Fasting and Prayer

Jeannie Walker
January 11, 2025

Forged in Faith Ministries and Kingdom Strategies:

Teaching on Biblical Fasting and Prayer:

Fasting and prayer are powerful tools that draw us closer to God. When we set aside physical desires to focus on Him, we create space to hear His voice and align our hearts with His will. Fasting isn’t about earning God’s favor—it’s about deepening intimacy with Him and declaring that He is our ultimate source of sustenance.

In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus said, “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, who is in Heaven; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Notice that Jesus says, “When you fast,” not “If you fast.” Fasting is a spiritual discipline meant to be part of our faith journey. It doesn’t always have to involve food—it can be abstaining from anything that takes our time or focus away from God, such as social media, entertainment, sexual perversion or other distractions.

In Isaiah 58:6, God declares, “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” True fasting isn’t just about what we give up; it’s about seeking God’s heart for justice, freedom, and transformation in our lives and the world around us.

Prayer, when coupled with fasting, becomes even more powerful. Daniel fasted and prayed for wisdom and understanding (Daniel 10:2-3). Jesus fasted for 40 days as He prepared for His ministry (Matthew 4:2). These examples remind us that fasting paired with prayer strengthens our spirit, focuses our mind, and invites God’s intervention in supernatural ways.

If you’re new to fasting, start small. Commit to fasting a meal, an activity, or a specific time, and replace that time with prayer, worship, or reading God’s Word. Share your heart with Him, asking for clarity, breakthrough, or strength in regards to a battle within yourself or for a complex situation you may be facing. Let your fast be a declaration of your dependence on God and your desire to know Him more deeply. If you are willing to offer yourself up as a living sacrifice unto God Almighty for the purpose of Kingdom principles and growth in Christ Jesus, join me in the prayer below.

✝️Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I desire to draw closer to You through fasting and prayer. Help me to focus on You, to hear Your voice clearly in discernment, and to align my heart with Your will. Strengthen me during this time, and reveal more of Your love and purpose for my life. Strengthen me where I feel weak, bring clarity through the situations that cause confusion, and endurance to finish the race you have brought me to. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen and Amen! 🔥♥️🙏🏼♥️🔥✝️⚔️🩸🛡️😇 Find joy and renewal in yourself in this beautiful and personal experience between yourself and the Lord Jesus.

God bless you and keep you!!

Hope this helps give you a clear understanding of fasting and praying.

In His Grace and Mercy, your sister in Christ Jesus,

Jeannie Walker