21 days - Fasting & PrayerSample

Washing and anointing

Read Matthew 6:17-18.

Jesus naturally expects that his disciples would fast, and he talks about how they can do it the right way.

In Jesus's time, devout Jews fasted one day a week, Pharisees even 2 days. In doing so, they positioned themselves in places where they would be seen by everyone and visually emphasized their fast by smearing paint on their faces. Jesus was not concerned with the outward observance of religious formalities. He was always concerned with the heart. When he says to wash your face and anoint your head, vastly different dimensions are involved.

In the book of Ruth 3:3, Naomi advises her daughter-in-law before she meets her future bridegroom, "Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor".

When you fast, prepare yourself for encounters with God the Father, with Jesus the Bridegroom, and with the Holy Spirit.

You can wash and anoint yourself outwardly, but you can also do it spiritually.

Wash

Cleanse yourself by asking Jesus to examine your heart and show you the areas that interfere with your relationship. Confess to him where you have drifted away in your heart. You can exchange all that is negative for the renewal and restoration that Jesus purchased for you on the cross.

Many people report that in times of fasting they are much more sensitive to the speaking of the Holy Spirit and He has shown them where things have crept into their lives that hinder their relationship with God, themselves, or others. Throughout the Bible, fasting always has an aspect of repentance, asking for forgiveness and realigning oneself.

Anoint yourself

When the Bible speaks of "anointing oil", it often refers to the Holy Spirit.

Anoint yourself by asking the Holy Spirit to fill you anew. 

Prayer

Father in heaven. Thank you for promising that you will reward my fasting. I am full of expectation for times of encounter with you and I want to consciously make time for you and your presence, this day and in the days to come. Jesus, I ask that you cleanse me completely by your blood from all things that displease you (if you can think of specific things here, pronounce them and exchange them at the cross). Holy Spirit, please fill me anew and anoint me. Amen

Get Free & Next Step:

When you get yourself ready in the bathroom today and in the next few days, do it deliberately. When you shower or take a bath, you can use this as an outward sign of an inner process of purification during this fast. If you use creams, ointments, perfume, or aftershave, ask the Holy Spirit to fill and equip you and make you a pleasing aroma before God and men.

Prepare yourself inwardly and outwardly for encounters with God during this fasting period.