There is a saying "Prayer is the Key, it is the Master Key" meaning it is the key that unlocks or opens up the door to your blessings, breakthrough, etc. Today we will be looking at the benefits of integrating fasting with prayer. And so, this is a message that will be beneficial not just to those of us who have an active prayer life but also those of us whose prayer life has been irregular or sporadic. So, before we look at how you can incorporate fasting with your prayer and the benefits of doing so, let us look at a couple of definitions.
Definition of Prayer
According to Merriam Webster's dictionary, prayer is a silent or spoken petition made to God or a god, and another dictionary refers to it as a spiritual communion with God or an object of worship, as in supplication, thanksgiving, or adoration. Well, for us believers, prayer is simply a two-way communication with God. We speak to Him, and He replies or talks back through many ways, e.g., His divine word (scriptures), a still small voice, prophecy, word of knowledge, dreams, revelation, etc.
Definition of Fasting
Fasting, according to the dictionary, refers to abstinence from some or all foods (including liquids). It is the act of denying oneself the pleasures of food for a specified period.
From the time of old, i.e., going back to biblical times, the Old Testament, to be exact, fasting was a common practice. The children of Israel were always aware of the benefits of fasting and prayer to God because each time they fasted, they saw the formidable move of God in their circumstances as individuals and as a nation. A few examples come to mind beginning with Moses, in Exodus 34:27-28, it revealed that he waited on the Lord for 40 days and 40 nights while receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. In Judges 20:26-28, when the children of Israel were in the battle with their kindred of Benjamin's tribe, who rose up against them.
The children of Israel were consistently losing the battle until they fasted and sought the Lord for directions, and after a one day fast, God gave them the victory. Another example was also in II Chronicles 20:3 when King Jehoshaphat declared a fast throughout Judah when their enemies, the Moabites, and Ammonites rose against them. As they fasted and offered praises to the Lord, He gave them a great victory. Who can forget the beautiful and bold Queen Esther whose people, the Jewish nation was going to be completely wiped out as a result of hate and in Esther 4:16, she declared a three day and three nights absolute fast and left the rest to the Lord saying "If I perish, I perish" and what did the Lord do? He caused Esther to find favor in the King's sight, and God gave her and the Jewish people a great victory, while at the same time destroying their enemies', i.e., Haman and all the enemies of the Jewish people. There are more examples throughout the OT alone of how God delivered His people from harm when they repented of their sins, and earnestly cried out unto Him through Prayer and sometimes with fasting. It proved the Lord Jesus's words in Matthew 17:21 when He stated that "However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting" KJV. Even speaking about the Lord Jesus, He also fasted for 40 days in the wilderness before officially starting His ministry, Matthew 4:1-2, and this practice continued throughout the early church, which relied on fasting and prayer when seeking God's guidance. Acts 13:2, 14:23
Types of Fasting unto God: There are only three types of fast mentioned in scripture.
I). Partial Fast - Daniel engaged in a partial fast according to Daniel 10:2-3 to seek the Lord’s wisdom. He fasted for 21 days and didn’t eat any pleasant food, neither meat nor wine. These verses confirm it was a partial fast because he only abstained from pleasant, exotic foods such as what was served on the King’s table. This type of fast is usually called the "Daniel Fast," and it can involve just consuming fruits or vegetables with water. I believe this is the most common type of fasting today.
II). Normal Fast - This type of fast is usually with liquids (i.e., water) only for a specified number of days. An example of this fast is what Jesus did in the wilderness where He fasted for 40 days and 40 nights with no food, but it appears that He had only water because scripture mentioned that He was hungry and Satan came to tempt Him with food. Matthew 4:1-2.
III). Absolute (Dry) Fast- This is when no food and no liquids are consumed. This kind of fast is rarely practiced and is only mentioned a few times in the Bible. Moses in Exodus 34:28 who fasted for 40 days and 40 nights as mentioned earlier. Also, there is the Apostle Paul, during his Damascus Road experience "was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. Acts 9:9 and Queen Esther in Esther 4:16. I have never tried this type of fast but my husband has, a few times in the past and it’s incredible the results he encountered both spiritually and physically.
A). How Are We to Fast?
In Matthew 6:17-18, Jesus instructs us on how to fast, advising us to anoint our head and wash our faces so that our fasting is not obvious to others. In other words, we should not draw attention to our appearance or change the way we look when we are fasting. Jesus warns against hypocrisy, cautioning us not to seek praise from others, as that would be our only reward (Matthew 6:16).
