21 days of prayer and fasting

Have you ever heard of such an experience from anybody like this one? Fasted for 21 days but did not even lose a single pound? I know some who even gained weight while in the process but not like this one, quite an unusual story really.

Prayer and Fasting photo 1
A different way of fasting

Let's make things clear first.. For you, when we say fasting.. What does it mean to you? what do you do when you do it? And more importantly, why do you do it? We have these misconceptions that fasting is solely cutting or abstaining from food and/or drinks intake, especially the ones we like but it is not.  We also have those notions that fasting is often observed when one wants to lose weight, which should not be the main purpose either. So, when was the last time you fasted? Or for those who haven't tried fasting yet, are you curious about what happens during the process? Join me here as I share with you my experiences of going through it. 

disclaimer: All is based on my personal experience as there are other better practices of course. The most important thing here is that you are doing this for the right reasons and that should be enough to cover everything else. 


And so our local church here, as part of a bigger organization, was tasked to participate in the "21 days of prayer and fasting" activity. As it was coursed to the congregation the usual way implementation happens, validation can only be done through your conscience. Though our church already got some stable "care circle" groups to do it for some and recommended a buddy-buddy system for others, you cannot really expect everyone to have those unlike the OSL program since it is a school type of teaching, checking things are easier. However, self-initiated things can be considered a double-edged sword in terms of how you see it; It may prevent a big part of the population from doing things like this but on the other side of it, it filters that number in terms of quality.

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Taking notes really helps summarize points

There were guidelines given on what to pray for during those specific times you'll allot for it and to be honest, I was unsure if I will be participating from the start. We were also advised that fasting is not limited to food (since some people can do it easily) but to what is getting most of your time currently excluding work. Well, since I got my own time and I am mostly working the whole day, social media included, I scheduled my fasting from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM daily. From March 16 - April 5, 2019, during those times I must not work nor engage in any form of social media. Why that? Because personally, it is a sacrifice for me. I think I will be having a hard time doing it. For some, it may just be a minor thing to do, but again we have our own situations happening and the only one who can truthfully say that that thing is a sacrifice for you is yourself.

As a self-proclaimed perfectionist, I usually do not commit to things I know that I cannot do great or if I know I have a high chance of failing. I also have a hard time stopping doing things I like especially when a lot of ideas are popping into my mind - I often want to do them as soon as possible. Crazy, right?! So as I go through prayer and fasting, I was doing a great job on the first days.. Everything was on time and my limitations to myself were met. I thought I can do it perfectly until the last day halfway through but I did not. I'll list the important points down here for easier reference:

1. I did not know why I started reading from the book of Luke (where most Parables are) since I was not following any reading system at that time. I was questioning God "Why here? I have read this before and have known a lot of stories from my father since I was a child until now at church as a sermon of our pastors". But may this one serves as a testimony that God speaks to you personally when you read it personally. Plus, you'll learn small details of some stories that might not matter to others but may matter to you.

2. We usually talk to God more often.. Not Him talking to us. This is a great time of letting Him talk to us more than us talking to Him. This may sound so simple, but this I think is one of the most taken-for-granted things we are doing right now.

3. Revelation on things, whether it was from the past, present or the future is just so interesting. This justifies that His words are true and are always timely. You can get here not only explanations of the past, and reasons for the current but also tips for the future. ("The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advise." Proverbs 12:15 ESV


4. I usually judge people back in the old testament times when they even walked with Jesus but still some of them did not believe him. I mean, how could they? But it somehow goes back to me, finding myself testing God also seldom-ly at times (Now how could me?! Haha!) impulsively. He always-always finds a way (miraculously) to make sure His presence is felt. So guys, even though at times we may not feel His presence but I would like to make sure that He is real and He is here with us without a doubt.

5. There was a day that I forgot to read the reading for the day due to a lot of things getting my attention at that time. I was at a point where I already marked, the reading in the bible, I opened my notebook to write down notes and even positioned myself on starting.. But unexplainably somehow I still manage to skip it unnoticed until the day after. I cannot believe it either. Again, as a perfectionist, I easily lose my groove when my routine is destroyed like that. But you know what? The reading of that day is just the perfect message for that time. Stating that in the end, we are all equal and what matters most is the intention behind that "offering or act" not considering if it was perfect or how much it's worth. AWED.

