THE POWER OF FASTING AND PRAYERS

THE POWER OF FASTING AND PRAYERS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 17:21
"However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting."

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 58:6-9, Joel 2:12-13, Mark 9:29, Luke 18:1, Acts 13:2-3

INTRODUCTION:
Fasting and prayer are two powerful spiritual disciplines that work together to strengthen our connection with God. Through fasting, we humble ourselves before God, while prayer allows us to communicate directly with Him. When combined, they form a potent tool for breakthrough, spiritual growth, and deliverance. Jesus Himself practiced fasting and prayer, and He encouraged His disciples to do the same. This study will explore the spiritual power of fasting and prayer, how they can bring breakthroughs, and the biblical foundations for these practices.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE PURPOSE OF FASTING AND PRAYER

Before embarking on a season of fasting and prayer, it is essential to understand their spiritual purposes.

a) Fasting humbles us before God (Isaiah 58:6)
Fasting is an act of humbling ourselves and submitting to God’s will, acknowledging our dependence on Him.

b) Prayer aligns our will with God’s (Matthew 6:10)
Prayer is not just asking for our desires but aligning our hearts and minds with God’s will.

c) Fasting and prayer bring deliverance (Matthew 17:21)
Certain situations and spiritual battles require the combined power of fasting and prayer to overcome.

d) They strengthen our faith (Mark 9:29)
Fasting and prayer build spiritual muscles, helping us to grow in faith and trust in God’s power.

e) Biblical Example: Jesus’ Fast in the Wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11)
Jesus fasted and prayed for 40 days, preparing Himself for ministry and resisting the temptation of the enemy.

2. SPIRITUAL BENEFITS OF FASTING AND PRAYER

Fasting and prayer unlock numerous spiritual benefits for the believer.

a) They bring spiritual breakthrough (Joel 2:12-13)
When we fast and pray with sincerity, God promises to respond, bringing deliverance and spiritual breakthroughs.

b) Fasting and prayer open the heavens (Isaiah 58:9)
When we fast with the right heart, God promises to hear our prayers and answer them.

c) They deepen our intimacy with God (Luke 18:1)
Fasting and prayer create a more intimate relationship with God, as we focus our hearts and minds on Him.

d) They give us strength in times of temptation (Matthew 4:3-11)
Fasting and prayer fortify our spirits, helping us resist the devil’s temptations and remain steadfast in God’s will.

e) Biblical Example: Daniel’s Fast for Understanding (Daniel 9:3-23)
Daniel fasted and prayed for understanding, and God responded by sending an angel with an answer to his prayer.

3. THE ROLE OF HUMILITY AND REPENTANCE IN FASTING AND PRAYER

For fasting and prayer to be effective, they must be done with a humble heart and spirit of repentance.

a) Fasting should be done with humility (Isaiah 58:5-6)
God rejects outward acts of fasting if not done with the right heart. Fasting must come from a place of humility and surrender.

b) Repentance is essential (Joel 2:12-13)
Fasting and prayer are a means of repentance. We seek God’s mercy and forgiveness for our sins.

c) Fasting should not be for show (Matthew 6:16-18)
Jesus warned against fasting for the purpose of public recognition. It must be a personal matter between us and God.

d) Humility leads to God’s blessing (2 Chronicles 7:14)
When we humble ourselves, seek God’s face, and turn from our wicked ways, God promises to hear our prayers and heal our land.

e) Biblical Example: Nineveh’s Repentance (Jonah 3:5-10)
When the people of Nineveh repented with fasting and prayer, God relented from the disaster He had planned for them.

4. HOW TO FAST EFFECTIVELY

Effective fasting is not just about abstaining from food; it requires intentional focus and commitment.

a) Set a clear purpose for your fast (Matthew 6:16-18)
Fasting should have a specific purpose, whether it’s for breakthrough, healing, or drawing closer to God.

b) Choose the type of fast (Daniel 10:2-3)
There are different types of fasts, including complete fasts, partial fasts, or the Daniel fast. Choose what aligns with your purpose and health.

c) Engage in focused prayer (Acts 13:2-3)
Fasting without prayer is ineffective. Prayer should be a constant during the fast, seeking God’s direction and intervention.

d) Meditate on God’s Word (Joshua 1:8)
During a fast, meditating on Scripture deepens your relationship with God and strengthens your spirit.

e) Biblical Example: Esther’s Fast for Deliverance (Esther 4:15-17)
Queen Esther called for a fast to seek God’s favor and deliverance for the Jewish people.

5. THE POWER OF CORPORATE FASTING AND PRAYER

Fasting and prayer can also be powerful when done collectively as a church or community of believers.

a) Corporate fasting brings unity (Acts 1:14)
When the early church fasted and prayed together, they experienced unity and a deeper outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

b) Corporate fasting stirs up revival (2 Chronicles 20:3-4)
When God’s people come together to fast and pray, they invite a move of the Spirit and experience revival.

c) It leads to collective breakthrough (Joel 1:14)
As a congregation, fasting and prayer can bring about breakthroughs in families, communities, and nations.

d) Corporate fasting moves God’s hand (Nehemiah 9:1-3)
When a people humble themselves together, God responds with mercy and powerful acts of deliverance.

e) Biblical Example: The Early Church’s Fast for Guidance (Acts 13:2-3)
The church in Antioch fasted and prayed together before sending Paul and Barnabas on their mission. God gave them clear direction.

CONCLUSION:
Fasting and prayer are two of the most powerful tools available to the believer. They help us draw closer to God, humble ourselves, receive guidance, and break spiritual strongholds. Through fasting and prayer, we open ourselves to divine intervention and experience breakthroughs in every area of our lives. Let us, therefore, commit to this vital spiritual practice, knowing that through these disciplines, we will experience the power of God working mightily within us.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me the grace to fast and pray with the right heart.

2. Father, help me to seek You wholeheartedly during my fast and prayer times.

3. Holy Spirit, empower my prayer life and help me intercede effectively.

4. Father, I pray for breakthroughs in my life as I fast and pray in faith.

5. Lord, strengthen my spirit and give me victory over every stronghold.

6. Father, forgive me for any unconfessed sins and help me walk in Your righteousness.

7. Lord, grant me wisdom and understanding as I fast and pray.

8. Father, move powerfully in my life and my family as I fast and pray.

9. Lord, let Your will be done in my life, and give me the strength to follow Your guidance.

10. Father, I thank You for the power of fasting and prayer to bring transformation and deliverance.

May the Lord strengthen you as you commit to the power of fasting and prayer, bringing about supernatural breakthroughs and blessings!