Day 16 Devotional: Fasting and Intercession

Day 16: Fasting and Intercession

So I gave my attention to the Lord God, to seek Him by prayer and pleading, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. (Daniel 9:3)

We may fast at regular times according to the calendar. Many people choose to fast at the beginning of the new year in January, during Lent prior to Easter, or perhaps heading into the fall season.

Fasting according to the calendar is a wonderful, healthy practice. New beginnings and seasons are the perfect time to pause and take inventory of your life and habits, and seek the Lord for His will and direction.

It’s good to mark the calendar in advance and remind yourself to stop, fast, and pray . . . because if you don’t plan your time, it will run away from you and the end of the year will be here before you know it!

But you should also be open to fast throughout the year if the Lord leads you to do so.

Why might that happen?

A big decision may arise that needs godly direction. You may find yourself in a period of warfare or struggling that requires a spiritual breakthrough – this is a time you need to fast! You might also hear about news or events that disturb you or draw an emotional response from you, and you pair intercession with fasting.

If the Spirit moves you to fast and pray, then listen and obey!

In Chapter nine, Daniel is reading the word of Jeremiah about the desolation of Jerusalem for seventy years (the period of Babylonian exile) and is deeply moved. He cries out to God on behalf of his people who have sinned and rebelled, neglecting to listen and obey the voice of the Lord.

Intercession is powerful. As James 5:16 says, “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”

We are called to pray for one another, pray for our cities and nations, and pray for our leaders. After watching or reading the news, it’s easy to turn away in despair, thinking it’s better to shut it all out completely, but God wants us to take what we hear and bring it to Him in prayer.

Prayer changes things, and we are all called to be intercessors. Read Daniel Chapter nine today as an incredible example of intercessory prayer, then take it and create your own prayer.

Your Journey

Have you recently heard news that breaks your heart? Whether it’s national, international, or news about someone you know personally – take time today pray to God on behalf of others.

Song: Waymaker by Leeland (YouTube)

Daniel 9:1-6

Jeremiah 29:7-14

James 5:13-18

You can utilize the Daniel Fast Journey book (available on Amazon) for more information about the Daniel Fast along with a 21-day meal plan and recipes.