Prayer and Fasting

Text: Matthew 17:14-21, Luke 18:1-8, Acts 13:1-3

Scriptural Message:

Prayer and fasting are powerful spiritual disciplines that can deepen our relationship with God and unlock His power in our lives. In Matthew 17:14-21, Jesus teaches that some spiritual challenges require a combination of prayer and fasting to overcome. This passage highlights the importance of faith, prayer, and fasting in accessing God’s power and provision.

When Jesus’ disciples were unable to cast out a demon from a boy, Jesus rebuked the demon and the boy was healed. The disciples later asked Jesus why they could not cast out the demon, and Jesus replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:29). This statement emphasizes the significance of prayer and fasting in spiritual warfare and accessing God’s power.

The Bible also encourages us to pray persistently, as seen in Luke 18:1-8, where Jesus teaches the parable of the persistent widow. This parable illustrates the importance of perseverance in prayer and trusting in God’s justice.

In Acts 13:1-3, we see the church in Antioch praying and fasting as they seek God’s guidance for the missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas. This passage demonstrates the role of prayer and fasting in seeking God’s will and empowering His people for ministry.

Key Points:

Prayer is a Vital Aspect of Our Relationship with God: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Prayer allows us to communicate with God, seek His guidance, and align our will with His.
Fasting is a Spiritual Discipline that Can Help Us Develop Spiritual Sensitivity: “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” (Isaiah 58:6). Fasting can help us develop spiritual sensitivity, break free from bondages, and seek God’s guidance.
Combining Prayer and Fasting Can Unlock God’s Power and Provision: “This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:29). When we combine prayer and fasting, we create a powerful spiritual synergy that can unlock God’s power and provision in our lives.

Application:

Prioritize Prayer: Make prayer a priority in your life, seeking God’s guidance and aligning your will with His.
Incorporate Fasting: Incorporate fasting into your spiritual practice, seeking God’s guidance and breakthroughs in specific areas of your life.
Combine Prayer and Fasting: Combine prayer and fasting to unlock God’s power and provision in your life, and to experience spiritual breakthroughs and transformation.

Conclusion:

Prayer and fasting are powerful spiritual disciplines that can deepen our relationship with God and unlock His power in our lives. As we prioritize prayer, incorporate fasting, and combine these disciplines, we will experience spiritual growth, breakthroughs, and transformation.

Reflection Questions:

How can you prioritize prayer in your life?
What benefits have you experienced through fasting, and how can you incorporate it into your spiritual practice?
In what areas of your life do you need to combine prayer and fasting to experience breakthroughs and transformation?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of prayer and fasting. Help me to prioritize these things in my life and to experience spiritual breakthroughs and transformation. May my prayer and fasting bring glory to Your name and advance Your kingdom. Amen.

Brought To You By: Stanificent Devotionals, A Ministry of Stanley Erimwinorosee Stanificent Foundation