing, but
by prayer and fasting: Diseases of the body are healed by fasting, diseases ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the works of satisfaction.htm