The Principles of Prayer and Fasting

Memory Verse: "The labor of a fool so wearies him [because he is ignorant]..." (Eccl.10:15, AMP)

Scripture Reading: Matt.6:16-18.

The mark of the wise is in their ability to know, understand and apply the workings of a thing. There are guiding principles surrounding the workings of things and our understanding of these principles is what determines if we get results or not.

A principle can be defined as, "a basic idea or rule that explains or controls how something happens or works." 

Fasting amongst other things is a spiritual labour and the Bible says: "In all labour, there is profit.." (See Prov.14:23). By implication, for every time you wait on God, you should have something tangible to show. You cannot claim to be waiting on God and yet the bond of iniquity is getting stronger and thicker in your life. No sir, you're not doing it right.

There are lots of prayer warriors and fasting giants (and I'm certain you know some of them)- they can fast for a whole year and can also pray for hours unending yet there's no profit. Why? Would it be that God is wicked and so He's bent on punishing them? No, a thousand times no. There are principles that they are not following. God is a God of order and when once you're out of order, you cripple Him.

The Word of God teaches us about fasting and the spiritual principles connected with it. 

Here are 5 principles we need to know before we embark on any fast. 

• Be Led.

When you are led to fast, you enjoy release of grace. This grace takes the pressure off. You don't struggle. You are helped by the Spirit of God because He supplies you with spiritual strength to wait on God.

• Have the right motives.

What is your motive for fasting? Never try to bribe God with your fast. Fasting changes us, not God. Never try to push God to a corner with your fast by forcing Him to do your will. That would amount to manipulation and we know God cannot be manipulated. He's got a mind of His own. Let your motives be right.

• Have a goal.

Let your fasting be targeted at something. What specific need(s) are you waiting on God for God? The reason you should have a goal is so you know if you are making progress.

• Produce your strong reasons.

Beyond having a goal, a target or an expectation, see to it that the Scriptures support your desired expectation. Else, you will be frustrated. God would never work outside His word. He works within the circumference and perimeter of His word. Therefore, your goal, your target and whatever your expectation may be must be word-inspired.

• Be determined to minister to the Lord.

This is very important. Yes I totally agree and understand that you have needs but how about God's needs? God has got needs too! And He's hoping that your prayer and fasting would cover His needs. In simple English, Let God's Kingdom feel the impact of your prayer and fasting.

When these principles are in place, we are sure to command the attention of the Father. And when the Father's attention is secured, the profits are released. 

Ponder Point: The principle of fasting means giving up a craving of the body because you have a deeper need of the spirit.

Action Point: Work with these principles so you can profit from your fast.

Prayer Point: O LORD, as I embark on spirit-led fasts, kill my flesh, break my [selfish] desires and cause me to thirst after Your righteousness according to 1 Cor.9:24-27 in Jesus name, Amen.