The Power of Fasting
The Power of Prayer and Fasting
In a culture that values independence and strength, fasting may feel unnatural or unnecessary. Yet, God designed it as a pathway to deeper intimacy with Him and a key to spiritual breakthrough.
WHY DO WE FAST?
Many people believe we fast to earn God’s attention or love, but the truth is, we already have both! Fasting isn’t for God—it’s for us. It humbles us, deepens our dependence on Him, and shifts our focus from ourselves to His presence. In Matthew 9:14-17, Jesus spoke of fasting when the disciples of John asked Jesus, “Why do your disciples not fast like us and the Pharisees?” Jesus responds with three metaphors, a wedding, a patch of cloth, and a wineskin. At the surface level, it may seem these are three unrelated images that Jesus provokes them to think about. However, they each share the common truth that the present state of each is destined to shift to a new state, requiring preparation. Fasting prepares our hearts for our next season in Christ.
As long as we have the bridegroom with us, we do not fast, we celebrate! The act of fasting is a biblical practice of mourning. There is a deep longing that surpasses our desires so much that we would rather not eat, but seek to be restored and refreshed. This longing is what Jesus speaks of when he says the bridegroom will leave and then they will fast. When we fast, we are partnering with the inner cry spoken of in Revelation 22:20, “Maranatha! Come Lord, Jesus!”
“No one sews an un-shrunk patch on an old garment, for if they do, the patch will shrink and the tear will be made worse. In the same way, no one pours new wine in an old wineskin. If they do, the skins will burst and both the new wine and the wineskin will be lost. You put new wine in a new wineskin.” Matthew 9:16-17 (paraphrased)
These final two metaphors resemble two common occurrences of ancient Israel life. Patching a piece of clothing and creating a new wine.
When Jesus, speaks of these scenarios, the hearers would have understood the processes necessary to preserve their product; the old and the new are not compatible. If you want new wine or lasting material, you must work through a process to achieve an output that will stand the test of time. Jesus’ answer provides them with a context to understand that the new thing. Not unlike the metaphor of the old and the new, fasting is similar to the process of preparing the wineskin and the patch. It is the process of producing the container to hold what God wants to do in our lives. Without this process, we risk settling for less than the best that God wants to give us because we have not properly prepared.
Here are some ways to experience personal transformation through fasting:
Fasting isn’t just about what you give up—it’s about what you gain in God’s presence.
FASTING FOR BREAKTHROUGH
Fasting is a powerful key for breakthrough in the lives of others. As we grow in dependence on God, our prayers become more frequent and filled with greater faith.
Here are some ways to partner with God in fasting for breakthrough:
When we engage in corporate fasting, we unite in seeking God together. We believe He has given our church a special grace to be a source of life as we respond to His call and re-dig ancient wells. These ‘ancient wells’ are the redemptive plans and purposes that God originally planned and will fulfill for every person, family, city, nation and church! Join us as we pursue revival and breakthrough—not just in our personal lives, but in the lives of those around us and across the world.
Check out our post on “Fasting Well - Practicals for Fasting” if you want to learn more about fasting.
WHY DO WE FAST?
Many people believe we fast to earn God’s attention or love, but the truth is, we already have both! Fasting isn’t for God—it’s for us. It humbles us, deepens our dependence on Him, and shifts our focus from ourselves to His presence. In Matthew 9:14-17, Jesus spoke of fasting when the disciples of John asked Jesus, “Why do your disciples not fast like us and the Pharisees?” Jesus responds with three metaphors, a wedding, a patch of cloth, and a wineskin. At the surface level, it may seem these are three unrelated images that Jesus provokes them to think about. However, they each share the common truth that the present state of each is destined to shift to a new state, requiring preparation. Fasting prepares our hearts for our next season in Christ.
As long as we have the bridegroom with us, we do not fast, we celebrate! The act of fasting is a biblical practice of mourning. There is a deep longing that surpasses our desires so much that we would rather not eat, but seek to be restored and refreshed. This longing is what Jesus speaks of when he says the bridegroom will leave and then they will fast. When we fast, we are partnering with the inner cry spoken of in Revelation 22:20, “Maranatha! Come Lord, Jesus!”
“No one sews an un-shrunk patch on an old garment, for if they do, the patch will shrink and the tear will be made worse. In the same way, no one pours new wine in an old wineskin. If they do, the skins will burst and both the new wine and the wineskin will be lost. You put new wine in a new wineskin.” Matthew 9:16-17 (paraphrased)
These final two metaphors resemble two common occurrences of ancient Israel life. Patching a piece of clothing and creating a new wine.
When Jesus, speaks of these scenarios, the hearers would have understood the processes necessary to preserve their product; the old and the new are not compatible. If you want new wine or lasting material, you must work through a process to achieve an output that will stand the test of time. Jesus’ answer provides them with a context to understand that the new thing. Not unlike the metaphor of the old and the new, fasting is similar to the process of preparing the wineskin and the patch. It is the process of producing the container to hold what God wants to do in our lives. Without this process, we risk settling for less than the best that God wants to give us because we have not properly prepared.
Here are some ways to experience personal transformation through fasting:
- Let God lead your fast. He may prompt you to drink only water or juice, skip one meal a day, or even step away from social media. The goal isn’t to follow a formula but to create space for Him to speak and for you to rely on Him.
- Prioritize worship and prayer. Instead of filling your schedule with more tasks, set aside intentional time to seek God. We invite you to join us for corporate prayer times in the Prayer Center.
- Turn hunger into awareness. Each time you feel hunger, let it remind you of God’s presence. Ask Him how He is moving and how you can partner with Him.
- Meditate on Scripture. Let God’s Word renew your mind and refresh your spirit throughout the day.
FASTING FOR BREAKTHROUGH
Fasting is a powerful key for breakthrough in the lives of others. As we grow in dependence on God, our prayers become more frequent and filled with greater faith.
Here are some ways to partner with God in fasting for breakthrough:
- Ask God who to pray for. Seek His guidance on specific family members, friends, or situations where you can believe for breakthrough. Enter your fast with a few people or needs on your heart.
- Pray with intention. Throughout the day, lift up those people and situations to God. Ask Him to give you His heart and perspective as you intercede.
- Journal what God reveals. Write down anything He speaks to you about the people or situations you’re praying for. Watch as He moves in response to your prayers! Scripture reminds us that when we ask, He hears us and is faithful to answer (1 John 5:14).
When we engage in corporate fasting, we unite in seeking God together. We believe He has given our church a special grace to be a source of life as we respond to His call and re-dig ancient wells. These ‘ancient wells’ are the redemptive plans and purposes that God originally planned and will fulfill for every person, family, city, nation and church! Join us as we pursue revival and breakthrough—not just in our personal lives, but in the lives of those around us and across the world.
Check out our post on “Fasting Well - Practicals for Fasting” if you want to learn more about fasting.