Fasting without prayer is simply a diet. Combining prayer with fasting raises the intensity, like pouring gas on a fire. It’s a powerful mix. As you join thousands of others all over the world who are fasting and crying out to God during this fast, you can believe that something powerful is taking place.
God’s Word promises, “You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). God invites us to seek Him. Intimacy cannot be rushed. It must be worked on day by day. Jesus was frequently surrounded by large crowds of people, but He often withdrew to get alone with God and pray. He knew that He needed to stay tapped into the Source of all things, and so do we. Prayer and fasting were a big part of Jesus’ life. Why should it be such a small part of ours?
There is both reward and wisdom to be found when we tune out the noise of the world and come away to hear God’s heart through fasting and prayer. Spend extra time in prayer today. Make a prayer list – a “hit list” – of people who are not saved, and pray over their names. Pray for people that you know who are sick or struggling with family or financial issues. Fasting is persistent prayer!
The Bible tells us that Jesus is our High Priest in Heaven who ever lives to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25). He’s been praying for you today. Maybe you are having a tough day.
You’re hungry. The devil has come against you as he often does on a fast. He’s tempting you to give up, to just quit. Remember that when the devil is tempting you—Jesus is praying for you! Keep asking! Keep seeking! Keep knocking!
8/25. MON. DAY 16: TARRY