Prayer and Fasting

WHAT IS PRAYER AND FASTING?

As defined in Prayer 101, prayer is communication with God and the basis of our relationship with Him. Prayer is absolutely vital to our existence as believers. In Prayer 201 we will look at an equally vital discipline called fasting. This according to the scriptures enhances the effectiveness of our prayer life.

Fasting is the process of personal cleansing of your physical and spiritual being. It is the method by which we can bring our bodies and spirits into submission. Fasting is the discipline of abstaining from feeding the flesh for a particular period of time. It was often used in the Bible to bring specific attention to matters of spiritual concern.

In order for our fasting to have maximum impact, we must have a proper understanding of it. Fasting is not strictly for the purpose of getting greater results during our prayer times. It is more importantly the means of being cleansed from the impurities in our lives. It is a way of dying to the flesh and becoming alive in the Spirit. This will often in times result in the answers we are looking for in our prayer times.Remember, we do not pray and fast to change God, but rather we pray and fast because it changes us.

BRINGING PRAYER AND FASTING INTO FOCUS

“But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men 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” (Matthew 6:17, 18)

Fasting is not to be done with a “poor-me” attitude. These verses clearly teach that your appearance is not supposed to change during a fast. Fasting is not for the purpose of drawing the attention of man, but of God. Although your countenance (the outward appearance) should remain normal, there will be a definite impact on the attitude of your soul when fasting.

“Even now, declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning” (Joel 2:12)

“Is it a fast like this which I choose, a day for a man to humble himself? Is it for bowing one's head like a reed And for spreading out sackcloth and ashes as a bed? Will you call this a fast, even an acceptable day to the LORD? "Is this not the fast which I choose, To loosen the bonds of wickedness, To undo the bands of the yoke, And to let the oppressed go free And break every yoke? (Isaiah 58:5-6 NASB)

SCRIPTUAL SUPPORT FOR PRAYER AND FASTING

There are several reasons why fasting is called for in the Scriptures. The following verses of Scripture communicate the importance of fasting:

1. Fasting enables God to work through us and accomplish the things He desires for our lives(Acts 14:23)

1. Fasting and prayer are a sacrifice of our natural desires(Luke 4:2).When we deprive ourselves of our natural desires, we are denying ourselves the satisfying of our flesh. This is a good way for you to understand how you must deny the temptations of evil in your life. It is a way for you to demonstrate to the Lord your devotion to Him rather than to natural feelings and temptations.

1. Fasting can bring a confession of sin in our lives(1 Samuel 7:6). A greater awareness of our need of God comes through fasting.

1. Fasting gives our prayers more impact(Ezra 8:21-23).This passage shows how God provided for His people in a practical, but powerful way. As a result of their humbling themselves before God and stating their need, God honored their prayers.

1. Group fasting can be used to bring about an answer to a particular need(Joel 1:14).Repentance was needed in this passage.

1. Fasting gives us strength to withstand the enemy of God and temptation more effectively(Matthew 4:2).

Although prayer and fasting together can accomplish many powerful things, it is imperative that you understand that the act of fasting is not holy in of itself. The motive and purpose of the fast becomes the critical issue. In Jeremiah, the people of God were fasting and were involved in what we would call holy acts before God, yet their actions without pure hearts produced the same result as sin does. God did not hear their cries!Remember, acts of holiness do not bring a life of holiness. There must be a change from the inside out.

“When they fast, I am not going to listen to their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and grain offering, I am not going to accept them. Rather I am going to make an end of them by the sword, famine and pestilence.” (Jeremiah 14:12)

APPLYING PRAYER AND FASTING TO YOUR LIFE

In 1 Samuel chapter 7, we are told how God intervened through the fasting and prayer of His people. The key to His provision of their needs was the confession of their sin. This emphasizes the cleansing work that prayer and fasting has on your life. As a result, God is able to answer the prayers of a holy people.

“When they had assembled at Mizpeh, they drew water and poured it out before the Lord. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, “…We have sinned against they Lord. And Samuel was leader of Israel at Mizpeh” (1 Samuel 7:6)

Another aspect of prayer and fasting is related to the people of God being ready to be used by Him (Acts 13:1-3). In this passage you will find that worship and fasting were vital to the preparation of God’s people being sent out to do His work. If we are going to see the blessing of the Lord upon our lives, there must be acts of commitment unto the Lord. Fasting is such an act.

“Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, “Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” (Acts 13:1-3)

PUTTING PRAYER AND FASTING INTO ACTION

It is God’s desire that all believers desire to draw closer to Him. As a result, we have an opportunity to focus on our relationship with Him by disciplining our bodies and our spirits. Having a consistently positive experience in this area will result in significant spiritual growth in your life. So it is imperative that we implement this discipline of our faith into our lives. The relevancy of fasting will only be seen clearly as you begin to implement it into your life. Why not start today?

Once you make it a part of your life, however, you will discover that it is a vital, dynamic part of your daily walk with Christ. Look at the Implementing Prayer & Fasting Worksheet; this will assist you in fasting in a way that is pleasing to the Lord.

PRAYER AND FASTING 201 IN CONCLUSION

ASSIGNMENTS:

1. Determine a specific area of your walk with Christ in which you would really like to see victory. This should be an area in which the success could only be credited to God. Also, as a group, select a specific prayer request. Choose one, which, if granted, would be an incredible testimony to the power of God. Choose one day during the week to fast as a group. On your accountability sheet, report your feelings and results of fasting and praying from this point on.

1. Read the following passages and write a report on how fasting was used in these verses and what it accomplished:1 Samuel 7:2-13; Acts 13:1-3.

1. Memorize the following verses:
• Joel 1:14

• Ezra 8:21

1. Read your Bible at least15minutes per day. Spend the majority of your Bible reading time on the subject of prayer and fasting (use the resource corner below). Be sure to read the entire context of the passages you read.

1. Complete the Accountability Form

1. Pray at least15minutes per day

1. Contact your discipleship partner at least one time this week outside of church. Get their input on how they are doing in their fasting and prayer this week.

1. Complete the sermon notes for every service you attend (minimum of one)

PRAYER AND FASTING SCRIPTURAL RESOURCE CORNER:

1 Samuel 7:5, 6 Ezra 8:21 Acts 13:2, 3 Joel 1:14 Matthew 6:16

Matthew 6:17, 181 Kings 21:12Daniel 9:3Joel 2:12Matthew 4:2

Acts 14:23Nehemiah 9:1Esther 4:3Esther 9:31Psalm 35:13

Psalm 109:24Jeremiah 36:6Psalm 69:10Esther 4:16