DAY 11 – TUESDAY – 11/3/2025

Reflection: Teaching on Fasting

Bible Reading: Matthew 6:16-18
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their
faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

God never demands or commands Christians to fast, but at the same time, the Bible introduces fasting as something good, useful, and necessary. Prayer and fasting are often linked in the Bible. For example, in the book of Acts, believers fasted and prayed before making important decisions (Acts 14:23), and in Luke 2:37, it speaks of Anna, who was devoted to prayer and fasting. Generally, when people think about fasting, they immediately associate it with food. Fasting is understood as not eating.

In reality, the primary purpose of Christian fasting is to free ourselves from worldly matters and focus our attention on God. Fasting is a demonstration before God and ourselves that we are truly serious about our relationship with our Heavenly Father. When we fast, it helps us gain a new perspective on God’s work in our lives and
renews our dependence on Him.
Although fasting in the Bible is often associated with food, there are other ways to fast. Anything that you can temporarily give up in order to focus on God can be
considered a fast. Fasting from food should not be mandatory for all Christians,
especially for those with health issues. If not eating causes health problems, do not force yourself to fast from food. Fasting is not about punishing your body but about focusing on the Father in heaven through prayer. Fasting should also not be used
merely as a method for dieting, though it is not necessarily wrong to do so. However, fasting should not be viewed primarily as a way to lose weight, but rather as a means to experience a deeper fellowship with God.

Fasting, which is a human action, will never change God’s decisions or plans within His sovereignty. Fasting is not a way to make God do what we want; instead, fasting changes us. Fasting should not be a way to appear more spiritual than others, as described in the passage referring to the Pharisees and scribes. Fasting should be done with humility and gratitude to our loving God.

Prayer Focus:

Prayers for Peace and Security in Malaysia

1. Pray that peace and harmony among all Malaysians will be preserved.
2. Pray for the safety and protection of national security forces as they carry out their duties.
3. Pray that any external forces attempting to disrupt Malaysia’s peace will be thwarted.
4. Pray that the spirit of love and forgiveness will fill the hearts of Malaysians so that any conflicts, at any level, can be resolved peacefully.
5. Pray that believers will set an example of how to live in peace and maintain harmony among fellow Malaysians.