What is fasting?
Giving up something to seek direction from God
Biblical fasting is the intentional act of abstaining from food (and sometimes other comforts) for a spiritual purpose—namely, to seek the Lord with greater focus, humility, and dependence. Throughout Scripture, fasting is not presented as a ritual to earn God’s favor, but as a posture of surrender before Him. In Joel 2:12–13, the Lord calls His people, “Return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning… Rend your heart and not your garments.” This passage makes clear that true fasting is about inward repentance and wholehearted return. Likewise, in Matthew 6:16–18, Jesus teaches that fasting should be done sincerely and quietly before the Father, not for public recognition. Biblical fasting, then, is about drawing near to God in humility and authenticity.
Fasting is important because it exposes our dependence on physical things and redirects our hunger toward God. When we fast, we are reminded that “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Jesus Himself modeled this during His forty days in the wilderness, showing that spiritual strength flows from communion with the Father. Spiritually, fasting sharpens discernment, deepens prayer, and cultivates self-control. In Acts 13:2–3, the early church fasted and worshiped before the Lord, and in that place of fasting the Holy Spirit gave clear direction for ministry. Fasting creates space to hear God more clearly and align ourselves with His will rather than our own appetites.
Ultimately, fasting aligns our hearts with the Lord because it reorders our desires. It shifts us from self-sufficiency to God-sufficiency. Ezra 8:21 records Ezra proclaiming a fast “that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him a safe journey.” Fasting humbles us, tenderizes our hearts, and increases our sensitivity to sin, conviction, and the Spirit’s leading. As we deny the flesh, we strengthen the spirit (Galatians 5:16–17), learning to hunger for righteousness more than comfort. In this way, fasting becomes less about going without food and more about feasting on God’s presence—cultivating intimacy, dependence, and wholehearted devotion to Him.
Prayer & Fasting Devotional Week 1
Scripture
“People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4 (NLT)
Reflection
Whether fasting is a new experience for you, or something you have done multiple times in the past, the purpose is the same; deny our flesh and focus on the spirit and what Jesus wants to do in our lives. Something shifts in us when we put everything else aside and just spend time with our Savior. There are many things that we can fast from. People have fasted from their screen time, from sugar, or caffeine, and all are great if we use the time that we would be indulging in those things to instead dive into the word of God and into prayer. However, there is something powerful about fasting from food, something that sustains the flesh, but instead allowing Jesus to sustain us. Fasting is an opportunity to allow the Spirit of God to meet you in a new way. It is a chance for Jesus to remind you of his great love for you and to take your relationship with him deeper.
Fasting is not something that we do to show off or prove something to anyone else. Rather, it is an opportunity to retrain our bodies to prioritize the spirit over the flesh. It is a reminder that God alone should be our source for all things. Jesus gave us this example when he was fasting for 40 days in the desert and was tempted by Satan. It is an intentional reminder that our reliance is on “every word that comes from the mouth of God”. As you take this time to fast from food, instead devour his word and see how he will sustain you, as you grow and deepen your relationship with him.
Practice
Take this time also to train your body to be led by the Spirit. When the hunger pangs start, lean into Jesus! Dive into his word, spend time in prayer, turn on the worship music and get ready for what God wants to show you, as you choose to be obedient to him. We have multiple resources on our app and website – a reading plan, prayer stations and a prayer guide, that can be utilized during this time of fasting. If you need help or support in any way, especially if this is new to you, please do not hesitate to reach out to your impact group leader or one of the pastoral staff. We
are here to support and encourage you on this journey.
Prayer
God, remind me that you are my source. God, I ask that you and only you would sustain me. As I create this space in my life to deepen my relationship with you through fasting, give me the strength and self-control to not give into temptation, but to feast on your word. I love you, Lord! In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.
