Greetings, Willowdale family,
We express our gratitude to God for the opportunity to participate in another Sabbath dedicated to Prayer and Fasting. We acknowledge and appreciate how He has been bestowing blessings upon His church.
Isaiah 58:6 says, (NIV) “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke…” Prayer and fasting are powerful spiritual disciplines that Christians have practiced throughout history. These acts not only serve as expressions of worship but also provide pathways to enhance our connection with God, seek His guidance, and align our hearts with His will. When combined, prayer and fasting release a distinct spiritual power that can transform individuals, families, churches, and even nations. The Bible presents numerous examples of individuals who participated in prayer and fasting. To highlight a few:
- Jesus fasted for 40 days before the commencement of His public ministry (Matthew 4:1-2).
- Esther called for a national fast before bravely approaching the king (Esther 4:16).
- Daniel fasted and prayed in his quest for wisdom (Daniel 9:3).
- The early church fasted and prayed before commissioning missionaries (Acts 13:2–3).
These examples illustrate how fasting and prayer are vital to achieving divine breakthroughs.
While our primary focus is on spiritual growth, fasting also offers significant physical and mental benefits. It acts as a detoxification method by giving the digestive system much-needed rest, which helps the body naturally eliminate toxins. Furthermore, fasting combined with prayer promotes self-discipline by enhancing self-control and improving mental focus. This practice is also essential for reducing stress; dedicating time to prayer can create a sense of peace, helping to alleviate anxiety and worry (Philippians 4:6-7). When we gather with sincere hearts to fast and pray, we get the opportunity to intercede not only for ourselves but for our families, friends and for those around the world. Fasting and prayer help us seek reconciliation and forgiveness, softening our hearts and paving the way for restored relationships. Rather than feeling burdensome, prayer and fasting are blessings that offer profound spiritual rewards and deepen our connection to the heart of God.
In an article published in the Ministry Magazine in September 2016, Joseph Kidder, one of my professors at Andrews University, offers valuable insights on prayer and fasting. He emphasizes that fasting should be approached with a spirit of humility and joy. Throughout the Bible, God rebuked Israel for their misunderstandings about fasting, which had come to be viewed as a mere pious achievement rather than a genuine act of humility before the Creator. Jesus addressed this misconception by teaching, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting.” Truly, I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matt. 6:16-18). Fasting prepares the way for the Holy Spirit to work in us to overcome sin (Matt. 4:4. Fasting is often undertaken before making important decisions or significant life events. Look at Esther. Before she could dare risk her life in her mission to save her people, she turned to fasting and prayer (Esther 4:16). Likewise, we, too, can turn to fasting and prayer when faced with momentous decisions, such as when launching a major evangelistic campaign. Fasting can also be a part of personal decision-making moments, such as seeking a new job, entering a marriage relationship, or making a significant life change.
Fasting can help individuals face or overcome personal challenges and problems. For example, when David was falsely criticized and accused, he turned to God in fasting and prayer. He sought to humble himself and pray for vindication rather than to retaliate (Ps. 35:13; 69:10; 109:24). We need to spend time in prayer and fasting, not only for those who have fallen away from God, but also to cultivate a more Christlike attitude within ourselves. This will help us show love and mercy to those with whom we may differ, so that a new dynamic of Christian relationship takes over the community of faith.
Fasting is no occasion for self-pride—a characteristic of the Pharisees. Instead, true fasting in the biblical sense should lead to humility (Isa. 58:3) and a spiritual life marked by prayer and a continual seeking of God’s face. “Fasting can bring breakthroughs in the spiritual realm that will never happen in any other way.” An increased awareness of God’s greatness and love often accompanies the fasting experience. Worship is heightened, the relationship with Christ becomes stronger, and fellowship with one another becomes meaningful and vital. As we fast and pray, our prayers become more meaningful and effective.
How to prepare for fasting
Genuine, Spirit-filled fasting calls for intentional preparation. Such fasting calls for the following as a minimum:
- Examine your motives (Isa. 58:3–7).
- Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour (Rom. 12:1, 2).
- Ask God to reveal your sins to you (Ps. 19:12).
- Confess your sins (1 John 1:9).
- Seek forgiveness from those you have offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 17:3, 4).
- Make restitution as the Holy Spirit leads (Matt. 5:23-26).
- Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18).
- Consult with your physician before beginning a fast of any length.
In the context of our fasting and prayer on Sabbath, I pray that our transformations will occur, leading to a greater honour and glorification of God. Have a blessed Sabbath!
Dr. Pastor Evadne Henry
References
https://www.ministrymagazine.org/archive/2016/09/Gaining-by-denying Joseph Kidder, professor at Andrews University Theological Seminary