Atonement is to focus on God and our High Priest, Jesus Christ, and what that represents--to be reconciled with God through the sacrifice of Christ our Lord. Prayer helps us when we fast (Luke 22:39-40). Along with fasting is the importance of prayer. Fasting is a way to humble ourselves, not to be heard but to listen - listen to God's word, looking for forgiveness (Isaiah 58:3-6).