“People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4 (NLT)
Reflection
Whether fasting is a new experience for you, or something you have done multiple times in the past, the purpose is the same; deny our flesh and focus on the spirit and what Jesus wants to do in our lives. Something shifts in us when we put everything else aside and just spend time with our Savior. There are many things that we can fast from. People have fasted from their screen time, from sugar, or caffeine, and all are great if we use the time that we would be indulging in those things to instead dive into the word of God and into prayer. However, there is something powerful about fasting from food, something that sustains the flesh, but instead allowing Jesus to sustain us. Fasting is an opportunity to allow the Spirit of God to meet you in a new way. It is a chance for Jesus to remind you of his great love for you and to take your relationship with him deeper.
Fasting is not something that we do to show off or prove something to anyone else. Rather, it is an opportunity to retrain our bodies to prioritize the spirit over the flesh. It is a reminder that God alone should be our source for all things. Jesus gave us this example when he was fasting for 40 days in the desert and was tempted by Satan. It is an intentional reminder that our reliance is on “every word that comes from the mouth of God”. As you take this time to fast from food, instead devour his word and see how he will sustain you, as you grow and deepen your relationship with him.
Practice
Take this time also to train your body to be led by the Spirit. When the hunger pangs start, lean into Jesus! Dive into his word, spend time in prayer, turn on the worship music and get ready for what God wants to show you, as you choose to be obedient to him. We have multiple resources on our app and website – a reading plan, prayer stations and a prayer guide, that can be utilized during this time of fasting. If you need help or support in any way, especially if this is new to you, please do not hesitate to reach out to your impact group leader or one of the pastoral staff. We
are here to support and encourage you on this journey.
Prayer
God, remind me that you are my source. God, I ask that you and only you would sustain me. As I create this space in my life to deepen my relationship with you through fasting, give me the strength and self-control to not give into temptation, but to feast on your word. I love you, Lord! In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.
Prayer & Fasting Devotional Week 2
Scripture
Isaiah 58:6–7
“Is not this the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of wickedness,
to undo the straps of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover him,
and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?”
God desires a fast that produces freedom, compassion, and transformed living, not empty religious ritual. It begins with humble hearts positioned towards him!
Matthew 6:16–18
“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Reflection
As children of the Most High God, we don’t fast to get noticed here on earth, or in heaven. We fast to humble ourselves before the Almighty God. (Notice that Jesus says… “WHEN YOU FAST…” This assumes that all believers are expected to fast.) When we give up something that is necessary for LIFE, we deny our flesh and simply feed the spirit. We do this by feasting on the Word of God, praying, worshipping, praising, meditating on the Word, and spending time in the presence of the Father.
Fasting is a practice that aligns our heart with God. As our hearts break for what breaks his, it redirects our thoughts to heavenly things rather than the earthly. This world is not our home, and when we deny our flesh, we are reminded that our hearts desire heaven. As we soak in the presence of the Lord, our spirits come alive in surrender to our loving God.
Paul mentions disciplining his body into submission in 2 Corinthians. This is what happens in our faith when we fast. We reject our earthly cravings and seek first the kingdom of heaven!
Practice
As you enter into fasting this week, be intentional. We often like to keep ourselves busy in order not to “feel” those hunger pangs. However, our mindset cannot be to simply “get through it”. But rather, to be intentional about praying, worshipping, feasting on the word of God instead of earthly food.
I encourage you to set aside INTENTIONAL prayer time during your fast, to focus on HIS face. As a wise pastor (Pastor Timothy) always says “pray about what to pray about.” This aligns our hearts with what God has planned, rather than our hearts desires. God sees the big picture when we can only see pieces of the puzzle.
Pray BOLD prayers, that lose the chains of oppression, that set people free.
Trust in Him as you seek his face for direction this week.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, as I fast and pray this week, may my focus be on what you would have me pray for. Would I be BOLD in my prayers this week, asking for things more than I could ever think or imagine for nothing is impossible with God.
