As you continue to consider the practice of fasting as well as my invitation to a time of fasting on November 5th, here are some thoughts from others for your consideration and encouragement.
Let us say something about fasting, because many, for want of knowing its usefulness, undervalue its necessity, and some reject it as almost superfluous; while, on the other hand where the use of it is not well understood, it easily degenerates into superstition. Holy and legitimate fasting is directed to three ends; for we practice it either as a restraint on the flesh, to preserve it from licentiousness, or as a preparation for prayers and pious meditations, or as a testimony of our humiliation in the presence of God when we are desirous of confessing our guilt before him. - John Calvin
One way to begin to see how vastly indulgent we usually are is to fast. It is a long day that is not broken by the usual three meals. One finds out what an astonishing amount of time is spent in the planning, purchasing, preparing, eating, and cleaning up of meals. - Elisabeth Elliot
Of fasting I say this: It is right to fast frequently in order to subdue and control the body. For when the stomach is full, the body does not serve for preaching, for praying, or studying, or for doing anything else that is good. Under such circumstances God’s Word cannot remain. But one should not fast with a view to meriting something by it as by a good work. - Martin Luther
Prayer is reaching out after the unseen; fasting is letting go of all that is seen and temporal. Fasting helps express, deepen, confirm the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice anything, even ourselves to attain what we seek for the kingdom of God. - Andrew Murray
Feed prayers on fasting. - Tertullian
Ten reasons to engage in Christian fasting:
1. To strengthen prayer.
2. To seek God’s guidance.
3. To express grief.
4. To seek deliverance or protection.
5. To express repentance and the return to God.
6. To humble oneself before God.
7. To express concern for the work of God.
8. To minister to the needs of others.
9. To overcome temptation and dedicate yourself to God.
10. To express love and worship to God. - Donald Whitney
