Humans are called to pray, fast, and make vows because these spiritual disciplines demonstrate their dependence on God and align their hearts with His will.
Prayer is a vital means of communication with God. It gives believers great opportunity to seek the guidance of their God so that throughout the year, God provides strength, and divine intervention in their endeavors.
As for prayer; it is a life- long necessity. It is the essential “walking stick” with which a person walks along with God.
Fasting, on the other hand, amplifies prayer by fostering humility and a heightened spiritual awareness. It signifies a willingness to deny oneself for the sake of seeking God’s power and favor.
In Matthew 17:21, Jesus said, “This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting,” emphasizing the necessity of both for overcoming great challenges or spiritual obstacles. Together, prayer and fasting show an earnest desire to partner with God for breakthroughs that cannot be achieved through human effort alone.
Making vows is another biblical principle that signifies a deeper commitment to God’s purposes and a faith-filled acknowledgment of His sovereignty. A vow is a solemn promise made to God, often as an expression of gratitude or a plea for divine intervention.
In 1 Samuel 1:11, Hannah made a vow to dedicate her son to God if He granted her request for a child, and God honored her faith.
Vows compel believers to take their petitions seriously, fostering a covenantal relationship with God. When combined with prayer and fasting, vows underscore a believer’s willingness to sacrifice and trust in God’s ability to accomplish the seemingly impossible.
These disciplines not only help Christians fulfill great deeds but also strengthen their faith and dependence on God throughout the process.
The number of days is not as important as devotion and dedication within the time scheduled for it.
Meanwhile, there is scientific evidence supporting fasting, and it aligns with many benefits that Christians recognize spiritually. Research has shown that fasting can positively affect the body and mind, which can complement spiritual practices. Here are some examples:
Take physical benefits as example,
according to Cell Metabolism Journal, a research published in 2016 is conclusive that fasting triggers a process called autophagy, where the body cleans out damaged cells and regenerates new ones.
This process enhances overall cellular function and reduces the risk of diseases like cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and diabetes.
In 2019, Nature Medicine also posit that fasting has been shown to decrease markers of inflammation, which is linked to many chronic conditions like heart disease and arthritis.
According to New England Journal, An article published in 2020 summaries that Intermittent fasting can improve insulin sensitivity, regulate blood sugar, and promote fat loss, making the body more efficient in its energy use.
Again, in 2019, NRN(Nature Review Neuroscience) wrote that fasting can increase the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports brain health, memory, and focus.
What about stress reduction?
Some studies suggest fasting can lower cortisol levels, reducing stress and promoting emotional stability.
For those who fast constantly, it is common knowledge that fasting is often accompanied by a sense of heightened spiritual awareness and emotional resilience.
And from a psychological perspective, the discipline involved in fasting can increase self-control and the ability to overcome cravings or distractions, and temptation thereby fostering personal growth.
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Fasting and praying and even vows has been practiced in all ages and by all popular religions and it has proven to be sustainable; simply because it brings results.
I have tried to show that fasting and praying is not only believed to be profitable to practitioners but also that scientific findings provide a physical and mental foundation for fasting’s benefits, which resonate with the spiritual renewal and discipline that Christians experience during fasting.
Combining these outcomes with prayer and faith creates a holistic approach to well-being, aligning body, mind, and spirit. Successful people all over the world are known for practicing fasting and praying although secretly. There is no better time to lay foundation for 2025 other than in January.
Fasting and praying work!