Lord forgive me for getting distracted and keep my heart intentional as I seek your face. Father your thoughts are higher than my thoughts and your ways are higher than my ways. I trust you Lord my God. Lead me and guide me this week.
Amen.
Isaiah 58:6–7
“Is not this the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of wickedness,
to undo the straps of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover him,
and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?”
God desires a fast that produces freedom, compassion, and transformed living, not empty religious ritual. It begins with humble hearts positioned towards him!
Matthew 6:16–18
“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Reflection
As children of the Most High God, we don’t fast to get noticed here on earth, or in heaven. We fast to humble ourselves before the Almighty God. (Notice that Jesus says… “WHEN YOU FAST…” This assumes that all believers are expected to fast.) When we give up something that is necessary for LIFE, we deny our flesh and simply feed the spirit. We do this by feasting on the Word of God, praying, worshipping, praising, meditating on the Word, and spending time in the presence of the Father.
Fasting is a practice that aligns our heart with God. As our hearts break for what breaks his, it redirects our thoughts to heavenly things rather than the earthly. This world is not our home, and when we deny our flesh, we are reminded that our hearts desire heaven. As we soak in the presence of the Lord, our spirits come alive in surrender to our loving God.
Paul mentions disciplining his body into submission in 2 Corinthians. This is what happens in our faith when we fast. We reject our earthly cravings and seek first the kingdom of heaven!
Practice
As you enter into fasting this week, be intentional. We often like to keep ourselves busy in order not to “feel” those hunger pangs. However, our mindset cannot be to simply “get through it”. But rather, to be intentional about praying, worshipping, feasting on the word of God instead of earthly food.
I encourage you to set aside INTENTIONAL prayer time during your fast, to focus on HIS face. As a wise pastor (Pastor Timothy) always says “pray about what to pray about.” This aligns our hearts with what God has planned, rather than our hearts desires. God sees the big picture when we can only see pieces of the puzzle.
Pray BOLD prayers, that lose the chains of oppression, that set people free.
Trust in Him as you seek his face for direction this week.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, as I fast and pray this week, may my focus be on what you would have me pray for. Would I be BOLD in my prayers this week, asking for things more than I could ever think or imagine for nothing is impossible with God.
Lord forgive me for getting distracted and keep my heart intentional as I seek your face. Father your thoughts are higher than my thoughts and your ways are higher than my ways. I trust you Lord my God. Lead me and guide me this week.
Amen.
Prayer & Fasting Devotional Week 3
Scripture:
Romans 12:1
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
1 Corinthians 6:19–20
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body.”
Reflection:
Fasting can often be misunderstood. In my experience, many think fasting is an act we do to get something from God rather being, breakthrough, direction, or a blessing. As we look at the Scripture, it shows us fasting is #1 about surrendering, not about gain.
Paul writes in Romans 12 that we are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. This is a form of worship to Him. In this passage, they use the word SOMA for body, meaning your whole person not just your physical body, but your whole person: your choices, desires, life, and your will.
Sacrificing to God is not partial, but rather fully complete. When we fast, it's an expression and heart posture of everything I am to God. Our bodies, time, and appetites are not ours. Each one of us was bought with a price, and fasting reminds us of that truth.
When we surrender our cravings and appetites, we become more aware. We begin to listen better, pray with fewer distractions, and depend more on our Father. Fasting is another form of worship! It's the act of offering yourself to God, the One who gave you everything.
Practice:
As you enter into fasting, remember it’s not just giving something up, but rather offering your whole life to God.
When you are hungry — “Lord, I belong to you.”
When you feel weak — “My strength comes from you, God.”
My challenge to you is to take intentional time to surrender specific areas of your life: your plans, habits, worries, and desires. Ask the Lord to show you any areas of your life that He wants you to surrender to Him.
Fasting is not about getting through the day without eating. It is about learning to live as a sacrifice that is fully His.
