186th Post Jesus Said on Religious Practices Con't. - Matthew 6: 16 - 18

Matthew 6: 16 - 18 Jesus on Religious Practices continued.
Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
This passage comes from Jesus Sermon on the Mount, was spoken by Jesus about 1.1/2 years into His earthly ministry. Fasting, is something we do not hear much about these days. As your prayer life grows deeper, you should incorporate fasting into your prayer life. Why do you fast? Fasting, should be used when you are going through some rough time and you feel like regular prayer is not enough. What is fasting? Fasting traditionally is going without food and drink, and spending the time you are fasting in prayer and worship to God. Jesus taught that when we pray, we need to pray in secret. Fasting is something that if you do it, it is not a regular part of your weekly life. The Pharisees at the time of Jesus fasted twice a week, like when they did charity, they made sure all who knew them knew they were fasting. They thought they were better for how often they fasted. They missed the whole point. Fasting is a tool, you can use to better concentrate on your prayer, and your problem. This is not something to do lightly. Remember God knows your heart, and knows what your agenda is. If you are fasting rightly, God will reward you.