B). When Are We to Fast?
i). We can fast anytime, i.e., there are no restrictions on how often you can fast. You don't have to wait for your church or fellowship to declare a fast for a specific purpose. Fasting for personal spiritual growth can be incredibly beneficial, and I recently committed to fasting at least twice a week for this purpose. Additionally, my family and I have found that fasting together has been a powerful and rewarding experience.
ii). As the Spirit of God leads you
iii). When there is a burden in your heart that refuses to go away even after just praying. (i.e., anything disturbing your peace) Sometimes it could be attack from the enemy or a burden put there by God.
iv). When you are facing all kinds of storms or challenges (i.e., financial distress, marital problems, relationship issues with family, friends, sickness, etc. In situations like that, it never hurts to step up your prayer with fasting, especially when you feel you are under spiritual attack.
v). When you take the burdens of others upon yourself (intercessory prayer, which we will look at in Part 2 of our series). Psalm 35:13, Isaiah 58:6-7.
vi). When you are about to embark on an essential assignment for God or a complex project. Matthew 4:2
C). Who Should Fast?
Every child of God regardless of their age (with the exception of children under the age of 13) should fast at one time or the other in their prayer lives. I believe 13 according to Jewish customs, is referred to as the age of accountability. I am always amazed to see the elderly, both Men and Women well into their 80s and 90s’, faithfully serving the Lord and loving every minute of it. Regardless of their age, health, etc, they don’t let it get in the way of doing God’s work. It makes me always think that if these can still have that passion or zeal in their later years, how much more we, the younger ones. Look at Billy Graham today, who is 93 years old , Dr. Charles Stanley who just turned 80 last September and many more people of God like that in their late 60s’ and up around the world, still going strong by the strength of God, Isaiah 40:31, and we see an example of such in Luke 2:36-37, Anna, a prophetess of God, who was about 84 years of age and had lost her husband only after 7 years of marriage, It was said of her that "she never left the temple, but served God with fasting and prayers night and day, you begin to wonder at that age, what is the fasting for again? Well, it is between her and God, but I believe this religious act or practice was enriching her life in some way, who knows maybe "long life," and I also believe it became "second nature" to her to do so.
Having said this, before attempting to fast, it's important to exercise caution, especially if you have a medical condition. It's advisable to seek professional medical advice. If you've never fasted before, I recommend starting with a small fast, such as a one-day fast for at least 6 hours. As you pray faithfully, you can gradually extend the duration with the Lord's help. It's best not to attempt a three to seven-day full-day fast if you're new to fasting, as it can lead to common side effects like dizziness, headaches, and low blood sugar. Starting slowly is key to staying focused on the purpose of your fast and not getting caught up in physical discomfort. Nevertheless, always seek guidance from the Lord.
Before we look at the benefits of fasting with prayer, let me first of all state that it is essential that we are fasting for the right reasons or else, it would have all been for nothing. Isaiah 58:3-4. Remember God sees the heart of Man and knows when our motives or intentions are wrong. Genuine Fasting is to break the power of flesh in our lives and with the right intentions; it is always effective when seeking the Lord for yourself or on behalf of others.
D). The Benefits of Fasting with Prayer
Now the benefits of combining fasting, along with prayer are many, and so we will look at some of them.
i). Receive divine guidance Judges 20:26-28
ii). Receive victory over temptation Matthew 4:1-11 (Jesus, because He was in human flesh was prone to temptation just like us. With the help of the Holy Spirit, He resisted).
iii). When fasting is done with the right motives, a reward is given from God Matthew 6:16-18.
iv). Abundance, Prosperity would be your portion Isaiah 58:8, Job 11:17.
v). Restored Health, Divine Health Isaiah 58:8, Jeremiah 30:17.
vi). When you call upon the Lord, He will answer Isaiah 58:9, Psalm 50:15.
vii). When you fast and pray for those in need, the poor, etc., the Lord promises to guide you continually, satisfy your heart’s desire and bless you with good health. Isaiah 58:11.
viii). Genuine fasting and prayer bring fruitfulness, radiance and God’s goodness in your life.
ix). Receive restoration, promotion, and God will use us to impact the lives of others.
x). Able to discern more clearly the will of God for our lives through our spiritual eyes and ears.
xi). As a church group, community or nation, when we genuinely fast and pray, God can move on our behalf, causing a change to occur to align with God’s plan. 2 Chronicles 7:14.
Let me conclude by emphasizing that it's never too late to incorporate fasting into your prayer life. Start slowly and then gradually advance to longer periods of fasting. You will begin to see it as second nature, and not only that, but you will also experience significant growth in your walk with the Lord. Throughout biblical history, both men and women, young and old alike, have testified to God's greatness. Even today, Christians worldwide are seeking the Lord through prayer and fasting, witnessing powerful testimonies of God's awesomeness. I encourage you to become a person of prayer, taking that extra step with prayer and fasting unto the Lord. As you do so, you shall receive the divine encounter you have been waiting for as you allow the Lord to take you higher in your prayer life.
