Understanding Spiritual Warfare within the Family
Spiritual warfare refers to the unseen fights that take place in the spiritual world and have a direct influence on our lives and families, including spiritual warfare in families. These might emerge as disagreements, health problems, financial difficulties, or unexplainable friction among family members. The Word of God tells us that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12, emphasis added). Recognizing the spiritual origin of our issues is the first step toward overcoming them, an essential part of fighting spiritual battles.
The Power of Fasting and Prayer
Jesus himself emphasized the need for fasting and prayer, particularly when faced with difficult spiritual issues (Matthew 17:21), highlighting the benefits of fasting and prayer. Fasting is more than just refraining from eating; it’s an intentional act of humility and devotion to God, seeking His guidance in our life. When we fast, we are saying, “God, we need Your power to break through in our family,” a testament to how to fast for spiritual breakthrough.
Practical Steps To Begin
- Set clear objectives: Identify particular areas in which your family needs breakthrough or healing, following a biblical fasting guide.
- Choose Your Fast: Fasting does not necessarily imply refraining from all foods. You may pick a partial fast, such as giving up particular foods or meals, or a full fast for a certain length of time, aligning with Christian fasting practices.
- Involve the family. Explain the reason for the fast to your family, a practice rooted in effective family prayers.
Creating a Spiritually Rich Environment
During the fast, set aside time for family prayer, worship, and Bible reading. This may help create a spiritually rich atmosphere that promotes togetherness and allows your family to receive from God, fostering spiritual healing through fasting. James 5:16 reminds us of the importance of prayer, particularly when done together as a family or community.
Witnessing God’s Hand at Work
As you embark on your spiritual journey, pay attention to how God is acting within your family. You may notice modest improvements at first, such as enhanced communication or a feeling of calm in the middle of hardships. These are manifestations of God’s presence and activity in response to your devotion and prayers, crucial for overcoming spiritual attacks.
After the Fast
When the fasting period is over, take time to reflect on the experience as a family. Recognize the changes and breakthroughs, and continue to strengthen your spiritual habits by making prayer and scripture reading regular family activities, aiming for fasting for financial breakthrough.
Prayer Points for Your Family
As promised, here are 10 prayer points to help you and your family seek God’s involvement and blessings, incorporating prayer points for family protection:
- “Lord, let Your love permeate our home, bringing unity and peace among us.”
- Against Spiritual Attacks: “Heavenly Father, protect our family from the enemy’s schemes.” Surround us with Your shield of protection.
- For Health and Healing: “Dear God, we pray for each family member’s bodily, emotional, and spiritual health. “Restore us to full health.”
- For Financial Provision: “O Lord, provide for our necessities according to Your riches and glory. Help us handle our resources appropriately.”
- For Wisdom and Guidance: “O God, guide us in all our decisions, great and small. “Make Your will clear to us.”
- For the Salvation of Loved Ones: “We pray for the salvation of family members who have yet to know You. “Open their hearts to accept Your love.”
- In Times of Distress: “Lord, grant us Your strength. Help us to be steady and trust You.”
- The Children’s Prayer: “Protect our children, guide them in Your ways, and help them to grow in wisdom and stature.”
- For Marital Harmony: “Lord, bless the marriages in our family. Help couples to love and respect one another, as You have commanded.”
- For Spiritual Growth: “Develop our relationship with You, God. Help us to grow in faith and fulfill Your purposes for our lives.”
Remember that faith and persistence are key components of a successful fasting and prayer journey. Continue to trust God, even when improvements aren’t immediately apparent. God is continually at work, and He honors His people’s earnest petitions. By incorporating fasting and prayer into your family’s spiritual practice, you are creating a solid foundation of faith that can withstand any spiritual assault.