Fasting and prayer are inextricably linked in the Christian faith, functioning as effective instruments for spiritual development, breakthrough, and relationship with God. The significance of these disciplines lies not just in refraining from eating or making petitions to God, but also in the faith that supports them. Faith serves as the basis for the effectiveness of fasting and prayer, converting them from ordinary rituals to meaningful acts of faith and submission to God’s plan.
Faith: The Center of Fasting and Prayer
Faith is fundamentally about trusting and believing in what cannot be seen (Hebrews 11:1). When we fast and pray, we believe that God hears us, cares, and is capable of meeting our needs in accordance with His perfect will. Jesus emphasized the significance of faith, saying that whatever we ask for in prayer, believing, we shall get (Matthew 21:22). This concept emphasizes the need of approaching fasting and prayer with a heart of trust.
Scriptural insights on faith and fasting
The Bible gives several instances of how faith played an important part in fasting and prayer:
- Esther’s Fast: Esther called on the Jewish people to fast in order to seek God’s protection. Their trust in God’s deliverance motivated their fasting and prayers (Esther 4:16).
- Daniel’s Fast: For 21 days, Daniel fasted and prayed for understanding and God’s pity for his people. His trust was shown by his tenacity and eager heart (Daniel 10:2-3, 12).
- Jesus teaches about faith and fasting. Jesus’ teachings and behaviors always stressed faith. When His followers were unable to drive out a demon, He reprimanded them for their lack of faith, teaching that such deliverance required prayer and fasting—both of which are founded in faith (Matthew 17:19-21).
Building Faith with Fasting and Prayer
Fasting and prayer are not just expressions of faith, but also ways to build it. As we deny ourselves and move closer to God, we become more attentive to His voice and rely on His power rather than our own. This approach organically strengthens our faith as we watch God move in our lives in response to our genuine desire.
Manifestation of faith in our lives.
When faith guides our fasting and prayer, we notice a shift in how we tackle life’s obstacles. We learn to trust God‘s timetable, relax in His sovereignty, and anticipate His involvement. This confidence does not imply that we will always obtain what we desire, but rather that we trust God to give what we need based on His knowledge and love for us.
Prayer Points to Strengthen Faith
- For Increased Faith: Lord, help my unbelief and increase my faith so that I may trust You in all situations.
- Guidance: Lead me in Your truth and instruct me, because You are the God of my salvation; on You I rely all day.
- For Deliverance: I believe in Your ability to free me from all forms of bondage and tyranny.
- For Provision: Provide for all of my needs according to Your riches in glory, training me to depend only on You.
- For Healing: I trust in Your healing ability; touch my life and restore my body, mind, and soul.
- For Protection: Be my shelter and strength, an ever-present support in distress.
- For Peace: May Your peace, which exceeds understanding, keep my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
- For Strength: I can do all things through Christ, who empowers me, enable me to confront any difficulty with confidence.
- For knowledge: Give me divine knowledge so that I may make wise judgments in my life.
- For Love: Fill my heart with Your love, so that I might love You and others as You have loved me.
Faith is the foundation of fasting and prayer. It ties our physical fasting and spoken prayer to God’s spiritual force and presence. When we fast and pray with faith, we open ourselves up to greater connection with God, personal development, and amazing wonders that only He can achieve.”