Isaiah 58:6-9(KJV)
Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy reward.
Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;
Prayer and fasting is an asset of inestimable value in fulfilling God’s agenda for our lives. It is a non-negotiable requirement, ordained by God for us to experience specific benefits in our lives. The purpose of prayer and fasting is to empower us to the next level through diverse encounters and through outbreak of revelations through the Word of God. We understand from scriptures that signs and wonders don’t just occur. Rather, they are provoked by engaging the mystery of prayer and fasting, among others, for speedy delivery. For instance, when Jesus’ disciples asked Him why they could not cure the lunatic, He said: Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting(Matthew 17:21). This means prayer and fasting is a vital tool in the hands of the believer for the delivery of signs and wonders. During the period of fast, diverse ailments and afflictions are healed. We understand that prayer and fasting is ordained for our empowerment into next levels.
In Isaiah 40:31 it is written “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” We encounter fresh oil when we fast and pray. Prayer and fasting empowers the renewal of the oil, so that we can mount up with wings as eagles in our spiritual walk with God. Now, it is clear from scriptures that one of the ways to break forth in favor is through fasting and prayer. Queen Esther needed to approach King Ahasuerus on behalf of Mordecai and the Jewish people because of the death sentence placed on them by Haman’s conspiracy. In those days; going to see the king without an invitation was equal to death, except he stretched out his sceptre. But Queen Esther fasted and prayed for three days and obtained favor in the sight of the king(Esther 5:2). Prayer and fasting also facilitates the outbreak of revelation. In other words, when we engage the mystery of prayer and fasting, God by His power reveals deep secrets concerning our lives, the lives of others to us and our nations(Daniel 10:1-21). We can go on and on about the importance of fasting and prayer.
Beloved, fasting and prayer should not be a seasonal operation, but rather, it should be a way of life. A week or month should not pass by without a believer embarking on this spiritual exercise. Make up your mind to develop a personal relationship with God at the place of fasting, prayer and the Word, and you will see great results in your life.
O Lord, I receive the grace to wait on You and cause every battle in my life and family to end by Your Power in Jesus’ Name.