THURSDAY MANNA 2 APRIL ‘26

Dr. Daniel O. C. | Apr 02, 2026

“INSTRUCTIONS AND ACTIONS OF FASTING IN THE BIBLE”

Saints of God Most High, hear God’s word for you today:

“Here is the sort of fast I want — releasing those unjustly bound, untying the thongs of the yoke, letting the oppressed go free, breaking every yoke” (Isaiah 58:6).

This is the kind of fast that I desire: Remove the heavy chains of oppression! Stop exploiting your workers! Set free the crushed and mistreated! Break off every yoke of bondage!

BIBLE CHARACTERS AND FASTING
Fasting involves abstaining from food for a limited period for spiritual purposes.
In the bible, God’s people fasted in order to express humility / self-denial and submission to God.

They also fasted to seek God’s help, favour and protection. No religious act will be of value to God if it does not come from a humble heart and willingness to obey His word.

The kind of fast God approves is the one accompanied by love for Him and genuine concern for those who are oppressed.
Let us reach out to the poor and needy.
Seeking God’s face can be extensive through fasting. Fasting should regularly accompany prayer and our desire to let God’s will be done.

INSTRUCTIONS AND ACTIONS OF FASTING IN THE BIBLE

Jeremiah instructed Baruch to read the word with fasting to the hearing of the people in the temple (Jeremiah 36:5-8).
David the king fasted when he was under persecution (Psalm 35:11-13 / 109:24).

Nehemiah fasted for the well being of his people and the restoration of the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1:4).
Ezra prayed and fasted for direction (Ezra 8:21-23).

King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah fasted and prayed for God’s divine help against the great multitude (2 Chronicles 20:3).

The king of Nineveh proclaimed a fast to seek God’s mercy (Jonah 3:5-8).
God commanded us to declare fasting to humble our soul (Joel 2:12-14).
(Matthew 17:18-21) God’s power shown through fasting and prayer.

(Acts 10:30-32 – Cornelius) Spiritual revelation unfolded through fasting and prayer.
(Luke 2:37) The power of fasting and prayer sustain faithful service unto God.

BIBLE CHARACTERS FASTED:-
When they were oppressed by great care (1 Kings 21:20-27 / Psalm 35:13 / 69:10).
When they worshipped God on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:29-31 / 23:26-32).
To show repentance and remorse (1 King 21:27-29 / Nehemiah 9:1-2 / Joel 2:12-13).

They fasted when they faced sickness and death (2 Samuel 12:15-16 / 1 Samuel 31:13).
When preparing for ministry (Exodus 34:28 / Deuteronomy 9:9-18).
They also fasted when seeking God for revival and restoration (Daniel 9:3-19).

AVOID FASTING WITH WRONG ATTITUDES AND MOTIVES (Jeremiah 14:11-14).

Shalom and good morning

Dr. Daniel O. C.