We were created to have a relationship with the living God.

For just a moment think of our pals and buddies; our loved ones and friends. We spend time with them. We share common interest. We listen to them and they listen to us. The more time we spend interacting with them, the closer and more intimate the relationship.

Its the same way with our Savior Jesus Christ. When we read our Bibles, we hear first hand what he is telling us. Even when he knows what we are going to ask or say, he honors our time in Prayer with him because he loves us.

Imagine a little 5 year old child that comes and pulls on their father's pants leg and asks him a question. We love it when that happens to us.

If we don't read our Bibles, we do not know what God's interest are. We maybe hear second hand religious notions from other people, but we just don't know unless we read it ourselves.

One scripture that comes to mind concerning prayer:

Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Fasting has its benefits as well, but it is not recommended for people who have low blood sugar or eating disorder problems. For them Isaiah 58 will suffice. For those who are physically able God honors fasting and will hasten to answer our prayers when we fast. When we deprive our selves of food we are reminded that man does not just live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Just as we hunger for food, we are reminded of our need for a hunger for Gods word and touch. Fasting is good for our physical health and allows our system to flush itself out and refresh itself.

Two scripture concerning fasting:

Act 14:23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.