22 March, 2022
💎 “And whenever you fast, do not become sad-faced like the hypocrites, for they neglect their faces to make their fasting evident to men. Amen, I tell you, they have their reward in full! But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting won’t be evident to men, but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.” (Mat 6:16-18 TLV)
Our Month of Prayer and Fasting in March is going to finish in eight days. Praise God that some of our Praying Priests have already encountered breakthroughs in different areas, such as greater sensitivity to the presence of God and spiritual things, a renewed closeness with God, dealing with hidden sins and demolishing the strongholds powerfully. Hallelujah!
- Whenever you fast (v.16)
Prayer and fasting is an inner practice which leads to outward change and breakthrough. It is a spiritual discipline that Yeshua expects all His followers to do. He says, “Whenever you fast.” He doesn’t say, “If you fast” or “If you choose to fast”. Therefore, each one of us have to pray and fast. It is not for fanatics or spiritual giants only.
- Do not become sad-faced like the hypocrites. (v16)
Prayer and fasting means to voluntarily reduce the intake of food or refrain from food for a specific time and a spiritual purpose. Prayer and Fasting is not to show off our piety and devotion to God. It is part of a normal relationship with God, and it brings us to a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him. True prayer and fasting focuses on God. Do not be caught up with praying for yourself or others without simply admiring and praising Him!
- Your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you. (v.18)
When we are willing to pay a personal price to pray and fast for someone or something, it shows the depth of our desire and the earnestness of our turning to God. Yeshua says, “Our Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.” Our Father honors those who deny themselves, seek Him wholeheartedly and pray in faith! Prayer and fasting is the most powerful spiritual practice and discipline. Therefore, the enemy will do anything to make you feel hungry, grumpy or irritable, and to stop you. Be aware of spiritual warfare and prevail against the enemy by the blood of Yeshua!
🙏Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for walking us through the Month of Prayer and Fasting so far. Once again, we commit ourselves to glorifying you, as we know that prayer and fasting is not seeking for an emotional experience, exchanging for your blessings or gaining our personal happiness. Please give us clean hearts and steadfast spirits to focus on You always. Strengthen us physically and spiritually, and draw us near to You to know your heartbeat. In the Name of Yeshua we pray and bless You, Amen!