Fasting and Prayer: A Call to Transformation

Devotional

Day 1: Fasting with Purpose Brings God’s Reward

Fasting is not just a religious ritual but a purposeful act of faith that positions us to receive God’s rewards. When we fast, we are not seeking to impress others or to appear spiritual, but to draw near to God, trusting that He sees what is done in secret and will reward us openly. Whether you are fasting from food, social media, or another comfort, do it with intention—believing that God honors your sacrifice and meets you in your hunger for Him. Let your fast be a time of expectation, knowing that God delights to respond to those who diligently seek Him. [43:42]

Matthew 6:16-18 (ESV)
“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

Reflection: What is one specific area where you are seeking God’s reward or breakthrough during this fast, and how can you intentionally offer that desire to Him in prayer today?

Day 2: Fasting in Times of Spiritual Drought

There are seasons when our hearts feel dry, our prayers seem to bounce back, and spiritual life feels distant. In these times, fasting is a way to return to God with all our hearts, rending not just our garments but our very souls before Him. God calls us to seek Him with fasting, weeping, and mourning, not as an outward show but as a genuine turning of our hearts. When we fast in spiritual drought, we invite God to refresh us, restore us, and bring new life where there has been barrenness. [45:32]

Joel 2:12-13 (ESV)
“‘Yet even now,’ declares the Lord, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.’ Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.”

Reflection: Where do you feel spiritually dry or distant from God, and how can you use fasting this week to return to Him with your whole heart?

Day 3: Fasting for Protection and Answered Prayer

Fasting is a powerful way to seek God’s protection over our families, marriages, and church, especially when we are facing uncertain or dangerous journeys. Just as Ezra and the people of Israel fasted and prayed for a safe passage and God’s hand upon their treasures, we too can fast for God’s hedge of protection and for answers to prayers that seem beyond our control. In a world full of threats and temptations, fasting humbles us and reminds us to depend on God’s guidance and safeguarding. [48:39]

Ezra 8:21-23 (ESV)
“Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, ‘The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.’ So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.”

Reflection: Who or what in your life needs God’s special protection right now, and how can you dedicate your prayers and fasting to cover them this week?

Day 4: Some Breakthroughs Only Come by Prayer and Fasting

There are stubborn mountains in our lives—addictions, broken relationships, spiritual strongholds—that will not move by prayer alone. Jesus taught that some breakthroughs only come through both prayer and fasting, as seen when the disciples could not cast out a demon until Jesus explained the need for deeper faith and sacrifice. Fasting is the act of dying to self, pushing past comfort, and believing that God can do the impossible when we surrender fully. If you have a mountain that hasn’t moved, it may be time to add fasting to your prayers and trust God for the miracle. [01:01:00]

Matthew 17:18-21 (ESV)
“And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was healed instantly. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, ‘Why could we not cast it out?’ He said to them, ‘Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you. But this kind never comes out except by prayer and fasting.’”

Reflection: What is one “mountain” in your life that has not moved despite your prayers, and how can you commit to fasting and praying specifically for that breakthrough this week?

Day 5: Extending Grace and Interceding for the Lost

God’s grace is for everyone, even those we find hardest to forgive or understand. When we fast and pray for the lost, the broken, and even those who have hurt us, we are participating in the heart of God, who desires all to be saved. Writing names on a card and interceding for them is not just a ritual—it is an act of faith that can change destinies. As you fast, ask God to soften your heart toward those who need His grace, and to use your prayers to bring salvation and transformation to their lives. [01:14:19]

Luke 15:4-7 (ESV)
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”

Reflection: Who is one person you find difficult to pray for or forgive, and how can you intentionally intercede for them by name during your fast this week?

Sermon Summary

In this sacred gathering, we have been invited to step into a season of intentional prayer and fasting, not as a ritual, but as a pursuit of God’s presence and power. The call is to move beyond comfort and routine, to write down the names of those who are lost or struggling, and to intercede for them with a faith that expects transformation. This is not just about abstaining from food or social media; it’s about rending our hearts, returning to God with sincerity, and believing that He still moves mountains.

Testimonies abound—lives are being changed, addictions are being broken, and young people are coming to Christ. These are not coincidences, but the fruit of a church that is seeking God together. The act of fasting is not for show, but for reward—spiritual reward, breakthrough, and answered prayer. When we fast, we acknowledge our spiritual droughts and our desperate need for God to refresh and restore us. We fast for protection over our families, our marriages, and our church, recognizing that the enemy seeks to destroy what is precious, but God is our shield.

Sometimes, prayer alone is not enough. There are strongholds, addictions, and spiritual battles that only yield to the combined force of prayer and fasting. Jesus Himself said that some breakthroughs only come this way. The names on our cards represent real souls, real struggles, and real hope. We are challenged to move from autopilot Christianity to fervent, faith-filled pursuit of God’s will, even when it means confronting our own mountains of unforgiveness, addiction, or spiritual apathy.

