Why Christians Need To Fast And Pray

A Call to Humble Ourselves

Fasting and prayer change things. They reset our lives and position us to hear from God. This post accompanies our sermon video on the power of fasting and prayer. Watch the message, then use these notes to go deeper.

Our foundation scripture is 2 Chronicles 7:14:

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

God’s promise begins with a condition: humble yourselves. But how do we do that?

You cannot humble yourself without consecration, and you cannot consecrate yourself without fasting. King David understood this. In Psalm 35:13 he says, “I humbled myself with fasting.”

Jesus Expects Us to Fast

In Matthew 6, Jesus teaches about prayer and fasting side by side. Notice His words:

Verse 5: “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites.”
Verse 6: “But you, when you pray…”
Verse 16: “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites.”
Verse 17: “But you, when you fast…”

Jesus did not say if you fast. He said when you fast. He expects prayer and fasting to be part of every believer’s life.

Now Is the Time

In Matthew 9:15 (NKJV), Jesus said:

“Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.”

Our Bridegroom, Jesus, has been taken away from us. Now is the time to humble ourselves. Now is the time to seek the LORD with fasting and prayer.

What Is Fasting?

Fasting is more than skipping meals. Here are eight truths about what it is and what it does:

It humbles us to seek God’s presence. Fasting is a way of humbling ourselves before God, our Creator.
It subdues the flesh. It brings our body under the authority of our spirit.
It is fundamental for every believer. It sharpens our ability to hear the voice of God.
It makes us effective in the Spirit. Through fasting, our effectiveness in spiritual things improves.
It tunes us in to God’s signal. Fasting connects us to the instructions of the Spirit of God.
It opens our ears. It gives us the ability to receive and hear from God.
It removes distractions. It is more than removing food. It is a time to clear away distractions and hear God for yourself.
It makes us sensitive. Fasting helps our spirit become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

Jesus encourages us to fast and pray. The one thing that remains is our faith in God, and that is exactly what the enemy wants to take. Fasting and prayer guard it.

Why We Fast: Isaiah 58:6–7

Why is God calling the church to fast? Isaiah 58:6 gives us four reasons. The fast God has chosen is:

To loose the bonds of wickedness
To undo the heavy burdens
To let the oppressed go free
To break every yoke of bondage

Walking in Our Authority

When we fast, we position ourselves as God’s legislative authority on the earth. Isaiah 10:27 declares that the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing.

We already have the anointing and the power of the Holy Spirit. We cannot allow the yoke of the enemy to keep us bound.

Fasting Reaches Others

Isaiah 58:7 shows that a true fast also reaches outward: sharing bread with the hungry, sheltering the poor, and clothing those in need, even people we don’t know.

Fasting also benefits the body. It is a reset for the whole person, spirit, soul and body.

The Benefits of Fasting: Isaiah 58:8–12

God rewards those who respond to His call. Isaiah 58:8–12 lists thirteen promises for those who fast His way.

Your light will break forth like the dawn.
Your healing will spring forth quickly. Healing is the children’s bread. It is our covenant right as the redeemed.
Your righteousness will go before you. Righteousness is not the same as holiness. It is the very nature of God at work through us.
The glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
The LORD will answer your prayers. God wants to answer your prayers, but you need to be in the right position.
The LORD will intervene in your situation. You were created to be a champion for your generation. You are not a victim but a victor. You are not a loser but a winner.
Your light will shine in the darkness. People will notice something unique about you. You carry something special. You are different.
Your darkness will become like the noonday. When God’s glory rests on you, you will stand out even in dark times, and things will go well with you. This is not ordinary light. It is the glory light that makes you a wonder in your generation.
The LORD will guide you continually.
He will satisfy your soul in a sun-scorched land.
He will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden.
You will be like a spring whose waters never fail.

Fasting and Prayer Change Things

Fasting brings a reset to our lives. It humbles us, quiets the noise, breaks yokes, and positions us to hear God and receive His promises.

The call of 2 Chronicles 7:14 still stands today. Will you answer it?

Take the Next Step

Watch the full sermon above and take notes as you listen.
Set aside a time to fast, even one meal or one day, and give that time to prayer.
Remove distractions during your fast so you can hear God for yourself.
Reach out to someone in need, as Isaiah 58:7 teaches.

Note: If you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or take regular medication, talk with your doctor before beginning a food fast.

A Call to Humble Ourselves