I had begun to fast because my wife and my children did it; I did not want my wife to cook for me alone. At first, nothing remarkable happened. I knew that I was distracted in my prayers. I would listen to the word of God, but I did not experience any noticeable effect from it and did not have the impression that I was changing under its influence. I would listen to it and then go about my business, but nothing in me was changed.
One day it became imperative to me that I change my manner of praying. It seemed to me that my new view of prayer was the result of the silent reflection which was brought about during my days of fasting. In the beginning I was constantly battling my need to eat and drink, and would then put off my prayer till the following morning.
Once, something happened which clearly demonstrated the efficacy of prayer. For a long time I had been on bad terms with my brother, and I had grown accustomed to that situation. We were not on speaking terms, and it did not bother me in the least that our wives and children did not know each other at all.
Approximately one year after I had begun to fast, I became aware that the situation was causing me distress and making me uneasy. I continued to pray and fast. And then one morning, I had the extra ordinary feeling of being relieved of a burden. I went to see my brother and asked his forgiveness. He was ready also. Praise the Lord, and thanks be to Him! Now we live as true brothers. Right now, that is the most important thing to me.
--Fasting Fr. Slavko Barbaric, O.F.M.