Prayer and Fasting

"Only prayer and fasting can drive out this kind of Spirit." - Matthew 17:21

When we want something of God, we resort to prayer. Sometimes we pray and pray and see no results. Disappointed, we give up. But have you ever tried prayer in combination with fasting? You see, because of sin, our bodies and our souls are at odds. What pleases the spirit is hard on the body, and what pleases the body is poison for the soul. There is no way, while alive, that our bodies and our souls can be in perfect accord with one another. One is always dominating the other. Therefore, when we fast, our soul lets our body know that our only true food is God and we only depend on Him for survival. We are actually learning and practicing sole reliance on God. When this happens, the body is dominated and the soul grows stronger. When the soul grows stronger, we are way more connected to God and are more open to receiving His blessings. Things can't knock us down that easily either. Our faith becomes solid. That's why there are some things, things that require a lot more strength, faith, and determination on our part, that can only be achieved by the soul of a person that has dominated the flesh and is at peace and union with the will of God. And fasting doesn't mean not eating for an entire day, it could be having a smaller portion of a meal or skipping dessert.

If there are tough issues in your life - a disease, a failing relationship, financial issues - you know what you need to do. As Jesus told His disciples, there are things that can only be accomplished through prayer and fasting.

Today's Prayer:
Lord, teach me how to only depend on You for my existence. In the same way You conquered Your flesh, help me do the same so that my soul can attain unity with You. In Your Name we pray, amen.