Prayer:
Lord Father,
As I fast this week, I offer my whole life to you. Not just my words, not just my prayers, but my whole life. Teach me what it means to be a living sacrifice to you. Show me areas in my life I need to surrender to you, and give me the strength to lay them down at your feet.
Lord, I may be weak, but you are strong. Help me to hunger for your presence more than hunger for food, and forgive me for the times I don’t prioritize you like I should. Continue to draw me closer to you. I am yours, completely and fully.
Amen.
Romans 12:1
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
1 Corinthians 6:19–20
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body.”
Reflection:
Fasting can often be misunderstood. In my experience, many think fasting is an act we do to get something from God rather being, breakthrough, direction, or a blessing. As we look at the Scripture, it shows us fasting is #1 about surrendering, not about gain.
Paul writes in Romans 12 that we are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. This is a form of worship to Him. In this passage, they use the word SOMA for body, meaning your whole person not just your physical body, but your whole person: your choices, desires, life, and your will.
Sacrificing to God is not partial, but rather fully complete. When we fast, it's an expression and heart posture of everything I am to God. Our bodies, time, and appetites are not ours. Each one of us was bought with a price, and fasting reminds us of that truth.
When we surrender our cravings and appetites, we become more aware. We begin to listen better, pray with fewer distractions, and depend more on our Father. Fasting is another form of worship! It's the act of offering yourself to God, the One who gave you everything.
Practice:
As you enter into fasting, remember it’s not just giving something up, but rather offering your whole life to God.
When you are hungry — “Lord, I belong to you.”
When you feel weak — “My strength comes from you, God.”
My challenge to you is to take intentional time to surrender specific areas of your life: your plans, habits, worries, and desires. Ask the Lord to show you any areas of your life that He wants you to surrender to Him.
Fasting is not about getting through the day without eating. It is about learning to live as a sacrifice that is fully His.
Prayer:
Lord Father,
As I fast this week, I offer my whole life to you. Not just my words, not just my prayers, but my whole life. Teach me what it means to be a living sacrifice to you. Show me areas in my life I need to surrender to you, and give me the strength to lay them down at your feet.
Lord, I may be weak, but you are strong. Help me to hunger for your presence more than hunger for food, and forgive me for the times I don’t prioritize you like I should. Continue to draw me closer to you. I am yours, completely and fully.
Amen.
Prayer & Fasting Devotional Week 4
Scripture
Joel 2:12
"'Even now,' declares the LORD, 'return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.’”
Hosea 6:6
“For I desire loyalty and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”
Reflection
Fasting can look like intercession. A denying the flesh. Mourning for our sins. Petitioning. Returning. A drawing near to our Father.
And it does look like that.
Fasting is like that.
But at the true root of fasting, it is not about intercession. Or mourning. Or petitioning in the extreme.
Fasting is for God’s glory.
It’s why we exist. It is why He created us. To give Him glory.
We can easily make fasting about ourselves. The pride we have for denying ourselves of something for a long period of time. The accomplishment we feel to withhold from what we deeply desire or need. The feelings we have when fasting becomes about something WE are doing, instead of what GOD is doing.
Practice
God desires a loyal heart. A heart so truly set on HIM, rather than just another sacrifice made.
Can we do this perfectly? No, only One has walked this earth in perfection.
And so when we fast, it is not just another sacrifice made, it is a deep desire to have a heart that wants to become like HIM.
Because this glorifies our Father in heaven.
We fast to know Jesus better, to return to Him in a deeper way.
Because this brings the Lord glory.
We fast because we know that HE is GOD, and we are not. That His strength is made PERFECT in our weakness.
Because He is glory FULFILLED.
We fast to show our Creator, our Savior, that our hearts, our minds, our souls, and our body are to give Him glory - and His glory ALONE.
We fast to show Him that our sacrifice of fasting is nothing compared to His sacrifice on the cross.
