Fasting and community: closeness and distance

What is really important to you? What priorities do you set in your everyday life? We are often so consumed by obligations, appointments and constant availability that we hardly hear God's voice. But what happens if we consciously take ourselves out of this spiral? And if we do this not alone, but together with others?

Fasting means giving up food or other worldly things in order to make space for God. It is an invitation not to be guided by external needs, but to refocus on what is essential. Fasting is not just an individual experience, but can also be an experience of deep community. We are not alone in our faith, and in difficult times we need the support of others.

We find an impressive example of the power of fasting together in Esther 4:16. Queen Esther is faced with a life-changing decision that could cost her life. Her people are in great danger and she recognizes that she needs God's guidance and strength. But she does not act alone - she calls on her people to join her in fasting and prayer. There is a deep spiritual power in the unity of fasting and seeking God. Fasting creates space for God's intervention and shows that faith is not a solitary affair, but a strength that grows in community.

Fasting is not just a personal retreat; it is also an opportunity to experience deep connection. In times of crisis or challenge, we can follow the example of Esther: we can ask our friends or church community to fast and pray with us. Together, we carry one another, stand in the gap for each other, and seek God’s guidance.

Fasting helps us reset our focus. But when we fast together, something even greater happens: we don’t just realign ourselves individually—we do so as a community. In this shared pursuit of His presence, we grow spiritually and experience God more deeply. He speaks when we gather before Him in stillness, and together, we can hear His voice more clearly.

Next Step: Consider whether there are people in your life with whom you could fast and pray. What burdens or petitions can you bring before God together? Ask Him to strengthen you in unity and to let you experience His presence in a profound way—both with Him and with one another.