Prayer and Fasting: A Primer

If you want to have a conversation with God, then you need to do two things: pray and fast. In this primer focusing on these fundamental activities of faith, Rev. Dr. Lionel Stokes shares her transforming life experiences, exploring

- what the Bible says about prayer;

- why there are so many misconceptions about fasting; and

- how fasting and praying interact with each other.

True prayer is a conversation with God, but many think of it as a monologue because of the way it occurs in church. It's often like a one-way telephone conversation, in which one person goes on endlessly without the slightest pause for even an "aha" from the other party-and then the caller hangs up before a response can be made. Whatever our circumstances or situations, there are times when we want or need to communicate with God or to hear from Him. The means by which we do this, therefore, must be simple and clear.

If you want to have a real conversation with God and develop a stronger relationship, with Him, then praying and fasting are the answers-but you need to do it right. Take a balanced approach that's safe and effective, and move closer to the Lord with Prayer and Fasting.

Rev. Dr. Lionel Stokes, an Arkansas native, earned a master of theology degree from McCormick Theological Seminary and a doctorate in education from National Louis University. She served as an adjunct professor at Northeastern Illinois University and is currently an adjunct professor, administrator, and adult educator at Kennedy-King College in Chicago. She is the daughter of a Baptist minister and is an ordained elder and member of the Martin Temple AME Zion Church.