Fasting is self-denial of something”¦usually food and/or water.

Fasting was practiced by many in the Old and New Testament. Fasting was done for specific purposes”¦because of personal sin or the sin of a nation.

(See Deuteronomy 9:18)

The focus of fasting is on the Lord God as sin is confessed, the reading of Scriptures and prayer. Fasting is also in conjunction with worship of God. (See Nehemiah 9:1-3)

Fasting was commanded in Joel 1:14 ““ to cry out to the Lord.

The precepts for fasting were laid out by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.

(NASB) Matthew 6:16-18 “Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.

17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face

18 so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”

(Note: underlining added ““ Jesus did not say “˜if”™ He said “˜when”™ you fast)

The habit of fasting was practiced by the Israelites in the Old Testament (See Zechariah 8:19) for joyful occasions as commanded by the Lord Almighty and on a regular basis.

Fasting is to focus on God with joy and happiness.

Fasting is to focus on God when we have sorrow for our sins.

Fasting is to focus on God when we are grieving.

Fasting is to focus on God for our nation.

Fasting is to focus on God during calamities and approaching danger.

Fasting is to focus on God during religious observances

and ordination of pastors and church leaders.

Fasting is to be replacing something else, such as food and/or water, with prayer and worship of God.

Shouldn”™t fasting be done with reverential respect of God and on a regular basis?

Fasting is an Act of Righteousness before the living God.