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
- Fasting Helps us overcome the calamities and challenges of life – Fasting is the Biblical way to humble ourselves. Esther fasted when faced with danger. Ezra fasted for protection. Jehoshaphat fasted in the time of the invasion of Judah by the confederated armies of Canaanites and Syrians – Ezra 8:21-23; Esther 4:15-16; 2 Chronicles 20:1-9.
- Fasting Helps Renew our connection with God – Jesus said that His disciples will fast when He is gone. When we fast, we get our hunger back for the presence of God – Mark 2:18-20.
- Fasting Empowers us to fulfill God’s calling in our life – Most of the people in the OT fasted in a crisis; Jesus fasted for His calling. We should not fast only during problems, but also for our purpose. Anna was fasting for the coming of the redemption of Israel – Luke 2:36-38.
Questions/Activities: When should we fast? Always, sometimes, when we have challenges or difficulties, in good or bad times, or as the Spirit leads.
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 practice of fasting and prayer offers a multi-faceted approach to improving one’s life, encompassing spiritual growth, emotional well-being, and potential physical health benefits. 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.
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