FAQs
There are occasions when we, the people of God, need to carry out an audit of what is really going on in our inner world and our relationship with God. In Isaiah 58, God, through the prophet, challenges the Israelites to do just that – to determine what is real and what is fake in their faith.
What kind of fasting pleases God? ›
We have two types of fast. The one that pleases God known as the purifying fast, and the one that displeases God known as the wicked fast.
What are the benefits of fasting Isaiah 58? ›
It appears to do everything from help detoxify the body to stimulating the production of new stem cells devoted to physical healing.
What did God say about fasting in Isaiah? ›
Isaiah 58:6-7 GNBUK
“The kind of fasting I want is this: remove the chains of oppression and the yoke of injustice, and let the oppressed go free. Share your food with the hungry and open your homes to the homeless poor. Give clothes to those who have nothing to wear, and do not refuse to help your own relatives.
What are the promises in Isaiah 58? ›
All the promises of Isaiah 58:8-9 are introduced by the word “then”: Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am.
What was Isaiah's key message? ›
God is both the judge and the savior. This means that God has a plan to make all things right in the end, and that a necessary part of that process is declaring what is not yet right. This is the message of Isaiah the prophet. The judgment of God declares what is broken; the promise of God is to heal.
What foods can I eat while fasting for God? ›
All fruits: These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. All vegetables: These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. All Whole grains: including but not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, oats, barley, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn.
What to drink when fasting for God? ›
Some religions avoid fruits and vegetable juices, and instead, focus on water and tea in order to help them curb hunger while focusing on prayer and getting closer to God.
How do you fast in a way that pleases God? ›
Here are some things to consider:
- Start small. ...
- Keep it simple. ...
- Make sure your fast is good for you and your relationships. ...
- Watch out for rationalization. ...
- Keep it between you and God and your spiritual director. ...
- Come up with a plan for your fast.
So help us to live like this, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free. God, we pray that you would help us to work justice, to care for those in need, to pour ourselves out for the hungry, to satisfy the desires of the afflicted, to let our light rise in the middle of a dark world.
Technically speaking, eating or drinking any calories breaks a fast. That means it's generally considered OK to drink black, unsweetened coffee or tea, as well as water.
What happens spiritually when you fast? ›
Fasting intensifies your ability to pray. Fasting helps you focus and hear from God more clearly. Fasting is a spiritual discipline: it helps us grow in our faith. Fasting is a tangible way to deny ourselves—to declare before God that we know it's all about Him, not about us.
What does Isaiah 58 teach us? ›
In our focus verse, God promised the Israelites that He would continually guide and abundantly satisfy them if they would meet His conditions. This chapter contrasts hypocritical fasts with true acts of devotion. God wants us to serve Him out of our love for Him.
What kind of fast is acceptable to God? ›
They are: Standard Fast: No food, only water or liquids. In Matthew 4:2 we find Jesus being tempted in the wilderness while He fasted for 40 days with only water. Then there's the Partial Fast: No Choice Foods or meats.
What are the wrong reasons to fast? ›
Fasting for the wrong reasons
(2) Fasting is not for appearances. It does not make anyone pious or holy, and it does not earn points with God (Matthew 6:16; Luke 18:9-14). Fasting is not a magical way to manipulate God into doing our will; it's not a way to get God to be an accomplice to our plans.
What is the moral lesson of Isaiah? ›
Isaiah Teaches:
Like Israel, our sin separates us from our Holy God. In His mercy, God calls us to return to Him and be healed, cleansed, forgiven, and fully restored to relationship with Him. The Lord is calling you today to reason together with Him. Though your sin is like scarlet, He will make it white as snow.
What is the prayer Isaiah 58? ›
Help us, O God of deliverance, to bear ourselves faithfully and blamelessly during the time of this life. And when our end draws nigh and we depart this world, be Thou with us, and may our souls be bound up in the bond of life with the souls of all the righteous who are ever with Thee. Amen.
What is the summary of Isaiah 58 8? ›
Isaiah 58:6–8 Calls Us to Be Merciful and Just
God calls us not merely to go through religious routines, but to show justice and mercy to those in need. No, I've called you to love and care for those in need in the world. That's when your light breaks forth like the dawn.
What is the lesson of Isaiah 58 9? ›
He declares, “If you want Me to hear you on high, then you must look at your issues of the heart. Yes, I will hear you—if you quit pointing a finger at others, if you stop speaking about them disrespectfully.” It's a great sin in God's eyes for us to speak in ways that tarnish someone else's reputation.
