The Hidden Power of Prayer and Fasting

1. Prayer and Fasting: The Hidden Power for Spiritual Breakthrough

"However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting."

Spiritual warfare. Prayer and fasting are powerful weapons in spiritual warfare, capable of breaking through seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This combination creates an atmosphere that welcomes the holy and repels the unholy, making it particularly effective against stubborn demonic influences.

Personal transformation. Fasting, when combined with prayer, facilitates a deeper connection with God and helps purge spiritual toxins from one's life. It brings clarity to life's priorities, balances areas of imbalance, and increases sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.

Biblical examples:

• Esther fasted for three days before approaching the king to save her people
• Daniel fasted and received divine revelations
• Jesus fasted for 40 days before beginning His ministry

2. Jesus as the Ultimate Model for Ministry and Discipleship

"As the Father has sent Me, I also send you."

Divine commission. Jesus' words to His disciples apply to all believers today. We are called and anointed to follow in His footsteps as "sent ones" into the world, carrying out the same ministry of preaching, healing, and deliverance.

Power through intimacy. Jesus' effectiveness in ministry flowed from His intimate relationship with the Father, cultivated through prayer and fasting. As His disciples, we are called to emulate this pattern, seeking God's face and drawing from His power to accomplish the works He has prepared for us.

Key aspects of Jesus' model:

• Regular times of prayer and fasting
• Compassion for the lost and hurting
• Operating in the power of the Holy Spirit
• Obedience to the Father's will

3. Humility: The Foundation for Receiving God's Grace and Power

"God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

Biblical humility. True humility is not self-abasement but a realistic assessment of oneself in light of God's greatness. It involves recognizing our dependence on God and submitting to His will.

Fasting as a path to humility. Fasting is a practical way to humble oneself before God. It demonstrates our reliance on Him and creates space for His grace and power to flow into our lives.

Benefits of humility:

• Increased spiritual authority
• Greater intimacy with God
• More effective ministry
• Protection against pride and deception

4. Overcoming Spiritual Resistance Through Prayer and Fasting

"This kind goes not out but by prayer and fasting."

Spiritual breakthrough. Some spiritual obstacles require more than just ordinary prayer. Fasting, combined with prayer, provides the spiritual intensity needed to break through stubborn demonic strongholds and resistant situations.

Personal application. When facing persistent challenges in life or ministry, consider incorporating fasting into your prayer strategy. This combination can lead to breakthroughs in areas such as:

• Chronic sin issues
• Family problems
• Ministry plateaus
• Physical or emotional healing

Caution: Fasting is not a magical formula but a means of intensifying our spiritual focus and dependence on God.

5. Corporate Prayer: Unleashing God's Power in Unity

"If two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven."

Power of agreement. When believers come together in unified prayer, it releases a special measure of God's power. Corporate prayer breaks down dividing walls in the Body of Christ and creates an atmosphere for revival.

Historical precedent. Every major revival in church history has been preceded by intense corporate prayer. Examples include:

• The Great Awakening
• The Welsh Revival
• The Azusa Street Revival

Practical application:

• Participate in or start a prayer group in your local church
• Join or organize a citywide prayer initiative
• Engage in regular times of family prayer

6. Fasting: A Biblical Discipline for Spiritual Growth

"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 unseen."

Types of fasts:

• Complete fast (no food or water, maximum 3 days)
• Normal fast (water only)
• Partial fast (Daniel fast, limited diet)

Benefits of fasting:

• Increased spiritual sensitivity
• Clarity in decision-making
• Physical health benefits
• Breakthrough in persistent problems

Practical guidelines:

• Start with shorter fasts and gradually increase duration
• Stay hydrated and listen to your body
• Focus on prayer and Scripture during fasting periods
• Break the fast gradually with light foods

7. Apostolic Anointing: Preparing for End-Time Revival

"As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, 'Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'"

Restoration of apostolic ministry. God is restoring the apostolic and prophetic offices to the Church, preparing for a great end-time harvest. This restoration is marked by increased supernatural activity and a focus on world evangelization.

Preparation through prayer and fasting. The release of apostolic anointing in the early Church came through corporate prayer and fasting. Today's believers can prepare for the coming revival by engaging in these same disciplines.

Key elements of apostolic ministry:

• Signs and wonders
• Church planting and leadership development
• Strategic spiritual warfare
• Cross-cultural missions

To participate in this end-time move of God:

• Cultivate a lifestyle of prayer and fasting
• Seek opportunities for corporate prayer
• Stay open to the Holy Spirit's leading
• Prepare for increased supernatural activity in ministry

Last updated: July 19, 2024