So we fasted

For I was ashamed to request of the king an escort of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy on the road, because we had spoken to the king, saying, “The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him.” So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer. – Ezra 8.22-23

‘I was ashamed to ask the king for help because I had already said God’s hand is on us.’

Ezra knew the trip to Jerusalem would be a dangerous and arduous one. There were enemies all along the way. It was a journey of almost 900km (550 miles). There were no lay-byes or hotels along the way. Water was scarce.

But he had already told the king that God would be with them. He already said that God would deal with the enemies, so he couldn't bring himself to ask for a guard for the trip.

So instead they decided to fast and to pray.

And God answered their prayer.

I wonder what has happened to prayer and fasting? I never heard about it for many years. Our little church here prays and fasts on occasion, but prayer and fasting is certainly not high up on our priority list.

I think we are missing something when we don’t fast and pray. In happened all throughout the word of God. Jesus assumed we would do it because He said ‘when you fast…’

Ezra and the people faced an impossible situation so they did all they could do. I know that I ought to fast more often in those ‘impossible’ situations. When we have no other solution it's time for fasting and prayer. It's not hard – you just do it.

What kind of prayer and fasting situations do you face today?