Prayer
Jesus, as I go into this time of fasting, please help remind me that YOUR strength is made perfect in my weakness. That the small sacrifice of my fasting is nothing compared to the ultimate sacrifice you made on the cross. Lord, draw my heart, my mind, my soul, and my body near to you during this time. Let every breath that I take be for your glory. Help me deny my flesh, my desires, my emotions so that you are glorified through my obedience during this time. Thank you for your love, Jesus. For your strength. For your sacrifice. For the blood you shed on the cross. My life is yours. Amen.
Joel 2:12
"'Even now,' declares the LORD, 'return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.’”
Hosea 6:6
“For I desire loyalty and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”
Reflection
Fasting can look like intercession. A denying the flesh. Mourning for our sins. Petitioning. Returning. A drawing near to our Father.
And it does look like that.
Fasting is like that.
But at the true root of fasting, it is not about intercession. Or mourning. Or petitioning in the extreme.
Fasting is for God’s glory.
It’s why we exist. It is why He created us. To give Him glory.
We can easily make fasting about ourselves. The pride we have for denying ourselves of something for a long period of time. The accomplishment we feel to withhold from what we deeply desire or need. The feelings we have when fasting becomes about something WE are doing, instead of what GOD is doing.
Practice
God desires a loyal heart. A heart so truly set on HIM, rather than just another sacrifice made.
Can we do this perfectly? No, only One has walked this earth in perfection.
And so when we fast, it is not just another sacrifice made, it is a deep desire to have a heart that wants to become like HIM.
Because this glorifies our Father in heaven.
We fast to know Jesus better, to return to Him in a deeper way.
Because this brings the Lord glory.
We fast because we know that HE is GOD, and we are not. That His strength is made PERFECT in our weakness.
Because He is glory FULFILLED.
We fast to show our Creator, our Savior, that our hearts, our minds, our souls, and our body are to give Him glory - and His glory ALONE.
We fast to show Him that our sacrifice of fasting is nothing compared to His sacrifice on the cross.
Prayer
Jesus, as I go into this time of fasting, please help remind me that YOUR strength is made perfect in my weakness. That the small sacrifice of my fasting is nothing compared to the ultimate sacrifice you made on the cross. Lord, draw my heart, my mind, my soul, and my body near to you during this time. Let every breath that I take be for your glory. Help me deny my flesh, my desires, my emotions so that you are glorified through my obedience during this time. Thank you for your love, Jesus. For your strength. For your sacrifice. For the blood you shed on the cross. My life is yours. Amen.
Prayer & Fasting Devotional Week 5
Scripture
Joel 2:12–13 (NLT)
“That is why the Lord says, ‘Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. … Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.’”
Reflection
God desires more than external rituals. He wants genuine repentance and wholehearted seeking. Fasting helps us turn our hearts fully to Him. God is always more interested in our heart posture than the stuff we can DO for Him. Often times we do not run to Him because we think he won’t understand or we are afraid of His anger. Really though, He WANTS to hear from us. We get into trouble only when we try to hide from the LORD and say the three most dangerous words, “I got this.” We don’t got this! But our God certainly does. This is our time to turn to Him not away from Him.
Practice
While fasting from the comforts whether it be food, habits, or other distractions you will feel pangs to return to it. DON’T, use that discomfort as an alert to turn toward the Lord of love, patience, wisdom, and yes justice to seek His face and praise Him and also… listen.
Prayer
Lord, we choose to humble ourselves before You through fasting and prayer. Remove anything that distracts us from Your voice. Give us clean hearts, clear direction, and fresh faith as we seek You first. Thank You that when we draw near to You, You draw near to us. Amen.
Joel 2:12–13 (NLT)
“That is why the Lord says, ‘Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. … Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.’”
Reflection
God desires more than external rituals. He wants genuine repentance and wholehearted seeking. Fasting helps us turn our hearts fully to Him. God is always more interested in our heart posture than the stuff we can DO for Him. Often times we do not run to Him because we think he won’t understand or we are afraid of His anger. Really though, He WANTS to hear from us. We get into trouble only when we try to hide from the LORD and say the three most dangerous words, “I got this.” We don’t got this! But our God certainly does. This is our time to turn to Him not away from Him.
