Numbers 6:1-3 And Jehovah spake unto Moses saying, speak unto the children of Israel and say to them, when either man or woman shall make a special vow, the vow of the Nazarite, to separate himself to Jehovah, he shall separate himself from wine and strong drink; he shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink. Neither shall he drink any juice of grapes; nor eat fresh grapes or dried. This was an old covenant practice called the vow of the Nazarite. It was a serious time. We can have times of dedication, as well. It’s spoken of as prayer and fasting. The fasting could be putting aside any desired thing. Food is what comes to mind, but it could be anything. One may put aside tv or the internet for a day or two. It could be longer. Paul talks about marital relations in this context (1 Cor 7:5). He says not to deny this of the other, unless it be for a brief time of which both partners agree. He speaks of these times as if it were putting it aside as a time of prayer. It also says not to deprive the other for long, lest that one is tempted. What is the motivation behind these special times? A serious event is going on in which one seeks God’s special assistance. There is a feeling of desperation. “God, I need You.” The person is filled with worry and can’t function normally. Usual routines are paused and one seeks God’s help and His answers. Jesus disciples tried unsuccessfully to cast out a demon by the normal ways that Jesus demonstrated. When Jesus addressed the situation, He said, “these come out only by prayer and fasting.” God appears to honor the one who does this. It’s not earning it, but sending an urgent plea to God. This isn’t part of one’s daily life. Unless one is involved in serious ministry that frequently is encountering great need. Every couple of months something comes up. We are to Go to Him for help. Putting aside some pleasures helps our focus. Lord, thank You that You are there for us in the green times and the dry times. Thank You that we can call on You in these times of distress.