How to fast and pray and get results? Fasting and praying are foundational aspects of the Christian life.
Sometimes, we might assume we know exactly what to do and how to do it. While I agree these practices are crucial, it’s common to make mistakes when engaging in them.
Both fasting and prayer involve dedicating ourselves to God and making ourselves available for His use.
They’re deeply personal interactions between us and our Heavenly Father. In the New Covenant, there aren’t strict rules about how often we should pray and fast, but Scripture makes it clear that God desires us to commit ourselves to these disciplines.
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I hope this article enhances your prayer life and gives you a new perspective on fasting. We’re blessed to have a loving Father who provides us with ways to communicate with Him and grow as believers. It’s through God’s grace that we can approach His throne in these meaningful ways.
What Is Prayer?
Prayer can be done either publicly or privately, and there are various ways to pray, as mentioned in Ephesians 6:18. In this article, we’ll focus on Matthew 6:5-15, which I’ve found to be foundational for prayer:
Jesus said, “When you pray, don’t be like the show-offs who love to pray publicly on street corners and in synagogues where everyone can see them. Truly, they’ve already received their reward. But when you pray, go into your private room, shut the door, and pray to your unseen Father. Then your Father, who sees what you do privately, will reward you. And when you pray, don’t go on and on like the non-believers who think they will be heard because of their many words. Don’t be like them, because your Father knows what you need before you ask.”
“This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.’
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If you forgive others when they hurt you, God will forgive you too. But if you refuse to forgive others, then God won’t forgive you either.
Where Should I Pray?
This section of Scripture first tells us where to pray. Verse six advises, “When you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father who can’t be seen.”
So, the key point here is that prayer is often meant to be private. Jesus isn’t condemning public prayer outright.
Instead, He warns us against praying in public for the wrong reasons, like seeking human praise. If we pray to impress others, their approval will be our only reward.
How Should I Pray?
Jesus teaches us how to pray in Matthew 6:9-13, offering a profound example known as “The Lord’s Prayer” from the King James Version:
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“When Jesus talks about where we should pray, he shows us how to do it by giving us a holy prayer. Here’s the prayer, famously called ‘The Lord’s Prayer’:
‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom comes, you will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.'”
In my view, this is the best prayer we can ever say, and it should become a daily part of our lives! By praying like this, Jesus teaches us to prioritize God above everything else—his holiness and his will—before we even think about ourselves or our needs.
I believe that God is pleased when we acknowledge him above our problems and circumstances. When we honor and exalt him first, he responds with love.
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As the prayer continues, it shifts to us asking God to provide for our daily needs and protect us from spiritual harm. This prayer equips us comprehensively and addresses every aspect of our lives.
While there are other types of prayers we should engage in, I believe we should incorporate Jesus’s framework into our prayer lives consistently.
Finally, in verses 12 and 13, Jesus emphasizes the importance of forgiving others if we want to receive forgiveness from God. This is a sobering truth that reminds us of God’s grace, mercy, and kindness toward us.
If God forgives us, who are we to withhold forgiveness from others? This challenge urges us to cleanse our hearts of unforgiveness so that God’s forgiveness can freely flow to us.
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In summary, Jesus’s teaching on prayer not only instructs us on the method of prayer but also the posture of our hearts—focusing on God’s glory and his will and extending grace and forgiveness to others.
What Is Fasting?
I’m passionate about studying and discussing fasting because I’ve personally experienced its powerful impact on my life. It does make a significant difference! Currently, I’m expecting my second daughter, so I can’t fast as I normally would. However, I’m committed to continuing my studies so that I’ll be prepared to fast again when the time is right.
According to Strong’s Concordance, the word for “fast” is “tsum,” which means to abstain from food. When we fast, we deliberately deny our physical cravings to nourish and strengthen our spiritual selves.
Paul explains in Galatians that our spiritual desires conflict with our fleshly desires (Galatians 5:16-17). To live by the Spirit, as we’re called to do as believers, we must empower our spirits so they can overpower our flesh.
What are the Spiritual Benefits of Fasting?
Just as prayer brings us closer to God, fasting with sincerity and purpose also opens us up to experience more of God’s power and authority in our lives.
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When we devote time to fasting and praying in alignment with God’s Word, we witness tremendous benefits.
Our relationship with God becomes more intimate, we gain deeper insights into His ways and His plans for us, and we grow stronger in the power and authority we have as believers.