Practice
While fasting from the comforts whether it be food, habits, or other distractions you will feel pangs to return to it. DON’T, use that discomfort as an alert to turn toward the Lord of love, patience, wisdom, and yes justice to seek His face and praise Him and also… listen.
Prayer
Lord, we choose to humble ourselves before You through fasting and prayer. Remove anything that distracts us from Your voice. Give us clean hearts, clear direction, and fresh faith as we seek You first. Thank You that when we draw near to You, You draw near to us. Amen.
Prayer & Fasting Devotional Week 6
Scripture
Joel 2:12-13
“Even now,” declares the Lord,
“return to me with all your heart,
with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
Rend your heart
and not your garments.
Return to the Lord your God,
for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
and he relents from sending calamity.
Reflection
In the time of the prophet Joel, God warned His people that judgment was coming because they had placed other things ahead of Him. This is not so different from what we see today—or even in our own lives. Things like career, status, money, and relationships can easily take center stage. While none of these are inherently wrong, they become a problem when they take precedence over God and begin to replace His rightful place in our lives. It happens easily, because these things constantly compete for our attention.
That is why it is so important to spend intentional time with God, keeping Him first in our heart. When other things begin to crowd Him out, we need to repent and restore Him to that central place. “Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts.” Joel 2:12. We must continually realign our hearts with His—seeking His will and having the courage to follow where He leads.
Practice
This week, as you set aside intentional time to fast, focus on drawing closer to the Lord and aligning your heart with His will. Ask God to reveal anything you may have placed ahead of Him. Take time to examine your priorities and, if needed, reorder your life around what He is calling you to.
As you do this, may your love for the Lord deepen, and may everything else fade in comparison to knowing Him more fully. Expect to become more aware of His presence and to grow in discernment through this time of waiting, fasting, and prayer.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me to seek You more deeply, help me to feel your presence, and your love. Use this set-apart time to transform my heart and align my will with Yours. Give me the courage to put You first in everything, and a heart that reflects Your love to everyone I meet. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Joel 2:12-13
“Even now,” declares the Lord,
“return to me with all your heart,
with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
Rend your heart
and not your garments.
Return to the Lord your God,
for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
and he relents from sending calamity.
Reflection
In the time of the prophet Joel, God warned His people that judgment was coming because they had placed other things ahead of Him. This is not so different from what we see today—or even in our own lives. Things like career, status, money, and relationships can easily take center stage. While none of these are inherently wrong, they become a problem when they take precedence over God and begin to replace His rightful place in our lives. It happens easily, because these things constantly compete for our attention.
That is why it is so important to spend intentional time with God, keeping Him first in our heart. When other things begin to crowd Him out, we need to repent and restore Him to that central place. “Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts.” Joel 2:12. We must continually realign our hearts with His—seeking His will and having the courage to follow where He leads.
Practice
This week, as you set aside intentional time to fast, focus on drawing closer to the Lord and aligning your heart with His will. Ask God to reveal anything you may have placed ahead of Him. Take time to examine your priorities and, if needed, reorder your life around what He is calling you to.
As you do this, may your love for the Lord deepen, and may everything else fade in comparison to knowing Him more fully. Expect to become more aware of His presence and to grow in discernment through this time of waiting, fasting, and prayer.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me to seek You more deeply, help me to feel your presence, and your love. Use this set-apart time to transform my heart and align my will with Yours. Give me the courage to put You first in everything, and a heart that reflects Your love to everyone I meet. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer & Fasting Devotional Week 7
Scripture
Mark 9:29
He said to them, “This kind [of unclean spirit] can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”
Reflection
A man brought his son the disciples to be delivered from a demon who caused him to thrash about, to seize, and to render him mute - unable to speak. The disciples were unable to cast out the demon but Jesus was able.
