How does fasting help?

[Nelka]

If certain demons are only cast out with prayer and fasting how does fasting magnify this?

Also how does fasting make me better spiritually even if I just give up some treats for the day?

How can me fasting benfit the Holy souls in Purgatory or the conversion of sinners?

Thanks.

 

[Tis_Bearself]

It’s a sacrifice - you’re putting yourself through some minor physical pain and offering it up for the poor souls or for the conversion of sinners.
You can accomplish the same by giving up anything you enjoy, or doing anything that constitutes a hardship or an inconvenience.

 

[1Lord1Faith]

If certain demons are only cast out with prayer and fasting how does fasting magnify this?

Also how does fasting make me better spiritually even if I just give up some treats for the day?

As I understand it, fasting is a way of joining our free will to Jesus’ in order to strengthen ourselves so that we can defeat temptation/evil.

I also think of fasting as an exercise in discipline. Just as physical exercise strengthens the body, prayer and fasting will strengthen our spirit when we do battle with evil forces.

 

[promethian_rule]

How can me fasting benfit the Holy souls in Purgatory or the conversion of sinners?

Your fasting can add to the deposit of grace, which is poured out for the conversion of sinners and the souls in purgatory.

 

[Wesrock]

I also think of fasting as an exercise in discipline. Just as physical exercise strengthens the body, prayer and fasting will strengthen our spirit when we do battle with evil forces.

I was going to make this point. Fasting trains you to deny yourself of material pleasures, giving you better discipline to deny yourself of excessive and sinful pleasures caused by lust, gluttony, slothfulness, etc… It’s easier to say no to those sins or material distractions from God when you’ve practiced such discipline (safely).

 

[MtnDwellar]

Fasting is an act of humility. Demons fear a humility. They know there is very little that God will not do for a humble person.

 

[greenrangerx]

Also how does fasting make me better spiritually even if I just give up some treats for the day?

For me, fasting is about developing a hunger for God. Yes, food is good and necessary for life, but so is God. By voluntarily giving up some food, I learn to depend more upon God, and thus become more humble. I also find it important not only to give something up, but also to gain something, such as using a lunch break at work to pray the Rosary instead of to eat.

 

[drac16]

You can fast from almost anything. Right now I’m fasting from drinking Coke. One can fast from desserts, video games, alcohol, fast-food, social media, etc. I use fasting as a tool to strengthen my prayers. When I’m praying and fasting, I feel as though God hears me better. Fasting just makes it more passionate.

You don’t have to fast-- it’s purely optional. However, it is a gift from God and I believe it can bless your life.