Fast Day 1: Fasting and Prayer

Because the Bible consistently connects spiritual fasting with prayer, we must, too.

If we fast without praying, there is, of course, not really a spiritual element. Fasting is a discipline that people from many places have practiced over many generations and is connected to many different faiths. You don’t even have to have any specific kind of faith to fast, as we see that in this age it has become a popular thing to incorporate into a diet. But even though juice fasting, intermittent fasting or Eat Stop Eat might be a healthy thing to do when done properly, what we are about during these 30 days is a spiritual fast. The mechanism that enhances our fast is prayer.

I humbled my soul with fasting, and my prayer was constantly on my mind. Psalms 35: 13

So we fasted and earnestly sought our God concerning this matter, and He answered our prayer. Ezra 8: 23

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set Barnabas and Saul apart for Me to the special work to which I have called them.” Then, after more fasting and prayer, they laid their hands on them, and sent them away. Acts 13: 2-3

What is prayer? At its simplest, prayer is just talking to God. There are as many kinds of prayer as kinds of conversations, here are a few:

Confession. Simply agree with God that you were wrong and turn away from that towards what God is telling you is right. God then forgives, and forgets. Sometimes an extended time of confession is needed since we often can’t forgive or forget it ourselves. This kind of prayer, connected to a time of fasting, can help you to forgive yourself completely, and move on, like God does (1 John 1:9). Confession helps us focus on our need for repentance.¹

Petition. Jesus tells us to ask our Father for anything, and He will give it to us. We are His children and He would never give us a stone or a snake instead of what we have asked for (Matthew 7: 9-10). This kind of prayer with a specific request, connected to fasting, will give you more time to explore your motivations, your exact desire and how His answer might make a difference in your life. Petition helps us grasp more firmly the source of our hope and builds confidence.¹

Thanksgiving. This could be deeper than just saying, “Thanks, Lord.” Experiencing profound gratitude is sometimes found in an intentional frame of mind. Connecting your gratitude over something phenomenal He has done for you along with fasting can expand your trust and expose a renewed posture of humility.¹

Praise. We don’t always think of it this way, but at its core, worship can be an uncalculated expression of joy in realizing all that God gives us and everything He is in this world. Whether we sing, play an instrument, speak in unison in a service or just let our hearts soar within us, when we intentionally connect worship with fasting, we begin to see more clearly how little we are and how big He is (Ephesians 5: 19). Praise builds a stronger reverence for Him.¹

Review your fasting plan.

Which kind of prayer above might characterize your fasting goals?

Use this to more clearly visualize and actualize the prayer that you are connecting to fasting these next 30 days.

Father God, I am so excited to spend this special time of fasting with You. Help me remember this is a two-way conversation and as I pray what’s in my heart, with repentance, humility, confidence and reverence, I will also take time to listen to what You have to say to me. Thank You for listening and answering. Amen.

¹From John Calvin’s “Four Rules of Prayer”