When I went up on the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant that the LORD had made with you, I stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights; I ate no bread and drank no water.
Then once again I fell prostrate before the LORD for forty days and forty nights; I ate no bread and drank no water, because of all the sin you had committed, doing what was evil in the LORD’s sight and so provoking him to anger (Deut. 9:9, 18, NIV).
Fasting is an extremely powerful spiritual weapon when used correctly. With it we humble our souls before the Lord, truly repenting of our sins and iniquity, asking for total cleaning and entire sanctification through the blood of Jesus (2 Chro. 7:14).
With fasting we seek the face of the Lord, asking for His help and intervention on very critical matters (Esther 4:16).
With fasting we pull down the strongholds of the enemy and destroy all his evil works (2 Chronicles 10:3-7).
With fasting we worship the Lord, in spirit, and in truth and hear His voice of direction concerning the work He has
given us to do (Acts 13:1-3).
With fasting we move the hands of the Lord against the enemies in our way, and that His help and His good hands may be upon our lives (Ezra 8:21).
The heroes of faith who went before us used fasting effectively to turn situation around, and to advance the kingdom of our God. Moses (Deut. 9:9, 18). David (Ps. 35:13). Nehemiah (Neh. 1:4; 9:1). Ezra (Ezra 8:21-23). Esther (Esther
4:16). Samuel (1 Sam. 7:6). Jesus (Matt. 4:2). Paul (2 Cor. 6:5; 11:27). The early Church (Acts 13:1-2).
Let us therefore follow in this glorious tradition of seeking the face of the Lord in true fasting, as we humble ourselves before the Lord. If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal
their land (2 Chron. 7:14).
SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY
ACTS 13:1-4
FOR FURTHER STUDIES
DEUTERONOMY 9
Confession for Today:
My God is gracious. I will seek His face as I humble myself in fasting and prayer
PRAYER POINTS
- Give thanks to God for His Word.
- Give thanks to God: He answers prayers.
- Ask that the spirit of grace and supplication may come mightily upon you.
- Pray for your nation.
- Pray for your church.
Nations’ Watch: Pray for Malta