When combined with fasting, prayer becomes an effective way to critically tap into the supernatural and cause a breakthrough. The word, ‘fast’ is from the Hebrew word, ‘tsom’, which means ‘to cover’ the mouth and in essence, fasting and prayer means voluntarily abstaining from food in order to focus on God and
prayer.
With food being more ubiquitous and appealing than ever, many Christians see fasting as a difficult and daunting task. They also think it’s counterintuitive and unbearable to give up food when it’s our source of vigour for keeping up with
this fast-paced and demanding world.
“So, we fasted and petitioned our God aboutthis, and He answered our prayer.”- Ezra 8:23.
Matthew 6:16-18
When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Contrary to such views, fasting and prayer isn’t very difficult to do. The Bible doesn’t have rules we must follow regarding fasting and prayer, and the key to practicing it effectively and effortlessly lies in understanding what the Bible teaches about fasting and prayer, and creating a plan that works best for you.What the Bible teaches us about fasting and prayer
Several great men and women in the Bible practiced fasting and prayer for various reasons. Judges 20 narrates how the Israelites fasted and cried out to God for help
after losing forty thousand men within two days in a battle with the Benjamites.
The next day, God gave them monumental victory.
Before committing the elders of the church to the Lord for His service, Paul and Barnabas asked for God’s wisdom through fasting and prayer (Acts 14:23). Also, to prepare for his earthly ministry, Jesus fasted for forty days during which he drew on the word of God for sustenance and to overcome temptations (Matthew 4:1-11).
Jesus, in Matthew 6:16-18, started his sermon on fasting by saying, “When you fast – “. Note he didn’t say “if” but “when” we fast. This implies that Jesus expects his followers to fast.
Fasting and prayer is not a way of punishing us; instead, it helps us overcome our flesh by diverting our attention from the source of our physical nourishment to the source of our spiritual nourishment. It helps us build our faith as we study God’s word and reach out to Him in constant prayer. It humbles us (Psalm 69:10) and can also arm us for spiritual battles, including conquering demons (Matthew 17:21).
Understandably, not everyone may be able to fast, such as people with diabetes and other health challenges. It is therefore advisable to consult with your physician before you begin.
Getting started
Before embarking on fasting and prayer, it is important to state your objectives. Are you doing it for spiritual revival, healing, or breakthrough? This will not only give the fast a purpose, it’ll also help keep your requests and conversations with God focused.
Also, choose a schedule that you’re comfortable with. Define how long your fast would last and be prepared to stick to it. Would it be a day, three days, a week? It could be as long as you desire or the Lord puts in your heart. Also, how often would you eat? A meal a day, a meal every two days? For those who have never fasted, it is advisable to start slowly and build your way up to fasting longer.
You should also decide what type of fast you’re going to have. A Full fast means you’ll abstain from all types of food and drink such as was proclaimed in Esther 4:15-16. For a Regular fast, you’ll exclude food and take just water or juice. You could also have a Daniel fast and exclude certain foods from your usual diet (Daniel 10:2-3).
During your fast
During your fast, keep your spirit enkindled by meditating on the word of God and use the power of prayer to connect with Him and receive answers to your requests. Also, use this time to care for the poor and oppressed as Isaiah 58:6-7 instructs. Try not to look somber while you fast. Instead, look your best; there’s a reward for it! (Matthew 6:16-18).
Breaking your fast
What you break your fast with depends on the type of fast you choose. For a full fast, don’t rush into eating large, solid meals immediately afterwards as this can negatively affect your digestive system. Break gradually, starting with water
or juice, and then eat some fruits or vegetables before taking your usual meal. Also, break with fruit or vegetables after a regular fast.
Final words
God wants us to have a deep relationship with Him and fasting and prayer is an effective way to achieve this. It also helps detoxify and refresh us physically and spiritually and puts us in a position to receive from Him. It doesn’t matter how small you start, give it a go today and experience God on a whole new level.
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