Prayer and Fasting photo 3
The last parable I read during this time - "The Widow's Offering"

So to answer the first three questions above, what do prayer and fasting mean to you? What do you do when you do it? And more importantly, why do you do it? I hope this blog post gave you an idea of what it meant for me. I cannot personally answer that for you as you have to answer it for yourself.

But there is one thing I am sure that we all need to have and that is faith in our Lord Savior, Jesus Christ. That He will fulfill all His promises when the time comes and that He first loved us even though we are not worthy of it. That no amount of good deeds can save us since they are merely a product of the overflowing love He continually gives us. That He solely is enough and everything follows when we follow Him. And that He is our only way, our only truth, our only life. God bless everyone and to all of Him be all the glory.



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21 days of prayer and fasting 21 days of prayer and fasting Reviewed by Michael on April 07, 2019 Rating: 5

162 comments:

  1. I love this! I am one of those individuals who did not truly understand the meaning of fasting but now I can appreciate it.

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  2. "We usually talk to God more often.. Not Him talking to us. This is a great time of letting Him talk to us more than us talking to Him." This line hit me. I realized that it's somehow true. Most of the time we ask guidance and blessings but we forgot to listen to his guidance and let him talk to us.

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  3. Thank you for sharing your personal beliefs and journey with us. I too believe in the power of prayers. I am so happy to see your experience with it my friend .

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  4. Ah. It's been so long since I went on fasting. Your post has reminded me to plan for fasting and praying routine. 😊

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  5. I always believe in the power of prayer. I believe there is a direct communication link between God and me embedded somewhere within my consciousness.

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  6. I have a faith of God and I do prayer but honestly I really don't know what is fasting is all about perhaps were not the same religion butthis post is truly inspire to everyone kudos!

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    1. There are many ways to increase faith, fasting is one of them (y)

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  7. Great post! Fasting can be confusing. I enjoyed this.

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  8. Amen bro! Faith goes far beyond what we expect!

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  9. I don't like to do fasting for any purpose because of my health reasons. But, I know people who do fasting often and have different perceptions.

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    1. There are many other options, fasting is only one of them.

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  10. I do fast truely but I never knew what fasting is all about. Reading your post made a lot of sense to me and I have a knowledge on what fasting is all about.

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  11. This is such a great post. Prayer and Fasting is such a strong belief. My family are catholic and I grew up with these belief.

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    1. As long as it is done for the right reasons we are all good hehe

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  12. This is an amazing experience, while I have fasted I have not done so to get a deeper look into my relationship with the Lord or myself. Thank you for sharing your experience, I think I will give this a try, especially with the social media!

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  13. Such an eye opening post. I have to pray differently. Instead of talking to God, I will ask Him to talk to me. Fasting from social media would be something I know I can do.

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  14. I'm not religious so I don't pray. I've also not fasted before and I'm not sure that I would have the willpower too.

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    1. There are some little ways to start when the time comes =)

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  15. oh my gosh this is so inspiring- im not one to pray a lot but this really gave me the courage to try again. fasting from social media is something i work on daily!

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  16. A very timely Lenten post. I'm not the most religious person, but I do observe Lenten practices that my great grandmother taught me when I was a kid.

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  17. I am not religious, but I'm glad you found something that helps you out! I could never fast since I need to eat or else I get hangry.

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    1. Thanks, there are some other options though. (y)

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  18. I'm glad that this method worked for you! Sometimes it can be difficult to find ways to lose weight and get closer to God (two separate entities altogether, of course haha), but you've accomplished it.

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    1. Lol. I did not accomplish the second one. But for the first, definitely!

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  19. Thanks for sharing this motivational post. I love the way you spread the message of love and hope.

