Biblical Teaching on Prayer
Ezra 8:21-23
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.
~ Priest Ezra
Pondering Point
Along with exercise, we recognize that a body draws strength through eating. Prayers of thanks for our food acknowledge as much. But choosing to NOT eat, known as fasting, can also be a form of loving God with the body. This too can enable a body to use strength to express love for God – AND it is one of the ways God gives strength to His people.
A God-focused fast generally includes prayer and meditation, but the fast in itself is a form of prayer, reminding us that prayers are not merely words or thoughts. Body language, posture, and attitudes, and actions are be other examples to be emulated.
Prayer
Father God, I look forward to pursuing different ways to show love to You using my strength. I ask that Your Holy Spirit enlighten me to the creative ways I can do so, from eating to fasting, by participating in and abstaining from activities, all done to honor you in my choices. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.