Later, the disciples asked Jesus why they could not cast it out (Mark 9:28). The answer lies in a close, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. “This kind can come out by nothing but” concentrating on Him, and then doubling and redoubling that concentration on Him. The disciples were powerless, as are we, by trying to do God’s work without concentrating on Him and His power. Instead we follow our own ideas and trust in our own strength. We can be eager to serve God but if we don’t press into Him, we can slander and dishonor Him by our own desire to “do God’s work.”
When you are in the midst of a difficult situation and nothing seems to be happening, you can rest assured that He is faithful and peace can be yours, when you concentrate on and cuddle up to the Father. Prayer and fasting is a wonderful way to be intimate with Him. Your job is to ensure that there is nothing in the way between you and Jesus. Is there something in the way?
Practice
In our times of intimacy with Jesus, we need to ask Him to show us anything that is in the way or our relationship. We can’t ignore it or go around it but we need to face it and get through it in the presence of Jesus Christ. Then, that problem and all that we’ve gone through in connection with it, will become a story that brings Him glory! God’s story being lived out in and through us for His glory!
Prayer
Lord, show me the things in my life that are standing in the way of being close to You. Help me to trust you to work through me and on my behalf as I draw closer to you through my times of prayer and of fasting. Teach me your ways and to seek You first and not rely on my own ways or thoughts or strength. Amen.
Mark 9:29
He said to them, “This kind [of unclean spirit] can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”
Reflection
A man brought his son the disciples to be delivered from a demon who caused him to thrash about, to seize, and to render him mute - unable to speak. The disciples were unable to cast out the demon but Jesus was able.
Later, the disciples asked Jesus why they could not cast it out (Mark 9:28). The answer lies in a close, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. “This kind can come out by nothing but” concentrating on Him, and then doubling and redoubling that concentration on Him. The disciples were powerless, as are we, by trying to do God’s work without concentrating on Him and His power. Instead we follow our own ideas and trust in our own strength. We can be eager to serve God but if we don’t press into Him, we can slander and dishonor Him by our own desire to “do God’s work.”
When you are in the midst of a difficult situation and nothing seems to be happening, you can rest assured that He is faithful and peace can be yours, when you concentrate on and cuddle up to the Father. Prayer and fasting is a wonderful way to be intimate with Him. Your job is to ensure that there is nothing in the way between you and Jesus. Is there something in the way?
Practice
In our times of intimacy with Jesus, we need to ask Him to show us anything that is in the way or our relationship. We can’t ignore it or go around it but we need to face it and get through it in the presence of Jesus Christ. Then, that problem and all that we’ve gone through in connection with it, will become a story that brings Him glory! God’s story being lived out in and through us for His glory!
Prayer
Lord, show me the things in my life that are standing in the way of being close to You. Help me to trust you to work through me and on my behalf as I draw closer to you through my times of prayer and of fasting. Teach me your ways and to seek You first and not rely on my own ways or thoughts or strength. Amen.
Prayer & Fasting Devotional Week 8
Scripture:
Isaiah 58:6-7
“Is it not this kind of fasting I have chosen: to lose the chains of injustice, untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed, free and break every yoke?“
Isaiah 58:6-7
“Is it not this kind of fasting I have chosen: to lose the chains of injustice, untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed, free and break every yoke?“
Is it not to share your food with a hungry and to provide the poor wonder with shelter -when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? “
Reflection:
When we think of fasting, we often think of what we’re giving up or taking out of our daily life. Missing a meal, skipping coffee or dessert. Maybe taking a break from social media.
But in Isaiah 58, God shifts our perspective from
what we are “emptying out” of our day, to looking at what God wants to fill our lives with through our sacrifices.
God changes our perspective by seeing those around us who are needy or living without basic needs.
Isaiah encourages us to be outward- focused by fulfilling the needs of others.
