The Power of Fasting and Prayers: 6 Life-Changing Discoveries
You may be surprised at the challenges, lessons, and triumphs you encounter while fasting—I know I have been in my own life!
As you pursue knowing Christ more intimately and hearing the will of the Father more clearly, you'll find the combination of fasting and prayers is like a spiritual atomic bomb.
Fasting is a spiritual practice that is thousands of years old and deeply rooted in the Christian faith. Committing time to fasting and prayers is an act of obedience, transforming you physically, emotionally, and spiritually. So get ready to see how your prayer life will go to the next level as you seek God in fasting!
Why Do We Pray and Fast?
The true power of fasting isn't about the food or lack thereof – it's the power of the Lord that makes our fast successful. Willpower alone won’t bring transformation. The Holy Spirit gave me grace every time I fasted, and the Lord strengthened me in my weakness.
During times of prayer and fasting, we
disrupt our regular routine
intentionally separate from worldly ways
give our undivided attention to God
Fasting sharpens our focus and reorders our priorities. I’ve found that biblical truths leaped off the page during my times of prayer and fasting.
We fast because the Bible is very clear about this practice. (See 52+ Verses About Fasting in Scripture.)
Jesus Christ fasted 40 days before entering His public earthly ministry. We see Him fasting in both His own life and teaching about fasting.
"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do... But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:16-18
Here, He doesn't say 'if' you fast; Jesus told us 'when' you fast, implying it's an expectation for His followers. He also says there is a reward that comes from fasting. Sometimes, God's rewards are not what we expect, but they are more excellent.
The Power of Fasting
Fasting without prayer is just a diet. However, you'll also experience profound physical health benefits as food clears from your system. Scientists have researched intermittent fasting and shown promising effects for cellular repair, longevity, metabolic health, insulin sensitivity, and more.
The benefits of improved health and mental clarity directly impact our well-being. And simultaneously, as we seek God earnestly in prayer and fasting, God reveals truth.
Our fasting expresses devotion, dependence, and submission to God's will for our lives.
As David said, "I humbled my soul with fasting." (Psalms 35:13)
Fasting weakens our flesh, offers us a glimpse into our innermost selves, and strengthens our spirit. When we can’t turn to food or alcohol for numbing and distraction, we are compelled to deal with our root issues and understand our dependence on God at a new level. We have many biblical examples of fasting to direct and guide us in this powerful spiritual discipline.
The Power of Praying
Praying is talking to God and can be a short and simple conversation. In times of powerful prayer, I'm sure you felt that your faith soared.
Look at what the Bible tells us about prayer:
When you pray according to His will, He hears you. 1 John 5:14-15
Everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, it will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8
The prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. James 5:16
Our prayers are essential! They're more than words; prayer is a divine communication with our Creator that aligns us with eternal truths and things not yet seen.
We shouldn't wait until we have personal trials to fast and pray. God's people are called to a regular practice of fasting and prayer.
What You Discover Through Christian Fasting and Prayer
God's Word records various situations and reasons for fasting. Also, God calls people to fast in different ways and for different lengths of time.
In the Bible, we see fasting passages where God delivered armies and people groups from their enemies. God's people also humbled themselves with fasting and sought the Lord for insight, guidance, and direction.
We fast for breakthroughs, miracles, and answered prayers. We long to see a great spiritual awakening, spiritual harvest, spiritual breakthrough, and revival power.
God will answer our prayers and the desires of our hearts, but get ready for His ways to surprise you! Here are six things I've seen in fasting.
1. Seek God and the power of His presence
In our modern world, the biblical practice of fasting can quickly become muddled. We may have a heart full of expectations and desired outcomes, but should remember that fasting is not merely a divine transaction where we trade hunger for blessings and answered prayers. (Also, any weight loss during fasting is likely to be temporary.)
Rather, fasting helps us draw closer to our Creator. I know the Holy Spirit refreshed me time after time as I returned to the Lord!
The most spiritually rewarding aspect of fasting isn't the answers to our prayers but the incredible power we encounter in God's presence.
Quick Story
One time, I started a three-day fast, desperately praying for a specific outcome.
But by the second day, I experienced an overwhelming sense of supernatural peace. It covered me like a thick blanket. The sense of peace was so strong, penetrating, and comforting that I no longer cared about the prayer outcome; I just wanted to remain in that realm with the Lord.
Through this experience and others, I'm overwhelmed by the fullness of joy, peace beyond understanding, and the assurance of His unfailing love, which we find in His presence.
As a result, our prayers shift, and we begin to see more clearly how to pray. Our prayers become:
not my will but yours
not my way, but yours
not my plans, but yours
And with this complete surrender, we pursue clarity, understanding, strategy, and next steps.
2. The power of stillness
We live in a world that's always buzzing. Distractions are everywhere, and it's not until you hit the pause button, like we do when fasting, that we realize just how much noise there is around us.
Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still, and know that I am God." Sounds simple, right? But let me tell you, finding that stillness can be challenging because
You have daily needs to attend to. Setting apart quiet time can be challenging if you have children or a demanding job.
Even when we have the time and opportunity to quiet our souls before the Lord, we face internal distractions. Trying to keep the mind focused and resist the temptation to “just check one thing” on our phones isn’t easy!
