“When you fast… your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” – Matthew 6:17-18
Fasting and prayer are profound spiritual disciplines that go beyond abstaining from food or engaging in routine prayers. They are an invitation from God to deepen our relationship with Him, align our hearts with His will, and experience His power in new ways. On this first day of our journey, let us reflect on the significance of this divine invitation.
Understanding the Invitation
Jesus, in Matthew 6, spoke directly about fasting, prayer, and giving. He didn’t frame fasting as an optional activity but as an expected part of a believer’s life: “When you fast…” These words assume that fasting is a regular practice for those who desire to walk closely with God. It’s not about fulfilling a religious obligation but responding to a relational call from the Father.
When we fast, we are saying to God, “I want more of You. I am setting aside my desires, distractions, and comforts to seek Your presence above all else.” This invitation is not about deprivation but transformation. Fasting creates space in our lives for God to move, speak, and work in ways we may have never experienced before.
Aligning with God’s Purposes
At its core, fasting is about alignment. When we fast, we are tuning our hearts to the frequency of heaven. It is a physical act that represents a spiritual surrender. In fasting, we declare, “Lord, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).
This alignment is not just for personal gain but for kingdom purposes. Joel 2:12 says, “Return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” Fasting positions us to return to God fully, laying down anything that competes for our attention or affection. It humbles us and reminds us that His plans and purposes are far greater than our own.
The Rewards of Fasting
Jesus made a profound promise in Matthew 6:18: “Your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” The rewards of fasting are not always material or immediate, but they are always transformative. As we humble ourselves in fasting and prayer, God rewards us with His presence, clarity, and power.
These rewards may include:
- Deeper intimacy with God: Fasting draws us closer to His heart and allows us to hear His voice more clearly.
- Breakthrough in challenging areas: Fasting creates a spiritual environment for God to bring victory in areas of struggle or bondage.
- Alignment with His will: As we fast, our desires are refined and brought into alignment with God’s purposes.
Practical Steps for Today
- Set Your Intentions: Take time to pray and ask God what He wants to do in and through your fasting. Write down your spiritual goals for this journey.
- Choose Your Fast: Decide what type of fast you will engage in, whether it’s abstaining from food entirely, doing a partial fast.
- Commit to Prayer: Pair your fasting with intentional times of prayer and Scripture reading. Fasting without prayer is simply dieting.
Reflection Questions
- What does God want to teach you or reveal to you during this season of fasting and prayer?
- Are there specific areas in your life where you need breakthrough or alignment with His will?
- How can you make space for more of God in your daily life through this fast?
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