Biblical Answer

Fasting, accompanied by prayer, can be an effective way to bring about change and deepen our relationship with God. When we fast, we are literally praying with our body, offering all our physical weakness to God, which continually reminds us how we are not really strong in ourselves but need the Lord. Fasting also increases our sense of humility and dependence on the Lord, allowing us to give more attention to prayer and heightening our spiritual and mental alertness and sense of God's presence. This is why fasting is often connected with prayer in Scripture, such as when Nehemiah fasted and prayed before the God of Heaven in response to the ruin of Jerusalem.

Fasting can be a powerful tool for making prayers more effective. When we fast, we are saying to God that we are prepared to lay down our physical desires for the sake of prayer and spiritual growth. This can lead to a greater sense of urgency and earnestness in our prayers, and can even bring about miracles and answers to prayer. The Bible teaches that fasting and prayer can be a means of intercession, repentance, worship, and seeking of guidance, and that it can be a powerful way to bring about change in our lives and in the lives of those around us. By fasting and praying, we can experience a deeper sense of God's presence and guidance, and can be more effective in our prayers.

In order to make fasting and prayer more effective, it is essential to have a clear understanding of why we are fasting and praying. We should write out our requests for which we are praying, and ask God to reveal to us what He wants us to know. We should also plan our daily schedule to include time for prayer and fasting, and be consistent in our practice. Fasting is not just about giving up food, but about giving ourselves fully to God, and being willing to sacrifice for the sake of spiritual growth and prayer. By doing so, we can experience a deeper sense of God's presence and guidance, and can be more effective in our prayers.