Fasting is exceptional form of prayer

My son was browsing his Facebook page and discussing with me the large chocolate cupcakes, blueberry muffins, cookies with sprinkles and the rest of the tasty treats he would like to eat for Fat Tuesday.

Some people enjoy indulging in foods they love on Fat Tuesday, just before they take the plunge to deny themselves for Lent.

This week begins the season of Lent, when many Christians observe the spiritual principle of fasting for 40 days, starting with Ash Wednesday and ending Easter Sunday.

Not all Christians observe the Lenten season. I mention it because I think it is an example of fasting and prayer, which many Christians do partake of, and a form of prayer demonstrated to us by Jesus.

Some people fast for only a few days. The amount of the fast is up to the individual and something they must feel right about before giving it a try. Whether entering a 40-day fast or a 24-hour fast, I believe it is honoring to God.

When we listen to Jesus' instructions on prayer, among them he informed us there are times for fasting when we pray. This means to sustain from something such as a meal (which can give us mental clarity as we pray). We might give up something else, like a form of entertainment or texting, that could be keeping us from our prayer time.

Fasting can also help us overcome a habit we've been trying to break, or clear our conscience so we can hear more clearly from God. I don't understand all the benefits we receive from fasting, except it is an exceptional form of prayer.

However, I still think the most important component of prayer heard from above is that it be done with a sincere heart.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.