Open Heavens- Prayer and Fasting 1

Topic: Open Heavens – Prayer and Fasting 1

Memory Verse: …  “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” – Matthew 17:21 – (NKJV).

Text: Luke 4:1-4

Spiritual Emphasis:  Prayer is communion with the Lord, the coming before our heavenly Father to know Him and to share your heart with Him, and to listen to Him.  Fasting is another way to do this, the act of refraining from an action. Most fasting involves food, but it can be abstaining from electronics, media, an action, or something of your choice. The act of prayer and fasting together creates a space of your life away from an action or distraction and is spent in communion with the Lord God.

     Benefits of Fasting with Prayers

• The power to overcome the enemy and his tricks – Jesus put satan in his place when He was tempted in the wilderness for an extended period of time. If you want the devil to leave you alone for seasons since he is a pest, the best thing to do is to take up a habitual life of prayer and fasting. When he returns for another bout you will no doubt be ready – Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:13.
• Fasting Fosters Humility before God – We must be the Christian who lifts our Lord up, and never be the person whose life is all about “self/me!” God is the One who is to lift us up; when we try to lift ourselves up, we become prideful – Ezra 8:21-23; Psalm 35:13; Psalm 69:10.
• Fasting Fosters Prayer – Fasting focuses us on the things that are important, and prayer is very vital to our spiritual growth – Matthew 17:14-21; Acts 13:1-3; Acts 14:21-23.

Questions/Activities: Why do you think we should fast as Children of God?

Conclusion.It is not merely refraining from food or an action, but it is coming before the Lord in prayer to hear the Holy Spirit speak to you and work in you. The Bible says this on when to pray, “on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Ephesians 6:18). 

Shalom! Self-Study: Matthew 6:16-18; Jonah 3:5-9; Joel 2:12-13; Daniel 9:3-5; Exodus 34:28; Matthew 6:8; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Colossians 4:2; 1 John 5:14.