As we draw closer to our time of corporate prayer and fasting, I want share with you three reasons to consider entering a time of prayer with fasting. This certainly isn’t a complete list – there’s many reasons to pray and fast according to the Bible. But here are three really good reasons to consider as you plan to join us in prayer and fasting.

1) Jesus fasted. 

  • In Matthew chapter 4, and Luke chapter 4 we have the account of the Lord Jesus Christ being baptized by the Holy Spirit when He was baptized in water under the ministry of John the Baptist. After this, Jesus is led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit. While He is in the wilderness, He is in a time of prayer and fasting for 40 days. When He returns, according to Luke 4:14, “returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee.’ 
  • Jesus is our example. If Jesus needed to enter into a time of prayer with fasting so do we!

2) Jesus said “When you fast”

  • In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus teaches on three “whens” : When you give, When you pray, and When you fast. When implies there is a time that it should take place. He didn’t say if you give, if you pray, if you fast. But rather when. The Bible leaves much room for liberty when it comes to fasting. There’s actually no specified amount of time (1 day, 3 days etc.) or how often a Christian should pray with fasting (weekly, monthly, yearly). But we are expected to set aside times of prayer and fasting.

3) Heroes of the Faith Fasted. 

  • Moses fasted in the presence of God before the Lord gave him and Israel the Law.
  • David fasted during times or repentance and intercession.
  • Daniel fasted for understanding, revelation, and intercession for his nation. 
  • Esther fasted for deliverance for her people. 
  • Ezra fasted for guidance and protection for him and his people. 
  • Nehemiah fasted out of mourning for Jerusalem. 
  • Jesus fasted for preparation of His earthly ministry and victory over temptation in the wilderness. 
  • The Apostles fasted for direction from the Holy Spirit in ministry and to appoint leaders in the church.
  • Paul fasted often as a means of consecration and spiritual discipline. 

So as we approach our services of prayer and fasting, January 11 through the 14th, 6 PM nightly, I want you to consider entering into a time of prayer with fasting. Give the Lord something to work with! Do it with faith, do it with expectation. And I believe that the Lord will mightily move in your life during this time of dedication and consecration.

God bless!

Pastor A.J.