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Ezra knew God’s promises to protect his people, but he didn't take them for granted. He also knew that God’s blessings are appropriated through prayer, so Ezra and the people humbled themselves by fasting and praying. And their prayers were answered. Fasting humbled them because going without food was a reminder of their complete dependence on God. Too often we pray glibly and superficially. Serious prayer, by contrast, required concentration. It puts us in touch with God’s will and can really change us. Without serious prayer, we reduce God to a quick-service pharmacist with painkillers for our every ailment. --- Life Application Study Bible notes