Nate Punzalan

For over a decade now, I've been starting the year with a 5-day fast alongside the rest of my church community. Here are 5 reasons why fasting is such a great spiritual discipline:  1. Jesus fasted. Before he started his formal ministry, he fasted because he knew fasting gives spiritual strength and prepares one for God's work.  2. Fasting makes us more sensitive to God's voice. When we deny ourselves of natural cravings and worldly distractions, we tend to hear the Holy Spirit easier--especially through the Bible.  3. Fasting is an act of humility and consecration. Before dangerous journeys, important events, or big decision points, people from Bible times up to today have fasted to remind themselves that just as they're dead without food, they're also spiritually dead and hopeless without God.  4. Fasting brings revival. The act of praying alongside an exercise in self-denial helps strengthen our spirits to prevail in intercession. "If my people humble themselves and pray, I will hear fr