The grace of God is available to all, no matter the depth of sin or the size of the mountain. We are reminded that God does not categorize sin as we do; all are in need of His mercy. As we stand at our crossroads, the invitation is clear: step forward, bring your mountain, and trust that God is able to do what only He can do. This is a season to believe for the impossible, to intercede for the lost, and to experience the revival that comes when God’s people humble themselves and seek His face.

Key Takeaways

1. Fasting with Purpose Brings Spiritual Reward Fasting is not a hollow ritual but a purposeful act of worship that positions us for God’s reward. When we fast, we do so with expectation, believing that God honors the secret sacrifices we make to draw near to Him. It is not about public display, but about a heart posture that seeks God’s approval above all. The reward is not just personal breakthrough, but also the transformation of those we intercede for. [41:07]
2. Fasting Breaks Spiritual Drought and Restores Passion There are seasons when our spiritual lives feel dry, prayers seem unanswered, and hope wanes. Fasting is a biblical response to spiritual drought, a way to rend our hearts and return to God with sincerity. In these moments, God calls us to deeper intimacy, to lament, and to seek His refreshing presence. When we fast, we invite God to revive what has grown cold and to restore our passion for Him and His purposes. [45:32]
3. Intercession and Community Prayer Change Lives Writing down the names of the lost or struggling and praying over them is not a trivial act—it is a declaration of faith in God’s power to save and restore. Testimonies of salvation, deliverance, and healing are the direct result of a praying church. When we bear one another’s burdens and intercede together, we become conduits of God’s grace and agents of His transformation in our families and community. [07:22]
4. Fasting and Prayer Provide Protection and Break Strongholds The journey of faith is fraught with dangers—temptations, attacks on families, and spiritual opposition. Fasting is a means of seeking God’s protection, building spiritual hedges around what is precious, and denying the enemy a foothold. Some battles, especially those involving deep-seated sin or generational strongholds, require the combined force of prayer and fasting to see true freedom and victory. [48:39]
5. God’s Grace is for All, and Mountains Can Move No one is beyond the reach of God’s grace, no matter their past or the weight of their sin. The same mercy that saved the preacher is available to the vilest offender. We are called to confront our own mountains—unforgiveness, addiction, pride—and trust that, through faith, prayer, and fasting, God can move what seems immovable. The invitation is to step forward, believe for the impossible, and experience the transforming power of God.

** [61:00]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Offering and Introduction to Prayer Cards
[04:30] - Instructions for Writing and Praying Over Cards
[07:22] - Testimonies of Changed Lives Through Prayer
[12:00] - Invitation to Step Out in Faith
[15:30] - Revival Atmosphere and Church Announcements
[18:00] - Celebrating Youth and New Commitments
[22:00] - The Purpose of Fasting
[27:00] - Fasting for Rewards: Biblical Foundation
[32:00] - Practical Fasting Tips and Testimonies
[35:00] - Fasting in Times of Spiritual Drought
[39:00] - Real-Life Stories of Restoration
[43:00] - Fasting for Protection and Answered Prayer
[48:39] - When Only Prayer and Fasting Work
[54:00] - The Power of Intercession and Forgiveness
[61:00] - God’s Grace for All and the Call to Respond
[74:19] - Invitation to Move Mountains and Closing Worship

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 6:16-18 (ESV) — > “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

Joel 2:12-13 (ESV) — > “Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.

Matthew 17:19-21 (ESV) — > Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” [21] “But this kind never comes out except by prayer and fasting.”

Observation Questions

According to Matthew 6:16-18, what is the difference between fasting for show and fasting in secret? What does Jesus promise to those who fast with the right heart?
In Joel 2:12-13, what does God say is more important than outward acts of fasting or mourning? What does it mean to “rend your heart and not your garments”?
In the sermon, what are some real-life examples given of lives being changed through prayer and fasting? ([37:34])
In Matthew 17:19-21, what reason does Jesus give for the disciples’ inability to cast out the demon, and what does He say is required for certain breakthroughs?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus emphasizes secrecy and sincerity in fasting, rather than public displays? How does this relate to the idea of seeking God’s approval over people’s approval? ([41:07])
The sermon talks about “spiritual drought” and returning to God with sincerity. What might spiritual drought look like in a believer’s life, and why is fasting a biblical response to it? ([45:32])
The pastor said, “Sometimes, prayer alone is not enough. There are strongholds, addictions, and spiritual battles that only yield to the combined force of prayer and fasting.” Why do you think some spiritual battles require both prayer and fasting? ([48:39])
The sermon shares that God’s grace is available to all, no matter the depth of sin. How does this challenge the way we view our own “mountains” or the struggles of others? ([01:01:00])

