The purpose for fasting is not to abstain from food per se in order to experience God's special grace. Rather, fasting demonstrates to God that we are willing to spend time talking to Him rather than meeting our physical needs. Another Illustration The apostle Paul referred to abstaining from sexual relations in marriage on occasions in order to spend time in prayer. In fact, he made it very clear that this was the only reason to abstain from this marital responsibility (see 1 Cor. 7:5). In both