PREPARING YOUR HEART FOR PRAYER AND FASTING

Title: PREPARING YOUR HEART FOR PRAYER AND FASTING

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Joel 2:12-13
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 58:6-9, Matthew 6:16-18, Psalm 51:10

INTRODUCTION:
Prayer and fasting are powerful spiritual disciplines that align our hearts with God’s will, draw us closer to Him, and open doors for divine intervention. However, the effectiveness of prayer and fasting lies not just in the act itself but in the preparation of our hearts. This sermon focuses on how believers can properly prepare their hearts for a season of prayer and fasting to ensure spiritual growth and breakthroughs.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE PURPOSE OF PRAYER AND FASTING

a) To Seek God’s Face
Prayer and fasting are about pursuing intimacy with God (Jeremiah 29:13).

b) To Humble Ourselves Before God
Fasting is a form of self-denial that shows humility (Psalm 35:13).

c) To Receive Spiritual Direction
It helps us discern God’s will (Acts 13:2-3).

d) To Break Spiritual Strongholds
Fasting strengthens spiritual warfare (Isaiah 58:6).

e) Biblical Example: Daniel (Daniel 9:3-19). Daniel sought God through prayer and fasting to gain understanding and favour.

2. PREPARING YOUR HEART FOR PRAYER AND FASTING

a) Repent of All Sin
Unconfessed sin hinders prayers (Psalm 66:18). Ask God to cleanse and renew your heart (1 John 1:9).

b) Seek God’s Guidance
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what to pray and fast about (Romans 8:26-27).

c) Cultivate a Hunger for God’s Word
Meditate on Scripture to align your desires with God’s will (Psalm 119:11).

d) Check Your Motives
Ensure your fasting is for God’s glory and not for selfish gains (Matthew 6:16-18).

e) Biblical Example: Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1:4-11). Nehemiah prepared his heart with prayer, repentance, and a clear purpose before fasting.

3. PRACTICAL STEPS FOR EFFECTIVE PRAYER AND FASTING

a) Plan Your Fasting Schedule
Decide the type of fast and its duration (Daniel 1:12).

b) Eliminate Distractions
Set aside time and a quiet place to focus on God (Mark 1:35).

c) Stay Spiritually Alert
Engage in worship, Bible reading, and meditation throughout the fast (Joshua 1:8).

d) Be Physically Prepared
Gradually reduce food intake and stay hydrated during the fast.

e) Biblical Example: Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11). Before beginning His ministry, Jesus fasted and prayed in preparation for the spiritual challenges ahead.

4. THE BENEFITS OF PROPER PREPARATION

a) A Deeper Relationship with God
Preparing your heart leads to intimacy with God (James 4:8).

b) Clarity and Direction
God reveals His will to those who seek Him wholeheartedly (Proverbs 3:5-6).

c) Victory Over Temptations
Proper preparation strengthens you against spiritual attacks (Ephesians 6:11).

d) Breakthroughs and Deliverance
God honours fasting with blessings and answered prayers (Isaiah 58:8-9).

e) Biblical Example: Esther (Esther 4:16). Her preparation through prayer and fasting brought deliverance for her people.

5. MAINTAINING YOUR SPIRITUAL FOCUS DURING FASTING

a) Keep a Prayer Journal
Record God’s instructions and answers to prayer (Habakkuk 2:2).

b) Avoid Legalism
Focus on God’s grace, not on the mechanics of fasting (Colossians 2:20-23).

c) Persevere in Faith
Even when answers seem delayed, trust God’s timing (Isaiah 40:31).

d) Give Generously
True fasting includes acts of kindness and generosity (Isaiah 58:7).

e) Biblical Example: Cornelius (Acts 10:1-4). His prayers and fasting, combined with giving, brought divine visitation.

CONCLUSION:
Preparing your heart for prayer and fasting ensures that this spiritual exercise is not a mere ritual but a powerful encounter with God. By repentance, setting clear motives, and dedicating yourself to seeking God, you align your spirit with heaven and open doors for divine intervention. Let your preparation be intentional, and expect God to do great and mighty things in your life.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, cleanse my heart and prepare me for a powerful time of prayer and fasting.

2. Father, give me the grace to seek You wholeheartedly.

3. Lord, reveal any hidden sin or hindrance in my life.

4. Father, strengthen me to stay focused during fasting.

5. Lord, let my fasting bring breakthroughs in every area of my life.

6. Father, release divine wisdom and direction as I fast and pray.

7. Lord, silence every distraction and opposition during this season.

8. Father, let my prayers and fasting bring glory to Your name.

9. Lord, open the heavens over my life during this period of consecration.

10. Thank You, Lord, for the transformation and answers to come.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. As you prepare for prayer and fasting, the Lord will renew your strength.

2. Every obstacle to your spiritual growth is removed in Jesus’ name.

3. Your time of fasting will open doors of divine revelation.

4. The heavens will respond to your prayers and sacrifices.

5. God will break every chain and set you free during this season.

6. Divine direction will come clearly to you as you seek the Lord.

7. Your fasting will result in supernatural breakthroughs and testimonies.

8. You will encounter God in a new and profound way.

9. Every distraction is silenced, and your spirit is aligned with God.

10. Your life will never remain the same after this season of prayer and fasting.