Prayer and fasting are commandments of God to every believer, as found in scriptures Isa. 58:6; Mat. 6:6-7,17-18. While these are commandments, they are not burdens but blessings of unfathomable dimension Jer, 23:33-40. Though Prayer and fasting come at a cost, this cost pales in comparison to the glory in return Psa. 63:1-3; 2Cor. 4:17.

Some blessings of Prayer and Fasting.

Last week, we discussed several blessings associated with prayer and fasting. They are:

i) Spiritual empowerment for victorious living 58:6; Lk. 10:17-19.

ii) Outbreak of revelation leading to supernatural breakthroughs 58:8; 60:1-2.

iii) Supernatural restoration of health 58:8; Psa. 107:20.

iv) Sanctification that keeps the believer fit for heaven 58:8; 1Cor. 6:9-11.

v) Express answer to prayer 58:9; 1Jn. 5:14—15.

vi) Access to divine guidance 58:11; 48:21.

vii) Supernatural flourishing life 58:11-12,14; 2Pet. 1:3.

Why is Prayer and Fasting Vital to Believers Today?

We are living in the last days, which necessitates prayer and fasting for believers to avoid being victims and make the most of the time 1Chr. 12:32.

1. We are in days of outbreak of revelation.

In these last days, darkness will cover the world and increase in intensity Joel 2:1-2; Isa. 60:2. However, God has ordained an outbreak of revelation in the church, allowing believers to disarm darkness and shine Isa. 11:9-10; 60:1-2-3; Jer. 31:33-34. Prayer and fasting facilitate this revelation, and every believer who wishes to partake must embrace it as a lifestyle Isa. 58:6,8.

2. We are in days of the manifold wisdom of God.

The scriptures indicate the wickedness will intensify in the last days Dan. 12:10; Mat. 24:21-23; 2Tim. 3:1. God has ordained the release of His manifold wisdom on the church to empower believers to silence wickedness Eph. 3:8-11; Pro. 21:22. Prayer and fasting are essential for accessing this wisdom, as seen in the lives of scriptural figures life  Danel Dan. 5:11; 10:1-12; 2:14-16; and Paul 2Pet. 3:15; Eph. 3:1-5,6-11; 2Cor. 11:27.

Profitable Approach to Fasting.

While prayer and fasting are ordained for the believer’s profit, there are scriptural approaches for maximizing effectiveness.

1. Come with thanksgiving, praise, and worship.

Prayer and fasting connect to divine presence for it to deliver profit Isa. 58:3-4; Jms. 4:2. Thanksgiving, praise, and worship are covenant ways to access divine presence Psa. 100:4; Mat. 6:9-10.

2. Engage the force of faith.

Faith secures God’s attention leading to divine intervention Mk. 2:5; Lk. 8:40-48. Therefore, engaging faith during prayer and fasting guarantees answer Mat. 21:21-22; Mk. 11:24.

3. Come boldly.

Boldness is crucial for gaining access to God’s presence Heb. 4:16. Fear prevents believers from seeing God Rev. 21:8. A bold approach is necessary for effective prayer and fasting Isa. 38:1-5; Lk. 15:12,28-31.

4. Prioritize kingdom advancement.

When a believer prioritizes God’s kingdom in prayer and fasting, they are guaranteed access and answers Mat. 6:9-10,17-18,33. A commitment to kingdom advancement is essential for profitable prayer and fasting.

In conclusion, in the remaining days of our 21-day prayer and fasting, we shall experience definite encounters that will make this year to speak early and loudly!

To anyone reading this that will love to give his/her life to Christ, pray this prayer out loud with me from your heart: “Lord Jesus, I surrender my life to you today. Forgive me my sins; wash me with your blood. I believe you died for me; on the third day you rose again that I may be justified. Right now, I believe that my sins are forgiven; I’m justified by your blood; I’m born-again; I’m saved; I’m a child of God; I’m free from the power of sin to serve the living God. Thank you, Jesus, for receiving me; thank you Jesus for restoring me; thank you Jesus for saving me. Amen!”

Prayer.

1. Father, in the name of Jesus, empower me by the Holy Spirit for remaining days of the 21-day of prayer and fasting, thereby making it a most profitable exercise for me 4:1-