DRAW NEAR TO GOD AND HE WILL DRAW NEAR TO YOU. (JAMES 4:8, NKJV)

When you fast and pray, five specific things begin to happen that draw you into an intimate and closer relationship with God.

1. Spiritual Cleansing
Over and over in scripture we’re instructed to cleanse ourselves. And we do that through the washing of His word (Ephesians 5:26) and the purifying of our flesh (2 Corinthians 7:1)- two things fasting activates. As we cleanse and purify ourselves, we can be refreshed and renewed by the Holy Spirit.

2. Fragrant Anointing
First John 2:27 reveals our anointing is from God. As we pray and fast, His anointing raises our sensitivity to the things we need to remove or add to our lives.

3. New Clothes
When we pray and fast, God changes our wardrobe. Isaiah 61:3 (NKJV) says, “To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness...”

4. Total Commitment
When we fast, we’re giving our all to God, surrendering our will, desires, and dreams. And in return, God gives us everything we need! (See Matthew 6:33.)

5. A Powerful Promise
In John 14:21, Jesus tells us, “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” When we fast, Jesus can manifest His presence and power in our lives!