Fasting is a good spiritual discipline. It helps to quiet the flesh and its desires and awaken us spiritually to the voice of God. By ignoring the craving for food and replacing it with the Word of God, we train ourselves to fully rely on the Lord instead of ourselves.
It is usually good to fast for a specific purpose or reason. When you need an answer from God regarding a specific problem or when you are fighting any spiritual battle, fasting is a good idea.
Fasting is not optional for disciples of Jesus Christ. Combining prayer with fasting is a biblical way to move mountains!
Here are some examples.
When fighting things in the flesh like indulging in sweets, watching too much tv or lying, you may want to tailor your fast for those vices. In addition to withholding food, stay away from those things.
If trying to make a decision, fast from food and make a list of what the Bible says about the thing you are praying about.
Perhaps your fast is just to grow spiritually or to get closer to God. In that case, fast and pray and then practice "listening" to God's voice. It may come through scripture or a song perhaps. You may hear nothing. Journal what you think God's response is.
This is a learned discipline. The more you fast and pray, the more disciplined you become.
God hears your prayers. Fasting and praying is for us to hear Him.
