“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness; to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rearguard” - Isaiah 58:6-8

Lent is here again! This is a period when many denominations of the church have chosen to fast and pray for God’s intervention in our material life as well as to strengthen our righteousness before God, so we may remain God’s chosen people forever! Although we fast collectively and individually at some other times of the year, coming together to fast as one family of God’s people like the Lenten period is unique. This is because during this period, all the Churches, not minding the denomination, cry out to God with one voice. saying; “Father, here we come, receive us to thyself”. There is strength and power in our prayers when we are thus united at a time like this. When we fast, we ought to voluntarily withdraw from food and/or drink, or other fleshly appetites, and physical desires for a specified period of time. This is also a period to repent from wrong habits and attitude that are debasing to a Royal Priest that you are! There are several reasons we fast, the chief reason being to make peace with God, and the grace to remain at peace with Him. Although Christ in God is already reconciling man to God, this is, however, the period to strengthen that bond of reconciliation and peace between man and God through prayers and fasting.

This is also a period to get closer to God in order to receive help for our needs. Moses fasted, Jesus and his disciples fasted and so many prophets and Apostles of Christ also fasted. The word of God today reminds us of the reasons and the benefits of fasting and prayers:
- To loose the bonds of wickedness; to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke.
- To do many acts of charity to the weak and the vulnerable among us.
- To receive healing in all aspects of our life, and to receive strength to overcome in the days of trouble.
- To make peace with God and all men so that we may have the holiness and righteousness that will keep us perpetually in God’s presence.
Do you have a problem to solve? Needing a spiritual revival? Needing to conquer some mental and emotional problems? Helping someone to overcome physical, moral and spiritual needs? Needing a clearer focus in life? Do you want to achieve a more righteous life and influential testimony? Do you need the glory of the Lord, to protect you from the negative forces of the day and nights? This is the time to pray and fast together. Remember, fasting does not give you a blank cheque from God. In fasting, you receive in accordance with the will of God for you. Fasting goes several millions of miles ahead of you to right the wrong! However, remember that without faith, it is difficult to please God. Therefore, when we fast, we must leave the outcome to God.