Fasting: Ambrose on Fasting and Elijah

Ambrose of Milan (d. 397) preached a series of sermons on Elijah and fasting. He drew parallels between Elijah's forty-day fast in the wilderness and the spiritual journey of every believer. "Elijah was nourished by fasting. By fasting he reached the mountain of God. By fasting he merited conversation with God." Ambrose saw fasting as preparation for divine encounter.

Ambrose also taught that fasting restores the paradise that was lost through eating: "Through food, paradise was lost; through fasting, it is regained. Eve's eating brought death; Elijah's fasting brought life. Moses fasted and received the Law. Daniel fasted and understood the visions." The biblical pattern consistently shows that fasting opens the door to revelation.

Practical application: Pair a day of fasting with focused prayer for divine guidance on a specific decision you face. Read the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19 during your fast. Ambrose teaches that fasting creates the spiritual conditions for hearing God more clearly.