Quieting our minds doesn't come naturally—I know that's the case in my own life! Stillness is a forgotten discipline that requires intentional practice and consistency, and in the process we have to be non-judgmental and compassionate.
However, when we enter into fasting with an intention to listen, God creates an atmosphere that allows us to unplug from everything else and hear His voice. We find stillness that helps us connect to Him more deeply, and He speaks into our lives with outstanding clarity.
Although stillness might initially feel uncomfortable, it's worth it. In the silence, you'll find a special grace to hear His guidance, grow in knowing Christ Jesus, and be comforted in His presence.
3. The power of obedience
Remember, God is not necessarily asking you to perform great feats; God desires obedience. God asks us to follow Him whether our assigned task is big, small, visible, or behind the scenes.
The Lord also uses dedicated times of fasting and prayer to increase our self-control, build our Christian faith, and teach us what it means to trust Him without hesitation.
Fasting itself is an act of obedience. It's not fun, and most people will put off fasting indefinitely because they are intimidated or overwhelmed (or don't want to be hungry).
If you aren't ready to jump into such a prolonged fast, start where you are and do what you can.
Abstain from certain tasty foods for one week
Try a water fast for one day
Start with a partial fast like the Daniel fast
As you take one step of obedience at a time, the Lord will strengthen you and expand your capacity!
Sometimes, we discount our influence and value because prominent positions, like being on staff at a church or leading a ministry, seem more important. But that's not true.
Know that God sees your obedience, and it pleases Him!
As you fast, ask yourself: What does it mean to be obedient in the small things?
4. The power of spiritual food
Spiritual filling is essential for successful fasting. In times of fasting and prayer, consuming spiritual food will make all the difference between fasting in toil versus full of grace.
Before you start your fast, focus your attention on the Lord. Spend time in His Word, and ponder what He is saying to you. Meditating on His truth will nourish your soul and saturate your being with a deeper understanding of the Lord's command for fasting (see Isaiah, chapter 58).
Be intentional during fasting about
Listening for God's voice—for fresh revelation and instruction.
Setting aside time for stillness to pray and read God's Word—feeding on the promises of God's Word.
Surrounding yourself with an atmosphere of worship—play worship music, read scripture out loud, and eliminate other distractions.
I become deflated and drained when I fast without taking the time to fill up in God's presence. But consuming spiritual food refuels and reenergizes me, renewing my spirit.
5. The power of repentance
Fasting also helps us to see the need for repentance. The world will respond that we shouldn't be made to feel guilty or shameful, but repentance is not about guilt and shame — it leads us to healing and freedom.
Repentance is about turning from sin, which ultimately leads to death, and following God with all our hearts to live full and abundant lives.
Often, repentance is necessary to experience breakthroughs.
When we recognize what sin looks like—the things we do that keep us from following God wholeheartedly—repentance sets the scene for freedom.
In the Bible, there are many times repentance led to fasting and vice versa. For example:
"Yet even now," declares the Lord, "Return to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, weeping, and mourning; and tear your heart and not merely your garments." Now return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in mercy and relenting of catastrophe." Joel 2:12-13
6. The power of physical health
Physical health is more than external appearance and being genuinely healthy goes beyond diet and exercise.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says that our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we should honor God with our bodies and use them to bring glory to Him.
So, as we fast, we are cleansing the temple of our bodies from junky food, excess sugar, and preservatives. Evidence is clear that diet and lifestyle impact our risk of chronic disease more than genetics. Sometimes, we don't realize the breakdown happening internally until the alarm sounds and we receive a diagnosis.
Wouldn’t you rather prevent this suffering and avoid jeopardizing your health?
Nutritious eating habits, physical activity, and sleep affect our physical and mental/emotional well-being. Furthermore, physical health affects our ability to run our race with endurance and complete all God calls us to do.
We may also realize how much food is an idol in our lives. Many of us eat ALL the time. We feel compelled to consume tasty foods at parties, restaurants, and special events.
When we fast, instead of turning to snacks when we're bored or stressed, we turn to God first so He can help us address the root of the problem.
When we fast in obedience to God and surrender our desires to Him, He blesses us with strength as we head into battle against our spiritual enemies. We feel more alert and energized and no longer enslaved to our physical appetites.
How Will the Holy Spirit Lead You in Fasting and Prayer?
I pray God stirs you up to fast and pray regularly. The fast God has chosen is not about striving and toil; it's about connecting to His presence, encouraged by a growing sense of purpose.
As we fast and pray, we have a greater desire for heavenly food than solid food that only satisfies us for a moment.
We believe in a coming spiritual awakening that will lead to the greatest spiritual harvest of all time.
May God grant you many blessings as you pray and fast!
To start fasting, visit this page with easy-to-follow suggestions for getting started: Fasting Info
Are you ready for 21 days of bold prayer and fasting? This eBook journal will guide you through the basics of fasting and equip you with biblical prayer models and resources. In addition, you’ll find journal pages with daily scriptures and journal question prompts, so you can record your fasting journey.
NOTE: this is a DIGITAL product that will be delivered via email as a PDF. You can view it electronically on computer, tablet, or phone. You can also have the ability to print this resource, but you will receive only an electronic file upon purchase.