Throughout scripture fasting refers to abstaining from food for spiritual purpose. It stands in distinction to the hunger strike, the purpose of which is to gain political power or attract attention to a good cause. It is also distinct form health dieting which stresses abstinence from food for physical, not spiritual, purpose. It is sobering to realize that the very first statement Jesus made about fasting dealt with the question of motive. To use good things to our own ends is always the sign of false religion. Fasting reminds us that we are sustained “by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God Fasting must forever center on