FASTING AND PRAYER FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD

----- Forwarded message -----
From: Paul Gage
pauljg_64055@yahoo.com


FASTING AND PRAYER FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD

The Church, in the past, produced a three volume series of books entitled, "Question time." The Saints would send in questions they had and someone in Church leadership would answer.

One question was as follows:
We learn that several vital results in church life were obtained through group fasting and prayer as noted in Mosiah 11:183-185; Alma 4:6; IV Nephi 1:13; Moroni 6:6, and Acts 13 and 14. "Why would not individual fasting and prayer do just as well?"

Answer: The marvelous manifestations of God are not always dependent upon the consecrated efforts of a great many. In unity, however, there is strength, and when a number of people join for a season of fasting and prayer, there is quite likely to accompany that effort a manner of life which becomes the seedbed of faith, faith of such quality and in such measure as to unlock the treasure house of God. The manner in which God may bless a person or a group is totally dependent upon how the effort is made and how God decides to respond. We cannot limit God nor prescribe under what circumstances or conditions He will bestow blessings.

Through fasting and prayer we deny the physical nature so that the spiritual nature might have a greater emphasis. Fasting and prayer clears away the obstructions in the channel between God and man and permits the free and full expression of His Holy Spirit. For this reason, fasting and prayer can be done individually or as the "Body of Christ." The answer was by James F. Keir and edited by Paul J. Gage.

The Saints, of today, have been asked to designate each Sunday as a day of fasting and prayer on behalf of the Kingdom of God, for which we wait. This effort will bless those who choose to participate. Again, the type and manner of fasting is up to each individual as to how they choose to fast. We have been told in DC 85:21 a "Also, I give unto you a commandment, that ye shall continue in fasting and prayer from this time forth." This is re-emphasized in IV Nephi 1:13 and Omni 1:46-47.

Read Daniel chapters 1, 8, 9 for some interesting guidance regarding fasting and prayer. Note especially chapter 8 and the prayer and supplication made by Daniel. God bless you in your efforts for His Kingdom.