And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes. —Daniel 9:3

If more men and women of God would set their face to the Lord and seek Him in fasting and prayer, I am convinced that we would see more spirituality, more anointing, and more power with God. The subject this quarter is on the subject of fasting. It has been an abused and misunderstood subject and is becoming a lost practice among many professing saints.

Fasting is not about punishing oneself nor is it about trying to manipulate God to get a desired outcome. It is an act of contrition and humility to honor the Lord by laying aside temporal food and focusing on the things of God. We are all so busy and occupied with living life—fasting is a time to try to slow down, clear the mind, and present ourselves to the Lord. This promotes greater spiritual communion and connectiveness with God and results in the Lord being able to work and reveal Himself in more personal ways. A true fast has proven to be integral in changing the course of natural events through the power and intervention of God.

I have been personally challenged by the scriptures on this subject and encourage us all to seek the Lord for greater understanding, faithfulness, and devotion in fasting.

Michael W. Smith

July 2018