n weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in
hunger and thirst, in fastings often." 2 Cor. 11:27. In Acts 27:33, we
learn that on the occasion of the shipwreck fourteen days were spent in
fasting. This is not the doing of penance that the priests of mystic
Babylon bind upon their subjects, but the cheerful service of a humble,
devoted heart. God has not left this at the direction of man, but it is
alone at the dictation of the Holy Spirit.

There is a secret power in fasting. It separates us farther from self and
deepens us in humility, spirituality and reliance upon God. On occasions
where great faith was required, fastings were recommended by the Savior.
In speaking to his disciples concerning the devils which possessed a
child, he said, "This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting." Mat.
17:21. When Paul and Barnabas were separated by the Holy Spirit unto the
work of the Lord, after fasting and prayer hands were laid upon them and
they were sent away. When fasting, the mind is clearer and the faith more
active. It is a self-denial, which has a tendency to develop the graces of
the Spirit.

It is said of a certain prophetess that dwelt in Jerusalem in the days of
our Savior's nativity, that she departed not from the temple, but served
God with fastings and prayers night and day. Luke 2:36, 37.

The most spiritual Christians are ready to acknowledge that fasting is an
excellent means of drawing us into a deeper and more intimate communion
with God. We scarcely think that any one will attain to any great
spiritual depth without fasting. When the Christian's soul is burdened for
this lost world it is natural for him to unburden his soul to God in
fasting and prayer. How beautifully has the Lord arranged all things in
the kingdom of heaven! He by his Spirit, lays a burden upon our heart for
the souls of lost mankind. This burden causes us to seek God in fasting
and prayer for these lost ones, and our prayers move him to send forth his
Spirit to convict this world of sin. Thus it is arranged in the economy of
grace, and thus we can all be "workers together with him."

It is sad that comparatively so few know the value of the sincere prayer
of faith. Fasting and prayer affect this whole world, and heaven and hell.
Christian, do not be sparing in them. Christians are few, but there are
enough of them upon the earth, that if all were earnest in fasting and
prayer this world would be disturbed in her slumber and