Not Your Doctor: An EE=MD2 BIBLE Study
SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH, Chapter 58, verse 6 (ASV1) “Is not this the fast that I Have Chosen: to Loose the bonds of wickedness, to Undo the bands of the yoke, and to Let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?“
QUOTE: John Wesley: “Fasting Adds Power To Prayer”
There is something remarkable about the way in which God revived His work in these parts. A few months ago, the generality of the people in this circuit were exceedingly lifeless. Perceiving this, Samuel Meggot advised the Society at Barnard Castle to observe every Friday with fasting and prayer. The very first Friday they met together, God broke in upon them in a wonderful manner, and His work has been increasing among them ever since.
The neighboring Societies heard of this, agreed to follow the same rule, and soon experienced the same blessing. Is not the neglect of this plain duty – I mean fasting – ranked by our Lord with almsgiving and prayer, one general occasion of deadness among Christians? Can any one willingly neglect it and be guiltless? (Matt. 6:1-18).2
Wesley, John. (1763) Wesley’s Journal. Source, retrieved 2026June12.
THOUGHT CHALLENGE: Fasting as Holy Spirt Leads empowers prayer and draws us closer to GOD.
DISCUSSION: Though the term fasting commonly refers to not eating, seeking GOD is Wise. Ask Him How He Wants you to fast to meet His Goals Stated in ISAIAH 58:6. One may fast by restricting intake of food as well as by different kinds of restrictions, such as fasting from electronics, fasting from media, and fasting from speaking (vow of silence). The term “intermittent fasting” has entered into the health arena with some very interesting beneficial clinical studies and findings. Often science finds GOD!
Fasting from liquids, specifically water, can be unhealthy, even dangerous. Spiritual mentorship for that rare activity and clear direction from one’s healthcare provider are necessary. In general, attention to hydration with intentional intake of fluids is an important aspect of any fast. Broth intake serves well to curb appetite and stave off hydration and unintended health decline.
A regular cycle of fasting has been adopted by some, such as the pioneer Methodist clergy (e.g. John Wesley) who fasted specific days each week, while some may fast for specific periods of time. One may fast a single meal, and others may fast certain foods, such as a no sugar fast. You may search for books on various types of fasts and find many sermons, devotionals, books, and teachings.
What are the Spiritual purposes of fasting? ISAIAH 58 describes fasting as human beings as contrasted to the fast that G-d Has Ordained. His Will is that we seek His Face and that we are freed from from wickedness and bondage.
- ASV stands for the BIBLE Translation called American Standard Version. https://ebible.org/eng-asv/copyright.htm This public domain Bible translation is brought to you courtesy of eBible.org. If you would like to make a donation to help keep free Bible access like this going, please visit https://eBible.org/give.php. https://ebible.org/eng-asv/copyright.htm Retrieved 2026June12. ↩︎
- Wesley, John. (1763) Wesley’s Journal. Source, retrieved 2026June12. ↩︎