The Purpose of Fasting is very important and Tim Harris has created an acronym that helps us remember three key words, H.A.M. When you fast, it is about Humbling yourself, Afflicting your soul, and Mourning for a period time. In Psalm 35:13 the psalmist says, “I humbled my soul with fasting…” Afflicting your soul is all about not allowing your soul to get what it wants. Your soul’s desires should not drive you to make decisions that are against your growth and service to God, but if so, fasting is a great tool to help you afflict your soul and put it under subjection to the will of God.

    Fasting is also viewed as a time of Mourning. 2 Samuel 1:12 says, “And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the Lord, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.” To mourn is to be sorry, feel or express deep regret, to be sorrowful, or to grieve. Fasting allows that space to humble yourself, afflict yourself, and mourn as necessary to get God’s attention and help in our lives.