The Christian fast refers to a reduction in the quality or
quantity of food and water supplemented by pray. This pray-fast
relationship is expected to be carried out by followers of
Christ on a regular basis (Mark 2:18 - 20), and the why, who, when, and how to
fast, is further describe in an article,
the Christian fast, the
ins and outs.
Acquiring a closer relationship with God can be done by fasting.
This is because God expects Christians to follow him in Spirit
and in truth (John 4: 23-24). In order to walk successfully in the Spirit one must
deny the needs of the flesh. What some Christians fail to
understand is that there is a constant war between the Spirit
and the flesh, and if you seed to the flesh you will reap
according to the flesh, and if you seed to the Spirit you will
reap Spiritual things. Fruits of the flesh are described at
and fruits of the Spirit are
In order therefore to allow for the Spirit to have an advantage
over the flesh, Christians must regularly undergo fasts. when
one fast you are denying one of the things the flesh has as a
need. Other things the flesh cries out for which are
wants
include sex, money and material things. Some persons argue that
they "fast" by abstaining from watching television, sex, etcetera, but these
latter things are just wants to the flesh, and therefore are not
as powerful as a true fast.
Having embarked on a fast one must also supplement the fast with
pray so you can let God know what is on your heart, and he will
draw closer. Reading of the Word is also good as it will reveal
who God is, and what are God's plans for us.
In any relationship in order for persons to become close the
parties within the relationship must get to know each other.