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  20. What an eye opening post! Those were some great findjngs doing that! Thanks for sharing your experience :)

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  21. I think I could start with a small fasting of maybe just a meal. It is the time in the word that is always the best.

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    1. Small steps are a great start. I support thee

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  22. I have never done fasting and actually never understood why you'd do that but this article helps clarify and explain why

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  23. Holii!
    I find it incredible that he fasted for 21 days, and did not lose weight.
    I find everything you have told us about fasting very interesting.
    Good day!!

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  24. Fasting is great for some people, I've read plenty of testimonials recommending it. Definitely not for me though ;)

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    1. Many other ways still. This is just one (y)

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  25. I am not religious but I admire those who are. I think it must be comforting to believe in something like this, I wish I did.

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  26. I tried a juice fast several years ago. It wasn't for religious purposes; I think I might have lost 2 or 3 pounds.

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    1. Great to know you lost some but maybe adding more reasons behind it can be more purposeful?

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  27. Interesting! Like most people, I've always thought of fasting as omitting food. For health reasons, I cannot skip meals or snacks because I can become quite sick. Like you, cutting out work and social media would be the true sacrifice. I should try this some time. Thanks for sharing your experience!

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    1. Thank you for reading. Yes, fasting is not limited to that.

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  28. This is so great! I usually always think of food when I think fasting. But I should do something similar with electronic devices!

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  29. I think it is great to have such believes. fasting is believed to be very good for health so I am all with you for it

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    1. Hitting many birds in one stone but purposes must be in order correctly

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  30. Glad this method worked out for you.

    Thanks for sharing this method.

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  31. My church fasts 1 day every month and that day is hard! I think fasting (emotionally/physically/spiritually) longer would be so hard. I think even not losing weight, you would still gain a lot of insight.

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  32. My church fasts for 1 day every month and it's tough. I can't imagine a longer fast, but bet that you would gain a lot of insight from an emotional/physical/mental fast.

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  33. I can't imagine fasting for so long, I am glad it has helped you in many ways though.

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  34. Thanks for sharing this.Now I came to know the true significsnce of fasting

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  35. Thanks for sharing. Very motivational.

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  36. thanks for elaborating on fasting! now i understand it better!

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  37. Great post. I used to be checking continuously
    this blog and I am impressed! Very helpful info specially the final phase :) I take
    care of such information much. I was seeking this particular
    info for a very lengthy time. Thanks and good luck.

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  38. I believe in God the Father almighty, and I should talk to him more frequently; however, I know he listens to my thoughts.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, please talk to Him more often. And yes He listens..

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  39. I have not fasted for 21 days, but I did intermittent fast for lent and it's an amazing experience.

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    1. Well, it still counts I think if you allot prayer time during those breaks.

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  40. wow this is really deep. so amazing and so inspirational.

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  41. This is so encouraging! This is something that I need to do. I've neglected it too often...

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    1. Well then, you have been truly reminded hehe

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  42. Fasting does date back to early biblical times and it is extremely helpful in modern times!

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  43. Thank You for sharing a deep insight into fasting. I have never done fasting for such a long period but now I am motivated to do it. :)

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  44. Great reflection during the holy month.

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    1. Actually did not notice that yep, holy week next week lol

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  45. Hhhhmmmm....I guess everyone has their reasons for fasting and breaking it, right? Not me, though!

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  46. I have never been exclusively practicing this during the lenten season but when I do, I usually go for alms giving or abstaining from shopping or social media. Hehe. I love that this experience has given you an even stronger faith.

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    1. Wow. abstinence from shopping.. You must really like buying things then

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  47. Thank you so much for posting this. I was raised by my grandmother who has a strong belief on what's in the bible is. We grew up practicing fasting each year during the Lenten season.

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    1. We are not required to do so yearly just sharing.

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  48. I am so glad that you found some time to fast, pray and study the word of the Lord. I hope you learned a very important message or had some sort of revelation during this time.

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  49. I haven't tried this before but it's truly amazing of how you do it!

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  50. These days, docs are advising fasting. Heard it's great for detox. Can't agree less.

