Prayer And Fasting

The fast is on because you’re praying, not because you’re not eating.

When we talk about prayer and fasting, some people think it just means not eating, like eating would be a mistake! It sounds funny, but it’s a common misunderstanding. Many people focus only on the idea of fasting as a time to avoid food, missing the true purpose.

Fasting isn't just about skipping meals —it’s about replacing food with time spent in prayer and focusing on God's Word. If you’re just not eating and sleeping all day to pass the time, that’s not fasting —that’s just starving yourself.

As Christians, we need to understand that fasting is about prayer. We fast because we’re praying, not just because we aren’t eating. It's a call to spend time in prayer, and as we do that, we make a conscious decision to refrain from eating.

Acts 13:2 says, “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said...” Notice the order: they ministered to the Lord and fasted. How do you minister to the Lord? Through praise, thanksgiving, worship, and prayer. The focus was on ministering to the Lord, and because of this, they fasted.

The Bible additionally shows us that after the Lord spoke to them after they had prayed. This is one of the benefits of prayer and fasting; you can receive guidance from the Holy Spirit, which can save you from countless mistakes.

Besides receiving guidance, prayer, and fasting, attune your spirit to the things of God more deeply.

Through prayer and fasting, you are ministering to the Lord. So, spend time in prayer and fasting.

Some people say they are fasting but spend the day sleeping or engaging in irrelevant activities to distract themselves from hunger. I used to be like that, but praise the Lord, the Holy Spirit guided me on how to pray and fast effectively. Prayer and fasting should focus on prayer and activities that encourage prayer, such as studying the Bible, worshipping the Lord, praising, and meditating on the Word. Hallelujah!

Turn off your phone if it will distract you. While many people enjoy receiving updates, it is more important to receive updates from the Spirit realm during this time. Turn off your TV and set aside any newspapers or magazines. Focus on activities that encourage you to pray. As mentioned earlier, it is much better to begin by speaking in tongues, which is praying in the Spirit. This way, you will be guided on what to say in your understanding; the Holy Spirit will lead you in what to pray.

One might ask, "When should I fast? Should I fast every day, month, or once a year?"

Firstly, it is an excellent time to fast when your local church, school fellowship or congregation declares a prayer and fasting program. Never separate yourself from such a call, thinking you don't feel the need to pray and fast yet, or that you will do it at your own perfect time. No, it shouldn't be that way. There are things we do together as a community, such as corporate worship, and many other activities intended for spiritual growth and edification; prayer and fasting are among them.

If your church calls for prayer and fasting, do not refuse to participate and instead set your times for starting or ending the fast. This approach is wrong. Exercise discipline and fast as instructed.

This is how you bring about changes in the spiritual realm. Remember, through this practice, your ability to hear and receive from God is sharpened, and you become more attuned to spiritual matters. The more you pray and fast, the less likely you are to be caught off guard because you can perceive things that are about to happen and influence what you want to see in your life and the lives of those around you. Hallelujah!

Secondly, fast when the Holy Spirit leads you to do so, or when you choose to fast and pray. This is another perfect opportunity, especially if it's the Spirit guiding you; you will recognise His leading. Take it seriously and proceed with the fast.

Some people schedule prayer and fasting days or moments as a spiritual discipline, and that's beautiful. Therefore, whenever and however you are guided to fast, take it seriously. Make prayer and fasting a part of your spiritual routine.