Pope Shenouda III
Thus, we fast because fasting brings us close to God.
Fasting in part, is a withdrawal which gives us an opportunity for prayer, spiritual reading, and contemplation. Fasting helps one keep vigilant, practice prostration and set the mood for prayer. Fasting is control over the will and a triumph over desires. This is the way to God to lead us to penitence and reconciliation with Him, When we fast we are nourished by “Every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Matt 4:4).
Therefore, we fast for the sake of God's love and fellowship. We fast because it helps us shun worldly and materialistic things and to make us ready for eternity and oneness with God.
If fasting is consecrated to God alone, and for the sake of His love, a question then arises: