Bible Discussion Thread

Greeting Jesus name!!!

What does Zion mean, or stand for? in that psalm 51:18

Thank you

Zion means the Church of the Living God, the true church.

Zion, generally is referred to as Jerusalem (the City of David). Sometimes, it is referred to as the Fortress of Zion or Mount Zion. The earliest reference to Jerusalem is in Genesis 14:18, when Melchizedek, King of Salem went out to meet Abram. Jerusalem means, City/Town/House of Peace.

I was told you should fast and pray. I understand praying but what does fasting do your prayers? does it make it more powerful? what is the purpose of fasting?

I will state at the outset Melvin, that I've never fasted & prayed: I've never sensed the need to do so, though I do understand Jesus Own Words in this regard ( Matthew 17:21) & others in the Bible who have fasted & prayed ( Luke 2:37, Acts 14:23). There is no reason to not fast & pray, but when we consider these examples, it seems clear that fasting (coupled with prayer), is an act to make one more conscious & focused on the important/urgent matter in our hearts or in the spiritual work we might be called to do, that engages with the spirit world.

The opposite is also true: if you have a big lunch & its a lovely warm day, it doesn't take much for the body to relax & slowly drift away into sleep (for me at least). But when the body is denied food & coupled with a determination to bring our matters before the Lord, then our spirits are more centred on this & stray thoughts & need for sleep are kept at bay. As well, I would think that the Lord also sees the earnestness of our hearts about our matters before Him & we in a sense 'wrestle with the Lord' in prayer as Jacob did physically with God's Angel, saying, "I will not let thee go, except thou bless me." ( Genesis 32:26). And James in James 5:16 says, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much", which almost implies that if we choose to fast & pray, then this adds 'weight' to our fervent, effectual praying. Does this make our prayers more powerful? If our prayers are then made in full faith not doubting, in full earnestness, in full agreement with the Will of God, then yes, by fasting, both ourselves & God are pressed into 'action': from us, focused fervent prayer; from God, being conscious of our appeal to Him & not letting go until we see His Hand move.

Maybe others here on this Site, who engage in fasting & prayer may be able to help you further in this matter.