Scripture reminds us that the physical hunger we feel should help us to be sensitive to the hunger of others. Not only by praying for them, but to help whenever we can.
Prayer and fasting should result in a heart change that is softer towards those around us and more open to God‘s will and say “Yes!” to His leading to be the hands & feet of Jesus.
Practice:
Fasting God’s way is a physical “No” to the world, so that we can give a spiritual “yes!” to God.
Today as you pray and fast, ask the Lord to show you what to give up, who to reach out to show the Love and Hope of Jesus.
Prayer:
Thank you Lord for all that you’ve given me. I am grateful for your blessings on my life. Today as I fast, help me to be outwardly focused. Give me the heart for what breaks yours. Give me your eyes to see people the way you do and help them in whatever way that I can even if that’s a simple encouraging word. But my life be the fast that you choose one that’s marked by mercy, grace and love for my neighbor.
Thank you Lord for all that you’ve given me. I am grateful for your blessings on my life. Today as I fast, help me to be outwardly focused. Give me the heart for what breaks yours. Give me your eyes to see people the way you do and help them in whatever way that I can even if that’s a simple encouraging word. But my life be the fast that you choose one that’s marked by mercy, grace and love for my neighbor.
In Jesus Mighty name Amen.
Prayer & Fasting Devotional Week 9
Scripture:
Putting on the Armor of God
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Ephesians 6:11 NIV
Reflection:
The word of God instructs us to put on the full armor of God, to protect us against the enemy. A soldier in any natural army would never go to battle unprepared, and we, as “soldiers in Gods army” should not be unequipped to come against all of the schemes of the enemy. The armor this verse is talking about is not natural gear but an equipping of our mind so that we won’t be deceived, distracted or discouraged when we face trials in this life. The Bible says: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Ephesians 6:10-17 NIV
Practice:
Take a moment to evaluate each part of the armor, the belt of Truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the boots equipped with the gospel of peace, the helmet of salvation, the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit. Ask the Lord to equip you with each one so that you are covered, body, soul and spirit, to come against the schemes of the enemy and his fiery darts.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the full armor of God, thank you for not leaving me defenseless but equipping me with everything I need to come against the enemy. I am not a victim to this life but a readied, prepared soldier, you have called and equipped for the battle that rages. I put on my breastplate of righteousness, I buckle my belt of truth, I fix my feet with the gospel of peace, I put on the helmet of salvation, pick up the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit that is sharper than any two edged sword, that can cut through bone and marrow and separate soul from spirit. You, oh Lord, have already won the battle, the victory is yours, I am here, ready for you to use and ready to stand for the winning team in victory! -Amen
Putting on the Armor of God
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Ephesians 6:11 NIV
Reflection:
The word of God instructs us to put on the full armor of God, to protect us against the enemy. A soldier in any natural army would never go to battle unprepared, and we, as “soldiers in Gods army” should not be unequipped to come against all of the schemes of the enemy. The armor this verse is talking about is not natural gear but an equipping of our mind so that we won’t be deceived, distracted or discouraged when we face trials in this life. The Bible says: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Ephesians 6:10-17 NIV
Practice:
Take a moment to evaluate each part of the armor, the belt of Truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the boots equipped with the gospel of peace, the helmet of salvation, the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit. Ask the Lord to equip you with each one so that you are covered, body, soul and spirit, to come against the schemes of the enemy and his fiery darts.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the full armor of God, thank you for not leaving me defenseless but equipping me with everything I need to come against the enemy. I am not a victim to this life but a readied, prepared soldier, you have called and equipped for the battle that rages. I put on my breastplate of righteousness, I buckle my belt of truth, I fix my feet with the gospel of peace, I put on the helmet of salvation, pick up the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit that is sharper than any two edged sword, that can cut through bone and marrow and separate soul from spirit. You, oh Lord, have already won the battle, the victory is yours, I am here, ready for you to use and ready to stand for the winning team in victory! -Amen