What Is The Connection Between Prayer And Fasting?
Although the connection between prayer and fasting is not specifically explained in Scripture, a common thread connecting the two seems to run through all the instances of prayer and fasting recorded in the Scriptures. In the Old Testament, it appears that fasting with prayer had to do with a sense of need and dependence, and/or of abject helplessness in the face of actual or anticipated calamity. Prayer and fasting are combined in the Old Testament in times of mourning, repentance, and/or deep spiritual need.
The first chapter of Nehemiah describes Nehemiah praying and fasting, because of his deep distress over the news that Yerusalem had been desolated. His many days of prayer were characterized by tears, fasting, confession on behalf of his people, and pleas to Yahuah for mercy. So intense was the outpouring of his concerns that it’s almost inconceivable he could “take a break” in the middle of such prayer to eat and drink. The devastation that befell Yerusalem also prompted Daniel to adopt a similar posture: “So I turned to Yahuah Elohim and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes” (Daniel 9:3). Like Nehemiah, Daniel fasted and prayed that Yahuah would have mercy upon the people, saying, “We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws” (v. 5).
In several instances in the Old Testament, fasting is linked with intercessory prayer. David prayed and fasted over his sick child (2 Samuel 12:16), weeping before Yahuah in earnest intercession (vv. 21-22). Esther urged Mordecai and the Yahudim to fast for her as she planned to appear before her husband the king (Esther 4:16). Clearly, fasting and petition are closely linked.
There are instances of prayer and fasting in the New Testament, but they are not connected with repentance or confession. The prophetess Anna “never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying” (Luke 2:37). At age 84, her prayer and fasting were part of her service to Yahuah in His temple as she awaited the promised Savior of Yisrael. Also in the New Testament, the assembly at Antioch was fasting in connection with their worship when the Ruch HaKodesh (Set-Apart Spirit) spoke to them about commissioning Saul and Barnabas to Yahuah’s work. At that point, they prayed and fasted, placed their hands on the two men and sent them off. So, we see in these examples that prayer and fasting are components of worshiping Yahuah and seeking His favor. Nowhere, however, is there any indication that Yahuah is more likely to answer prayers if they are accompanied by fasting. Rather, fasting along with prayer seems to indicate the sincerity of the people praying and the critical nature of the situations in which they find themselves.
The more critical the situation, the more appropriate the fasting and prayer. In Mark 9, Yahusha casts a demon from a boy. The disciples had been unable to perform the exorcism, although they had previously been given authority over unclean spirits (Mark 6:7). Later, the disciples asked Yahusha why they failed in their attempts to free the boy from the demon, and Yahusha said, “This kind can come out only by prayer” (Mark 9:29). Matthew’s account adds the phrase “and fasting” (Matthew 17:21). In this particular case, the demon was exceptionally malicious and obdurate (Mark 9:21-22). Yahusha seems to be saying that a determined foe must be met with an equally determined faith. Prayer is a ready weapon in the spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:18), and fasting helps to focus prayer and give it resolve.
The theology of fasting is a theology of priorities in which believers are given the opportunity to express themselves in an undivided and intensive devotion to Yahuah and to the concerns of spiritual life. This devotion will be expressed by abstaining for a short while from such normal and good things as food and drink, so as to enjoy a time of uninterrupted communion with our Father. Our “confidence to enter the Most Kodesh (Holy) Place by the blood of Yahusha” (Hebrews 10:19), whether fasting or not fasting, is one of the most delightful parts of that “better thing” which is ours in Messiah. Prayer and fasting should not be a burden or a duty, but rather a celebration Yahusha’s goodness and mercy to His children.
Source:
https://www.gotquestions.org/prayer-fasting.html