Application Questions

The sermon challenged everyone to write down the names of lost or struggling people and pray for them with expectation. Who is one person you feel led to intercede for this week, and what is one specific way you can pray for them? ([07:22])
The pastor shared testimonies of people being set free from addictions and lives being changed. Is there an area in your life where you need breakthrough or freedom? What would it look like to combine prayer and fasting in that area? ([37:34])
Fasting was described as a way to “rend our hearts” and return to God with sincerity. Is there a part of your heart or life that you’ve been holding back from God? What would it look like to surrender that area during a time of fasting? ([45:32])
The sermon mentioned fasting for protection over families, marriages, and the church. What is one area of your life or family that you want to specifically pray God’s protection over this week? ([48:39])
The pastor said, “Some of us got some mountains in our life they’re going to have to get out or it’s going to come between you and heaven.” What is a “mountain” in your life right now, and what step can you take this week to bring it to God in faith, prayer, and fasting? ([01:01:00])
The message emphasized that God does not categorize sin as we do, and His grace is for all. Is there someone you struggle to believe God can change or forgive? How can you pray for them differently in light of God’s grace? ([01:01:00])
The pastor encouraged moving from “autopilot Christianity” to a fervent, faith-filled pursuit of God. What is one routine or comfort you might need to step out of in order to seek God more intentionally this season? ([41:07])

Sermon Clips

But I will say this. The scripture says when we fast. So, however you choose to fast, a Daniel fast, basically, I think it's basically down to the food you just well go ahead and fast. I mean, it's beans and stuff. I'm like, and whole grains, no meat. I'm like, well, you just well liquid fast. But, some people don't have the help to be able to do that. But, the scripture says, when you fast, don't look somber as hypocrites for they disfigure their faces, show others they are fasting. Truly, I tell you, they receive the reward in full. So, but here's what was happening. It doesn't mean you can't tell your brother or sister. [00:42:16] (29 seconds) #FastingWithIntent

But I tell you, but you do fast with purpose. And when you go into it and you have these cards that you filled out this week, I want you to be thinking, even if it's just social media, if you've never fasted from anything, start with social media. Start with caffeine. Man, I once said, one guy told me, I'm not going to call him out, but he said, can you fast from anything? And I went through all the stuff, TV, all the stuff you could do. But then he talked to me four days later and says, I ain't had any chewing tobacco in four days. I'm done. Amen. I said, well, that's fasting too. [00:44:58] (28 seconds) #SpiritualDryness

We fast because of drought. I fast because I get dry. Now don't leave me all up here by myself, but has anybody else ever been dry in the house of God? Four of you. Amen. I better jump to point three. Only four of you has been spiritually dry. I've been dry. I've been, I'm like, God, it seems like I'm praying. And when I pray, it's like my prayers go up and then bounce back down, go up and then bounce back down. It seems like I don't understand. And it just seems dry. This summer, sometimes it gets dry spiritually. [00:45:35] (29 seconds) #VictoryOverAddiction

But God began to remind me, if you don't give me this time, you're going to have more dry time. So I had to put my evangelistic bone away for a while. Not that I put it away, but I just had to pipe it down a little bit to where I could tell people and be real with people where I was and what I was doing and why the church is doing it. But I'm telling you, there's dry times in our life. [00:47:39] (23 seconds) #RestorationThroughGod

I've got kids that are bound in addiction and you've got kids that are bound in addiction and there's some dry places in here. And sometimes the devil whisper in your ear and tell you, oh, it's not going to change. It's something you've done or it's something that they're never going to change. I've got news for you. Every devil in hell has no power against our God. And when the spirit of God comes upon a man where the spirit of the Lord is, there's liberty. [00:48:40] (24 seconds) #PrayForProtection

We fast for protection and answered prayers oh we fast for protection there was a time in this in the scripture in that book of ezra and and they were by the ahava canal and there was that was a meeting place for the people and they were getting ready to cross into the other land and as they were going they had all the treasures of the temple do you know when we fast we need to pray for protection i pray for a hedge of protection around the church i pray for a hedge of protection around my marriage you ought to be praying for a hedge of protection around your marriage if not the old sloth it'll slip in and he'll put a trap before you [00:54:02] (35 seconds) #PowerOfPersistentPrayer

Some of us got some mount you in our life they're going to have to get out or it's going to come between you and heaven you're going to have to get it out because listen if the bible says that if he coming to god must believe that he is and that he's a reward that those who diligently seek him it says the faithful fervent prayer dave freeman of faithful fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much it's how much time are we given to god and how much are we on autopilot church i've been i was on autopilot a little bit i've been there done that but some things only come by prayer and by fasting [01:03:07] (35 seconds)

Here's what i want you to do churches back up they're going to sing we're going to worship together but if you're not going to come forward just back up and let them out why don't you just come i'm not going to ask you to bow your heads i'm going to get you close your eyes this is your mountain you know about it your family knows about it you know what you need to do this is a crossroad that god is bringing you to sir ma 'am you say i need to make a decision for jesus who would be honest with god today and say i need to get serious with god i don't know about this prayer i don't know about this fasting but who would why don't you come why don't you come just come on church any mountains out there how about those cards in your hand do you have names written that you want to come why don't you come why don't you come [01:12:41] (33 seconds)

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What is the biblical purpose of fasting?

How does prayer and fasting impact spiritual dryness?

In what ways can faith move mountains?