The Power of Prayer and Fasting

Fasting fuels a powerful prayer life

In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus affirmed fasting as a means of consecration to God. Fasting simply means to “cover one’s mouth” or to suspend eating for a period of time for spiritual purposes. Developing a lifestyle of fasting is not just for the clergy, but it is for anyone who considers himself or herself a disciple of Christ. The goal of fasting is not to move God, but to move ourselves closer to Him in increased intimacy. The result is that we become more attuned to His heart, and gain wisdom, understanding, and the ability to take right action in our lives. Many breakthroughs occur during times of prayer and fasting!

As we build a lifestyle of prayer, fasting is a tool that adds fuel to our intercession. The most important component of a fast is the state of our hearts. We must make sure that we have the right spiritual motive—to draw closer to God and make ourselves available for His use. This posture will ensure our practice of fasting and prayer never becomes an empty religious routine.

PRINCIPLES FOR PRAYER AND FASTING

Many of the principles of fasting and prayer are contained in the following discussion points:

☛Notable Persons in History Who Fasted

☛What Jesus Says About Fasting

☛Reasons for Fasting

☛How to Start and Finish Strong

☛Practical Considerations When Fasting

☛The Results of Fasting

The Goal of This Lesson

The purpose of this lesson is to understand the role of fasting in the believer’s prayer life, and how it benefits our relationship with God. You will learn different aspects of fasting such as the reasons for fasting, the various types of fasts, and the proper way to begin and end a fast.