Christian Greetings, everyone,
Today, we gather for a time of prayer and fasting, focusing on the upcoming General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists session, our church leaders, families, the sick, and those who are experiencing hardship. As stated in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” Now, more than ever, we must earnestly seek God’s presence. In the face of rising crises and increasing polarization within our societies, let us humble ourselves and pray for God’s wisdom and guidance as we fulfill the mission and message He has entrusted to us for the world.
Why do we need to fast and pray?
Everything that God has provided for us serves a purpose, and among these provisions is the practice of fasting. Scientific research has highlighted several benefits of fasting, such as enhanced cognition and improved clarity of thought. Ellen White emphasizes the importance of allowing the body to rest through fasting. She stated, “We should fast for a short duration to allow the stomach to rest. Alleviate the feverish state of the system through a careful and thoughtful application of water. These efforts will assist nature in her endeavour to eliminate impurities from the body” (Spiritual Gifts, vol. 4A, p. 133, 134).
Why observe a day for prayer and fasting? Because it allows us to concentrate on the Lord and especially acknowledge our need for Him. We fast out of earnestness for God’s blessing, but not as a means to “earn” that blessing. Instead, fasting and prayer enable us to set aside daily distractions and engage more deeply in our connection with God. In Matthew 6:17, we read, “But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” It’s important to note that this passage says, “when you fast,” not “if.” This implies that fasting is an essential aspect of a Christian’s life. Upon examining the instances of fasting in the Bible, we find that every time God’s people engaged in prayer and fasting, God responded powerfully on their behalf, bringing deliverance and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Fasting has historically been a significant part of the believer’s lifestyle, alongside prayer and Bible study.
We are reminded that “Now and onward until the close of time, the people of God should be more earnest and alert, not relying on their wisdom, but on the wisdom of their God. (Counsels on Diet and Food, pp. 188, 189). Dear brothers and sisters, fasting is more than just abstaining from meals; it is an intentional decision to set aside certain comforts to pray more fervently and deepen our focus on God. While many people choose to skip meals, complete food fasting may not be feasible for everyone, nor is it the only form of fasting to consider. Alternatives might include adopting a simpler diet or forgoing social media, television, or other time-consuming activities. I encourage you to seek God’s guidance through prayer regarding the type of fasting He may be leading you to undertake. Ultimately, it is essential to remember that fasting is not about earning divine rewards; rather, its primary purpose is to eliminate distractions, enabling us to seek Jesus with greater devotion.
It is essential to remember that even if individuals decide not to fast, we certainly want to encourage their participation in the day’s prayer activities. The primary purpose of the Day of Prayer and Fasting is to set aside our personal desires as we intercede for others and focus our attention on God. By seeking the Lord with humility and putting aside worldly distractions, we become more receptive to what God intends to accomplish in our lives and through our prayers. Dear friends, it is truly a privilege to draw near to the Lord through prayer and fasting today. May He guide each of us as we earnestly seek Him with all our hearts on this special day. Let us be mindful of our true mission as we approach the end of time, recognizing that Jesus is coming soon.
Blessings!
Dr. Pastor Evadne Henry