Connecting to God’s heart is the primary purpose of fasting. The act of fasting is an expression of the heart’s desire to draw close to Jesus. In James 4:8 it is written,
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you…”
That is our goal. To be near Him, and we understand that drawing near to Him involves laying aside(1) the distractions that are always fighting for our attention. Clarify your purpose today, and remind yourself throughout your time of fasting that you are drawing closer and closer to Jesus.
Your purpose should also includes the goals and desires of your heart during this time of drawing near to God. What are you anticipating? Is there a specific answer that you are seeking God for? Is there a certain need that you have? Maybe you just need wisdom and understanding in some area of your life.
Bonus:
Make a list of some goals that you have for your time of fasting. Think of several goals, which may include work you know the Lord needs to do in your heart. Read Matthew 17:14-21, and from verse 21 consider some things that need to “go out” from you, in order for the power of God to flow more fully. For the disciples, it was unbelief, which Jesus said only prayer and fasting could remove.
(1) Hebrews 12:1
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