Why do we fast?

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Intermittent Fasting 
It has always been a routine for us (Vandy & I) to do Intermittent fasting every morning (it did start during the Pandemic and by God's grace we have continued up until today). 
The 2nd week of January is definitely an extra important to me personally. It has been my annual goal to start a new year with sound mind and right heart. It is on this time that I get to pin down my aspirations, seek spiritual breakthroughs & guidance, and personal revival from the Lord. 
I'm glad to be able to do this discipline during work week. At times, it's challenging because I teach at least 3-4 hours a day. There were moments of pangs, nauseas, and low energy - but praise God for sustaining me!

It's good to have a guided directions on how and what to pray specifically (on personal,family,community,ministry,work and beyond). But my main goal is to really deepening my faith, clarity and spiritual renewal.  

Why Fast?
Traditionally, fasting means abstaining from any food/drinks that we pleasurably enjoy doing in a regulated days/time and replacing it to a more quality and unhurried time of worshipping God. 
Nowadays, fasting methods have also evolved overtime. Aside from food, fasting could also be digital detox on social media, gadgets, etc.
Any pleasured activities to be out into a halt so we could spend much time seeking God's direction and clarity into our lives. Prioritizing God above all else (Psalm 27:4) - One thing to ask is to seek and dwell in the house of God, gaze on His beauty and inquire on His will. 
While fasting is beneficial for our physical body, it is definitely essential for our spiritual being. It is a purposeful focus doing the only main thing, and that it is honoring God on these fasting days.

How to Fast?
I chose to stick on the intermittent fasting on food and social media connection. Starting slow and be consistent on it. I normally plan what to do, how to do it and list down the important items and specific prayers to bring down to the Lord. Since it is a personal communion with Him, I have to intentionally start my day extra earlier. I already figured out that I can't do it in the evening (already worn out through the day). 
This is how I personally do my fasting:
1. Posture - I wake up really early. Being alone in the dining table. Start by singing silently mostly Filipino worship songs, inviting God's presence in silence.
2. Surrender - asking the Holy Spirit for wisdom and direction 
3. Deep into His words - would read a guided devotional along with my bible  
4. Reflection - with my journal/notes on the phone, I record what struck me or what led/impressed me from that reading. It could be sins that needed to ask forgiveness with commands that I need to obey, a burden/passion to pursue, and even promises that I could keep and claim.
4. Pray and Intercede 

Previous Fasting Experience
I actually started fasting really early on. I have heard about it when I was younger, in the Philippines we call it "pag-aayuno" especially during the holyweek. 
I only decided to be serious about it when I eventually understood what it meant and learned the importance and sincerity of coming humbly before the Lord through fasting.
Soooo, during my corporate days in Makati (business district in the Philippines). I would always reserve Thursday's lunch as my fasting day (once a week). I haven't heard about intermittent fasting back then. 
I remembered vividly, I would go to a park near my building, and do a prayer walk and conclude it by sitting on to any benches (sometimes I would cry while I pray). It's good that I am the only person at the park on noon time hot days.  

During those years too, I have experienced several life challenges, huge decision makings, being hurt, and rejected. It is only through prayer and fast that I was able to find clarity and shaping from the Lord. It was humbling experience indeed. I would cry out when I felt helpless and broken. Being the bread winner in the family, I had to step up and take care of my siblings and my mother when my father died. I witness tremendously how God has moved and answered my prayers countless times - be it in financial difficulties, emotional pains and other personal struggles.
The Lord has held me and has been really present on those trying times. I have seen lots of answered prayers and tarrying lessons as well. God taught me to surrender and forgive people who have hurt and wronged me. I also was able to confirm and affirm my calling in the Mission field - all because of Praying and Fasting.

Overall, Prayer and Fasting are definitely a vital practice that a believer should do because these disciplines help us to seek God more and experience His unleashed power over us. A surrendered and a contrite heart God doesn't despise. God acknowledge our brokenness and helplessness. You just have to trust Him wholeheartedly.

David's drawing of a countryside
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