Fasting

Chapter 18: Prayer, Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem [page 390] Several benefits come from fasting, all of which affect our relationship to God:

1. Fasting increases our sense of humility and dependence on the Lord
   (our hunger and physical weaknesses remind us how we are not really strong but need the Lord)
2. Fasting allows us to give more attention to prayer
3. Fasting reminds us that, just as we sacrificed our personal comfort by not eating, we must continually sacrifice all of ourselves to him
4. Fasting is a good exercise in self discipline, strengthening our ability to refrain from sin
   (training to accept the small suffering willingly, we will be better able to accept other suffering for the sake of righteousness)
5. Fasting heightens spiritual and mental alertness and a sense of God's presences as we focus less on material things.
   
6. Fasting expresses earnestness and urgency in our prayers
   (we are saying to God that we are prepared to lay down our lives that the situation be changed)

Perhaps I should fast more. But it's so hard....