What is the purpose of fasting?

Sometimes it's hard to make the concentrated effort of prayer. When the need is urgent, God has prescribed an urgent method. Tony Evans asks, "How badly do you want an answer? How much do you want deliverance from that destructive habit? How badly do you want to save your marriage? Do you want it enough to give up food or some other gratification? Then come before God with prayer and praise in fasting."

Fasting is a way you can make a special link with God when you need a spiritual breakthrough. Fasting can help the believer:

• Get in touch with God without distractions
• Pursue God's grace
• Step onto the path of humility
• Achieve spiritual victory
• Wait before the Lord

Fasting is an appropriate response to physical or emotional needs, difficult circumstances or relationships, challenges in ministry, or times we need specific direction.