Joel Littlefield

Fasting is a spiritual discipline that holds significant value in a believer’s life. Historically, God instructed Israel to fast on the Day of Atonement, and fasting was practiced during times of national need and repentance. In Jesus’ time, many Jewish leaders fasted twice a week, abstaining from all food from sundown to sundown.

The Issue of Boasting in Fasting

The act of fasting itself is not problematic; the issue arises when individuals boast about their fasting. Fasting involves self-denial, which can be challenging and uncomfortable for the flesh—a central aspect of the practice. Jesus addressed the hypocrisy of those who, while ostensibly fasting in private, made their discomfort evident to others. They allowed their faces to appear gloomy, prompting others to notice and comment, giving them an opportunity to announce their fasting. Jesus stated that such individuals have received their reward in full.

Authentic Fasting: Seeking the Father’s Reward

When you fast, avoid doing so to be seen by others. Instead, use it as a means to draw nearer to the Father, who sees in secret and will reward you. This is similar to the principle of giving; it’s not about hiding your actions entirely but examining your motives. Are you sharing your fasting to appear holy, or is there a genuine reason to engage in this discipline with others to collectively seek God’s face? Seek discernment from the Lord in this matter and aim to glorify Him in your fasting.

A Model for Prayer

In Matthew 6:9-14, Jesus provides a model for prayer, often referred to as the Lord’s Prayer. He introduces it with, “Pray then like this,” indicating that it’s a template rather than a strict formula. Jesus offers this model following His instruction on how not to pray, particularly avoiding the hypocritical practices of some religious leaders. He doesn’t rebuke sin without providing a better way, offering a God-glorifying framework for prayer.

Key Observations on the Lord’s Prayer

1. Conciseness: The prayer is relatively short, demonstrating that meaningful prayer doesn’t require lengthy discourse. Even expanding on its themes would only take a few minutes in private prayer. This counters excuses about not having time to pray.
2. Logical Flow: The prayer has a clear structure with a beginning, middle, and end. Notably, some translations include a concluding doxology: “For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.” While this ending isn’t present in the earliest manuscripts, it’s found in later ones and early Christian writings like the Didache. Whether included or not, the prayer remains comprehensive.

The Six Petitions of the Lord’s Prayer

The prayer comprises six petitions:

• First Three: Focused on God and His glory.
• Last Three: Concerned with human needs, presented to God.

Addressing God as Father

The prayer begins with “Our Father in heaven,” directing our communication to God the Father. This address emphasizes our relationship with Him and acknowledges His sovereign position. It also highlights the communal aspect of prayer, recognizing that we are part of a family of believers sharing one Father. Acknowledging that God is in heaven reminds us of His transcendence and the holiness of His dwelling place.

“Hallowed Be Your Name”

This phrase is a petition for God’s name to be revered and kept holy. To “hallow” means to sanctify or set apart as holy. Praying this aligns our desires with God’s holiness, prompting us to honor His name in our lives, words, and actions. It’s both a request and an expression of adoration, seeking that God’s name be treated with the utmost reverence.

“Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done”

This petition expresses a longing for God’s sovereign rule to be fully realized on earth as it is in heaven. It reflects a desire for human hearts to become obedient to God’s will, mirroring the perfect obedience found in heaven. Praying this requires self-examination, prompting us to consider areas of our lives that need to align with God’s will.

“Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread”

Here, we request God’s provision for our daily needs. The term “bread” symbolizes basic sustenance, teaching us to depend on God for our necessities without greed or desire for excess. It also encourages contentment and trust in God’s daily provision.

“Forgive Us Our Debts, as We Also Have Forgiven Our Debtors”

This petition acknowledges our need for God’s forgiveness and links it to our willingness to forgive others. It reminds us of the grace we’ve received and calls us to extend that grace to others, fostering a forgiving and compassionate heart.

“Lead Us Not into Temptation, but Deliver Us from Evil”

This request seeks God’s guidance to avoid situations where we might succumb to sin and asks for deliverance from the influence of evil. It’s an acknowledgment of our vulnerability and a plea for God’s protective leading. Understanding that God does not tempt us, this prayer reflects a desire for His guidance away from trials that could lead to sin.

Conclusion

The Lord’s Prayer serves as a comprehensive model, guiding believers to honor God, seek His will, depend on His provision, embrace His forgiveness, and request His guidance. It encapsulates the heart of a believer’s relationship with God—reverence, trust, and dependence. Likewise, fasting complements this prayerful life, fostering humility and spiritual focus. As a discipline, fasting enables believers to draw nearer to God, setting aside physical comforts to prioritize spiritual growth. By engaging in these practices with the right heart, we align our lives with God’s purposes, glorify Him, and deepen our intimacy with our heavenly Father.