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    1. For real? Then the next time its food fasting then haha

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  51. What a lovely write up and I have not tried any fasting in my life yet, probably is time to start.

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  52. The Holy week will be next week and this is a perfect time for this. You are right, we can do fasting not just for food but also for other things that occupies our mind or time.

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  53. This is a type of activity that is worth trying. I know many people who tries doing it. It is part of those little sacrifices we're doing for God.

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  54. This is truly wonderful and I am glad you shared with us - it's not about the losing weight it's about what you can find in the process!

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  55. Interesting post with great revelations. I'm glad fasting worked for you

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  56. I never tried fasting and I don't know if I want to because I can't do it!

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  57. I've never tried fasting before. I do however love the idea of 21 days of prayer. I think I'd like to try that starting today. I have some prayer requests that need addressing in the Lord's time.

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    1. <3 Great to know. Let me know if I could be of any help

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  58. Really motivating thanks for sharing, although I do not always go to church, I always take time to give thanks and pray.

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    1. Great to hear. The church will always be open (y)

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  59. My brother recommended I might like this website. He was entirely right.
    This post actually made my day. You cann't imagine just
    how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!

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  60. Wonderful post! I have never tried fasting yet, but I do believe in the power of prayer.

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  61. When I think of fasting, I often think of going without. But it sounds like your experience was filled with so much. Glad to hear it inspired such deep questions.

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    1. Its a start, but finishing your sentences would be nice hehe

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  62. You're right, fasting is different for each person, as are the reasons people may choose to fast. It can include excluding any number of things for a period of time, but nearly always includes focusing on spending time specifically in fellowship with God, possibly for the purpose of some new revelation, wisdom, and discernment on a relevant topic.

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    1. On point! Thank you for this comment. Great job.

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  63. Though I am not religious at all, I believe on something more powerful - the Nature. As long as we have strong faith.

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    1. Note taken. We believe He is the source of it so truly faith can do much than expected.

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  64. I am not religious but glad you found a meaning while fasting.

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  65. I believe in the power of prayers. This is such a lovely post to read. Thank you for sharing your beliefs and personal experience.

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    1. Thank you for your great response too! God bless you!

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  66. I am glad you found so much from following your believes. I am not religious but I think it's great you believe.

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  67. Amen! your post was beautiful and great job for doing such an intensive fast. I often can't do a week myself. However, fasting is so needed to be able to pray and get closer to GOd.

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  68. Thanks for sharing your story with us. Yes prayer have more power than anything. In our culture too fasting is there for religious festivals.

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  69. What a great post. I love the message here. I pray and fast but I hardly ever fast deliberately.

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  70. I do pray but I don't fast. I also agree that we should let Him talk to us rather us talking to Him all the time.

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  71. I went on the Daniel Fast in January and it was a very positive experience. It was both a health and spiritual journey that bore great fruit.

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  72. Good read. I'm gonna try fasting this coming holy week as a good start. Thanks for sharing ♥️ ♥️ By any chance, are you interested in doing collabs? xx

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  73. This is an interesting read. I used to fast, but I somehow went away from that. Will try to get back.

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  74. Many people think that if you fast, you're set to lose some hunk of weight. I'll say that fasting is healthy and I undertake it:with and without prayer at times. As a spiritual person, it humbles me.

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  75. My grandmother was very religious and every year before Christmas or Easter we used to to 2 weeks of prayer and fasting. With this post you made me think of her!

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  76. Thank,s Michael sharing Such a awesome post ,I too belief that fasting is a great way to Keep belief in god, Cause as a Indian Guy We have such kind of belief.

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  77. I think prayer and fasting means different things to different people and faiths. Using it as a time of reflection can be very beneficial as it forces you to be with your thoughts.

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  78. I do the prayer and fasting sometimes. But mostly when it happens I end up focusing on food, which is something I know I need to get away from when I do it. It's to focus on God. But I admit I struggle with it when I do.

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    1. We all do but trying is better than no effort at all.

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  79. Appreciation to my father who stated to me about this webpage, this weblog is truly remarkable.

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