[Chapter 8]

Ezra 8:21
There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions.

There, by the Ahara Canal I proclaimed a Fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God..

Ezra 8:23
So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.

So we fasted and petitioned our God about this and he answered our prayer

Here we see Ezra led the exiled people of Israel to Jerusalem. On his way he knew he need to protect his people & he was concerned about their safety. He could have easily got the help of king, instead he relied on God. He prayed & fasted and God answered his prayer. Ezra fasted so that everyone might humble before God. Ezra called everyone to rely on mighty God.

Often we are frustrated even as Christians when things don't go well - in the ministry, in our marriage, in our relationships, in our education, and many other areas & eventually we get depressed and discouraged. In those times we must really see that we were not relying on God and were not humble before him who could do everything for us. Fasting and praying keeps us close to God and makes us feel comfortable when we go through the painful discouraging moments. When some on is in trouble we must pray. Before giving advises we must pray. In Mathew 6:5-7/8:16-18 Jesus gives instruction about Prayer and Fasting. Take time to pray for someone who is going through tough time in your family group and keep a day for Fast so that God can help that Brother or Sister.