Tuesday 22nd May – This blog post is part of our Every Nation London “24ten” – a ten day prayer & fasting focus.
Yesterday someone asked me the question: What are you and the church fasting for? What is the goal of this fast? What do you want to get out of it?
I don’t think that fasting should be seen as something to do only when you want to/need to add some muscle to getting a prayer answered. I don’t think fasting is something we add to prayer when prayer alone doesn’t seem to be enough. When Jesus’ disciples couldn’t cast out a deaf and dumb spirit, and they asked Him why they couldn’t but He could, He answered: “This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” (Matthew 17) But did Jesus fast before He prayed for her? No, not right there. But it seems that He had a discipline of fasting and prayer. He demonstrated a desire and delight in the Father, that drew Him as the Son of Man to seek out God the Father in prayer and fasting. Fasting is more a spiritual disciple aiding a desire, rather than being something to add to prayer when prayer alone doesn’t seem to work.
So what am I fasting for?
- Chiefly we are joining with 1000’s of Christians all over London to pray in the Global Day of Prayer focus: “Lord, let Your will be done and Your Kingdom come in London.”
- Personally I am fasting out of DESIRE. A desire for His presence and His power. I desire more anointing and fruit from what I feel called to do. Jesus came out of His wilderness fast “in the power of the Spirit” (Luke 4:14) – I desire that in and through my life. I desire that in our church and in this city.
If you are/have/are going to fast for a day or more, whats your DESIRE? (Consider leaving me a comment telling your desire. Stating something publicly is a powerful act that empowers and activates your will – so come on, tell us what your Kingdom desire is…)
More about the discipline of fasting and some of my previous fasting experiences tomorrow. May Your Kingdom come, Lord….
Wolfi's View from London 
Hello Wolfi
I was away and have missed the lastest series in our church, but I have started fasting today (Friday 25 May). I decided to read your blog (from day 1 up to now) and have been really encouraged by it, thanks! I must confess that am not very familiar with fasting (this is a discipline that I have to work more on) and I know I have a lot to learn, but your blog has been really helpful and day 6 have taught me a lot and yes, I want a deeper desire to know God, to know His ways, more intimacy with His Spirit, learning how to discern His voice, to hear it more clearly, and I want to see Him moving too, things happening, not only in my live and the things I am trusting God with but for our church and this big world out there.
Anyway, thanks and may God lead us into His purposes as we wait for His Kingdom to come!
Vivi