In The Power Of Fasting And Prayer

“Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?... Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:40b-41 (NIV)

Prayer and fasting are not merely spiritual disciplines; they are powerful, transformative forces that impact the world. They reshape nations, alter the course of history, and shake the enemy to his core. Prayer is the divine channel through which God brings His will to life on earth. In prayer, we reach beyond ourselves, touching eternity and inviting heaven’s influence on earth. It’s the very force from God that unlocks new doors to opportunities and closes the gates against the enemy’s schemes, binding the powers that oppose the Kingdom of God. The enemy is relentless in his pursuit, constantly seeking to attack what God has proclaimed in our lives. His goal is clear: to weaken our faith, disrupt our worship, and chase down and trouble those who dare to live according to the truth.

Fasting and prayer are the most powerful and reliable weapons against the enemy! Yet, let’s be honest – this isn’t what our flesh craves and desires. Our natural tendency is to avoid this level of spiritual effort. Still, how vital it is to cultivate a life deeply rooted in these practices! They unleash heaven’s resources on our behalf. Take John the Baptist as an example of radical dedication! His life was not marked by occasional fasting and prayer but by an all-consuming dedication to it. His disciples embraced and carried on his fervent commitment.

Consider the forty-day fast that Jesus faced in the wilderness, an account recorded in three Gospels. Each temptation was met with the authoritative proclamation of Scripture. This is why it’s so crucial for us to immerse ourselves in the Word of God. We must “search the Scriptures”, “keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching” and “persevere in these things”. It is essential to commit these sacred truths to memory, so that when temptations like greed, lust, deceit, anger, or despair arise, we can respond with the powerful declaration of “It is written.”

“It is written: ‘Love your wife as yourself.’ It is written: ‘Honor and submit to your husband in everything, as to the Lord.’ It is written: ‘Bring up your children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.’ It is written, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.’” We are in a battle for the very fulfillment of God’s Word on this earth.

“We ought always to pray and not lose heart”

“O Lord, forgive me for my ignorance and for underestimating the profound significance and potency of fasting and prayer! Thank You for empowering Your Church with such mighty power and authority! Help me make choices that advance Your Heavenly Kingdom and bring glory to You here on this earth. Amen.”