In Matthew 17 (our verse for this week), Jesus says “this kind does not come out but by prayer and FASTING”. If prayer is grasping the invisible world, fasting is letting go of the material one. “In nothing are we more clearly connected with the world of the senses than in our need for food and our enjoyment of it.” (Andrew Murray) It is only in the life of moderation, temperance and self-denial that we discover time or strength for all that prayer can mean. This is NOT legalism. I know that some versions do not include this verse in the Bible. However, the long testimony of our Lord is that He was willing to give up anything, do without anything (time, food, approval of others etc) in the pursuit of a vibrant and powerful relationship with His Father. As we grow in Him, may we learn the same willingness. I will see you in a few hours as we worship the One from whom we learned the power and practise of prayer.
