Fasting is a powerful practice that is prevalent among Christians since the beginning of time. Though not mentioned directly in the Bible, fasting is deeply engraved in the holy scriptures. In the realm of the Christian faith, fasting, and prayer hold much significance and transformative powers. These two, when combined create a powerful force that brings us closer to God.
Fasting, voluntary abstinence from food or certain activities, prayer, the communication with God, are powerful spiritual disciplines that open the door to supernatural breakthroughs. In this article, we will explore the importance of fasting, delve into the optimal times to fast, and discover the incredible power that fasting and prayer hold for every believer.
Importance of Fasting
Fasting is not merely a religious ritual that is carried out as a duty, it is devotion; it is a profound spiritual discipline with deep biblical roots. By denying ourselves and our physical needs, we are humbling ourselves before God.
During fasting, we are focusing only on Him. Our hearts and minds are devoted to Him. It is an act of surrender and dependency where we recognize that our life is dedicated to God and our strength comes only from him. It is a powerful expression of devotion and a way to express our hunger for a deeper relationship with God.
When To Fast?
There is no specific time to fast. It is a personal choice and individuals practice fasting to get closer to God. However, there are certain seasons and circumstances that call for specific fasting periods. Below, we have listed a few significant moments where one can fast.
Seeking Spiritual Breakthrough
When we face challenges, hurdles, or situations that are beyond our capabilities and require divine intervention, fasting and prayer is the best way to find solutions. Like how apostles, disciples, and others sought God’s guidance and help through fasting in the Bible, we also can approach Him with fasting when we require help in our lives. Fasting demonstrates our desperation for His intervention and aligns our hearts with His will, positioning us to experience His power and provision.
Times of Repentance
Fasting has a purifying effect on our spiritual lives and rejuvenates them with light. When we recognize areas of sin, bondage, or lethargy in our lives, fasting can be a medium for repentance, revival, and renewal. By willingly sacrificing our physical nourishment, we show God our sincerity and desire for transformation and guidance toward the right path. Fasting creates space for God to reveal hidden sins, leading us to genuine repentance and restoring our passion and devotion for Him.
Discerning God’s Will
God is always at the front leading us on the right path. However, worldly affairs prevent us from hearing his voice of righteousness and divert our path. Fasting and prayer provide clarity and sensitivity to God’s voice. When faced with important decisions, fasting helps quiet the noise of the world and our own desires, enabling us to discern God’s leading more effectively. By abstaining from distractions through fasting, we position ourselves to hear His voice and receive guidance in accordance with His perfect will.
Times of Intense Intercession
When we are in dire need of others and unable to manage the burden, fasting, and prayers come to our rescue. It deepens our compassion, increases our spiritual authority, and aligns our hearts with God’s heart for those we are praying for. Fasting helps us prioritize intercession, recognizing that the battles we fight are not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. Hence, through fasting, one can strengthen their intercession.
The Power of Fasting and Prayer
Fasting and prayer hold extraordinary power in the spiritual realm. They have the capability to change the lives of people and guide them to the holy kingdom of Jesus. Fasting and prayer start with internal cleansing followed by the path toward God. When we engage in this discipline with a humble and sincere heart, incredible things happen.
Overcome Obstacles
There are instances in life when we come across hurdles that challenge our willpower and make us question our beliefs. When we come across hardships, it is best to practice prayer and fasting. The combined power of fasting and prayer breaks through spiritual barriers that create a void in our hearts, thereby, releasing God’s power and enabling us to overcome obstacles that seemed unconquerable.
They dismantle barriers, and obstacles, break addictions, and bring deliverance. As we persist in fasting and prayer, we witness unimaginable growth and transformation of lives and circumstances by the mighty hand of God.
Spiritual Sensitivity
Fasting along with prayer makes us sensitive to the voice of God. You can feel His presence and find Him guiding you in life. As we deny our physical appetites for a specific period of time, our spiritual senses become more attuned to His leading. This combined with Prayer during the fasting period further enhances spiritual sensitivity.
We experience heightened discernment, clarity, and revelation of our life and our purpose. Fasting and prayer enable us to walk in step with the Holy Spirit, perceiving the spiritual realm more clearly with a deeper understanding.
Deepened Relation With God
As Christians, we aim to build a deeper relationship with God. Everything we do and seek is to get closer to God and join His holy kingdom of peace and righteousness. Fasting and prayer are effective ways to attain that through abstinence from worldly affairs and embarking on the divine journey. Fasting and prayer cultivate intimacy with God.
As we set aside time to seek Him, we draw near to His heart. Fasting allows us to hunger for God’s presence, His Word, and His love. In return, He meets us with an outpouring of His grace, peace, and joy, satisfying the hunger of our souls.
Strengthened Faith
When we are facing hurdles in life, we are put through a test where we question our belief in God. During these hardships, we may feel the pressure to question our beliefs and enclose ourselves in darkness. Fasting and prayer strengthen our faith in God and his decisions. It makes us realize that everything happens for a reason.
Fasting and prayer deepen our trust in God and reinforce our dependence on Him. Through the act of fasting, we declare that He is our ultimate provider and sustainer. As we rely on Him for physical sustenance during the fast, our faith grows, and we become more confident in His unfailing love and care for every aspect of our lives.
Conclusion
The power of fasting and prayer is undeniable. When approached with humility, sincerity, and a heart completely surrendered to God, fasting and prayer have the ability to bring about supernatural breakthroughs, revival, and deepen our relationship with God. May we never underestimate the significance of fasting and prayer as we seek to draw closer to God, experience His power, and align our lives with His divine purposes.
Let us embark on this transformative journey of fasting and prayer, trusting that God will meet us in an extraordinary way through Breath of the Spirit holy ministries.