What Jesus Taught about Fasting
Jesus talked about fasting in Matthew 6:16-18, right after teaching about prayer:
“When you fast, don’t make it obvious like the hypocrites who put on a show by looking miserable. They do this to gain attention and praise from others. I tell you the truth, they already have their reward.
But when you fast, groom yourself and keep a positive appearance, so that it’s not obvious to others that you are fasting. Instead, do it in secret, and your Father who sees everything will reward you.”
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Jesus’ teaching on fasting parallels his teaching on prayer but focuses on how we should present ourselves while fasting. He advises us not to appear gloomy or draw attention to our fasting, but to maintain a normal appearance.
Whether we fast privately or as part of a group, our goal is not to show others what we’re going through. Just as God rewards those who pray in secret, he also rewards those who fast with sincerity and humility.
What Isaiah 58 Says about Fasting
In addition to the teachings in Matthew, I want to highlight Isaiah 58 because this entire chapter is packed with wisdom about what true fasting looks like to God. If you ever wonder what kind of fasting pleases Him, I highly recommend delving into Isaiah 58!
To sum it up, God tells us that true fasting, as He sees it, involves breaking the chains of wickedness, setting the oppressed free, and breaking every yoke of bondage (Isaiah 58:6).
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It also includes sharing your food with the hungry, inviting the homeless into your home, clothing the naked, and not hiding from those in need (Isaiah 58:7).
Essentially, Isaiah prophesies what God desires from us when we fast. When we align with these actions, God responds to our fasting. Whether we need breakthroughs, wisdom, or clarity in any area, God promises to answer us (Isaiah 58:8-11)!
I believe that when we fast according to biblical principles—not for personal gain like weight loss, but to draw closer to God—our spiritual senses become sharper, and we hear God’s voice more clearly in our lives.
Our potential closeness to God is limitless; we can always deepen our relationship with Him! I pray this has helped you understand fasting and prayer better, and that you continue to study and apply these important principles in your spiritual journey. May you be blessed abundantly!
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A Prayer for Fasting
Lord,
As I begin this time of fasting, I invite you to join me. Come into my heart and mind; renew me in ways I haven’t experienced before. You are my Lord, King, and Savior—perfect, beautiful, and good.
I acknowledge that I am not those things. I confess my sinfulness and ugliness in sin. Without you, I am lost. Please forgive me for not prioritizing you and for not letting you rule over my life.
This fasting period is about dethroning myself and enthroning you, Lord. I anticipate feeling hungry for food, so I pray that you satisfy me with your Word. I expect to feel tired, so I ask for your strength to sustain me.
Father, sustain me with your grace. Whenever hunger pangs come, may I look up to you instead of focusing on my belly. I understand that I need more than physical food; I need every Word from you.
Help me approach this time of fasting and prayer with a joyful heart and a mouth that praises your goodness. Grant me the full benefits of this spiritual discipline and keep me humble. Thank you, Lord, for your limitless, consuming love for me. I love you, Father. Amen.
How To Fast And Pray And Get Results FAQs
How do I start fasting and praying?
Begin by setting aside a specific time for prayer and fasting. Choose a method that suits your health and spiritual goals, such as skipping meals or abstaining from certain foods. Seek guidance from the scriptures and pray with a sincere heart.
What should I pray for during fasting?
Focus on seeking God’s guidance, wisdom, and strength. Pray for spiritual growth, personal breakthroughs, and clarity in decision-making. Use the time to deepen your relationship with God and align your desires with His will.
How long should I fast for effective results?
The duration of a fast can vary based on personal health and spiritual goals. Some people fast for a day, while others choose longer periods like a week or more. Start with a manageable timeframe and gradually extend it as you become more experienced.
Can I fast from activities or habits instead of food?
Yes, fasting isn’t limited to food. You can abstain from social media, television, or specific habits that distract you from spiritual focus. The key is to sacrifice something meaningful to draw closer to God.
What should I do if I feel weak or hungry during fasting?
Stay hydrated with water and remember that physical discomfort is normal. Use these moments to pray for God’s strength and sustenance. Take breaks if necessary and focus on spiritual nourishment through reading scriptures and meditation.
How often should I fast?
Fasting frequency varies among individuals and religious practices. Some fast weekly, others monthly, while some choose specific seasons like Lent or Ramadan. Decide based on your spiritual needs and consult with spiritual mentors if unsure.
What are the benefits of combining fasting with prayer?
Fasting with prayer enhances spiritual discipline and intimacy with God. It helps in overcoming spiritual obstacles, gaining clarity in hearing God’s voice, and experiencing personal transformation. It aligns your heart with God’s purposes and strengthens your faith.