God places a special value on prayer when it costs us something. Those who seek Him in earnest will know a power with God that cannot be denied. Remember, prayer that cost nothing is worth nothing. The Scriptures often link prayer with fasting. Abstinence from food or anything that the flesh craves can be a valuable aid in spiritual exercises. On the earthly side, it promotes clarity and concentration; from the heavenly side, it seems that the Lord is anxious to answer prayer when we put that prayer before our desires.