Power Of Prayer And Fasting

 Are You Done with Your New Year Prayers Yet? 

Captain Fidelis Mhuma unpacks Prayer and Fasting

Here are some Bible verses and the benefits and outcomes often associated with prayer and fasting at the beginning of the year.

We need to remember that Jesus our Master had time for a massive prayer and fasting for 40 days and nights. 

This gave him the strength to face and overcome the devil and his temptations. It also prepared him for the ministry ahead of him (Mathew 4.1-11).

At one go, he even challenged His disciples that certain challenges will respond only to prayer and fasting. 

Certain Spiritual challenges respond to a prayer backed with prayer and fasting (Mark 9.28-29).

Mark 2.18-20. Jesus was asked why his disciples were not fasting. In his response he told them that after his departure his disciples would fast. It means this is our practice as the followers of Christ.

Paul at one time challenged Timothy to spiritually exercise.

1 Timothy 4:8 “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”

 

Below are the benefits of prayer and fasting.

1. Spiritual Connection

Prayer and fasting are often a means to deepen one's relationship with God. Individuals may seek a stronger sense of spiritual connection, a heightened awareness of the divine presence, or a deeper understanding of their faith.

   - James 4:8: "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you."

   - Psalm 63:1: "O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water."

2. Guidance and Direction

Many people turn to prayer and fasting to seek guidance and direction for the year ahead. 

They may have important decisions to make or challenges to overcome, and they hope to receive clarity, wisdom, and discernment through these practices.

- Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

- Psalm 25:4: "Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths."

3. Personal Transformation

Prayer and fasting can be transformative experiences. 

Individuals may desire personal growth, character development, and the cultivation of virtues such as patience, humility, and forgiveness. 

They hope that engaging in these practices will lead to positive changes in their lives

   

- Romans 12:2: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

- 2 Corinthians 3:18: "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

4. Healing and Restoration

 

Prayer and fasting can be a means of seeking healing and restoration—physically, emotionally, or spiritually. 

People may pray for healing from illness, emotional wounds, or broken relationships, and they may fast as an act of surrender and trust in the process of healing.

- Psalm 147:3: "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

- Isaiah 58:8: "Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard."

5. Increased Focus and Discipline 

Through fasting, individuals can enhance their focus, discipline, and self-control. 

They hope to develop a greater ability to prioritize their time and energy, resist temptations, and stay committed to their goals throughout the year.

- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27: "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? 

So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."

6. Gratitude and Appreciation

Prayer and fasting can foster an attitude of gratitude and appreciation. Individuals may seek to cultivate a thankful heart, recognizing and acknowledging the blessings in their lives, both big and small.

- 1 Thessalonians 5:18: "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

- Psalm 100:4: "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!"

7. Intimacy and Introspection

Prayer and fasting can create a space for introspection and self-examination. 

Individuals may desire a deeper understanding of their own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. 

Through prayer and fasting, they may seek to cultivate self-awareness, address unresolved issues, and foster personal growth.

   

- Psalm 139:23-24: "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

- Matthew 6:6: "But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

8. Empowerment and Confidence

Prayer and fasting can empower individuals to face challenges and obstacles with confidence. By surrendering to a higher power and seeking divine assistance, individuals may gain a sense of inner strength and resilience. They may develop a belief in their ability to overcome difficulties and achieve their goals.

 - Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

- Isaiah 40:31: "But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

9. Cultivation of Virtues

Prayer and fasting can be seen as opportunities to cultivate virtues and develop positive character traits. 

Individuals may focus on virtues such as patience, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and gratitude. 

They strive to embody these qualities in their interactions with others and in their daily lives.

- Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

 - Colossians 3:12: "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience."

10. Strengthened Relationships

 - Matthew 18:20: "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."

- Ephesians 4:2-3: "With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

11. Increased Gratitude and Contentment

- Philippians 4:6: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

- 1 Timothy 6:6: "But godliness with contentment is great gain."

12. Community and Unity

Prayer and fasting can also be communal practices that foster a sense of unity and solidarity among members of a religious or spiritual community. 

People may join together in prayer and fasting, supporting and encouraging one another as they embark on the new year.

- Acts 2:42: "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."

- Romans 12:4-5: "For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another."

13. Breaking Addictions or Habits 

Fasting can be used as a tool to overcome addictions or unhealthy habits. 

By abstaining from certain substances or behaviors, individuals aim to break free from their dependencies and develop healthier patterns of living.

14.  Increased Spiritual Awareness

Prayer and fasting can heighten one's spiritual awareness. 

By setting aside dedicated time for reflection and contemplation, individuals may seek to develop a deeper understanding of spiritual truths, experience a sense of transcendence, or become more attuned to their inner selves.

15. Renewed Faith and Trust

Prayer and fasting can serve as a means to renew faith and trust in a higher power or a divine plan.

Individuals may seek reassurance, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose as they surrender their concerns and challenges to a power greater than themselves.

Joel 2.12 12 "That is why the lord says,     “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning". 

16. Emotional and Mental Well-being

Engaging in prayer and fasting can have positive effects on emotional and mental well-being. 

It can provide a sense of inner peace, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote emotional healing. 

People may seek comfort, solace, and resilience as they navigate the complexities of life.

36 Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” 

Matthew 26:36

37 He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. 

Matthew 26:37

39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Matthew 26:39

17. Alignment with Higher Purpose

Prayer and fasting can help individuals align their lives with a higher purpose or calling. They may seek to understand their unique gifts, talents, and passions and how they can contribute to the betterment of the world. Through prayer and fasting, they aim to align their actions and choices with their deepest values.

Proverbs 3.6

18. Strengthened Relationships: 

Prayer and fasting can foster deeper connections with loved ones and the broader community. Individuals may pray for the well-being, happiness, and harmony of their relationships. They may also use this time to extend forgiveness, seek reconciliation, and practice acts of kindness and service towards others.

19. Increased Gratitude and Contentment

Prayer and fasting can cultivate a spirit of gratitude and contentment. 

Individuals may reflect on the blessings they have received and express gratitude for the simplest joys in life. 

This practice can lead to a greater sense of contentment, humility, and an appreciation for the present moment.

These are just a few examples of the specific benefits and outcomes that people may hope to achieve through prayer and fasting at the beginning of the year. 

The beauty of these practices lies in their personal nature, as individuals approach them with their unique intentions, aspirations, and beliefs. 

It is important to remember that the specific benefits and outcomes individuals hope to achieve through prayer and fasting can vary based on their personal beliefs, cultural context, and individual circumstances.

James 5:16-18

16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. 

17 "Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! 

18 Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops."

Your prayer can change lives and things around you and in you. If you are not praying you are playing. 

A praying church is a living church.

*Captain Fidelis Mhuma and his wife Lieutenant Brenda are Corps Officers at Kambuzuma Corps,  Harare Central Division.