Prayer and fasting are integral to a believer’s walk with Christ. In order to do battle with the devil, you must have a regular prayer life. Through fasting and prayer the Holy Spirit can transform your life.
FASTING
Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline, and is more about spiritual focus and not about physical food. When and how you fast depends on your body and what the Holy Spirit is leading you to do. Fasting is an act of devotion to God done primarily in secret, and not for public attention. When you fast you are focusing on the spiritual person rather than the natural person and brings the body under subjection. 1 Corinthians 9:27 says that, I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
We see Jesus in Matthew 4: 1-11, fasted for 40 days and nights when He was tempted by satan. In the book of Acts we see multiple times where fasting was done before making important decisions. An example is in Acts 14:23, “When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting…”. Fasting is a way to take the focus off ourselves and put it on God. You have spiritual breakthrough when we fast.
FASTING AND PRAYER TOGETHER
Fasting without prayer is not fasting. It is a time to petition God for what you need, whether it be healing, an answer or greater intimacy with God. This is a time to break the yokes of bondage that are holding you back. Get clarity to hear God’s voice and what He is trying to tell you. Fasting and praying are about giving up the thing you seek for satisfaction in order to draw near to God.
Before you begin your fast make sure this is a God-ordained fast. It should be the result of God’s direction, not a physical or emotional goal. Let the Holy Spirit guide you on the length of your fast and what you are to fast from. Whether it be a day, multiple days or even just a meal. Make sure to pray for God’s direction and guidance for what specific needs you are asking for. A God-ordained fast can empower your prayers and release God’s power in your life. Finally fasting should be a time for ministering unto the Lord. Spend this time in His presence, worship Him and declare His greatness for all that He has done for you.
