40 Days of Prayer & FastingSample

Flesh vs. Spirit

We naturally choose our flesh; we have known it from the moment we were born. Scripture says that God knew us and knit us in our mother’s womb. That means God knew what our flesh would be like, what struggles we would have, what temptations we would face, our weaknesses, our strengths, our skills, and our temperament. That also means that He knew our spirit from the very beginning. He knew our spirit intimately and that our spirit would allow us to overcome the fleshly thoughts and temptations when we are submitted to Him. Scripture calls for our flesh to die daily so that we may live by the spirit. The best way to kill our flesh is through fasting: starving the flesh and feeding the spirit. As we eliminate flesh and live by the spirit, we see the fruit of the spirit and not fruit of our world.

As you fast for these 40 days, continuously ask the Holy Spirit to show you His fruit in your life. If the fast becomes challenging, refocus on the presence of God and ask Jesus for His encouragement in your fast. Fasting is easy in His presence. Ask Him what He has seen change in you during this fast as encouragement to keep going.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, thank You that fasting is easy in Your presence. I lean into my daily encounters with You to be filled up and encouraged. Speak to me about how I have grown. What has changed in me during this time that You are proud of? Help me to hear Your encouragement today. Give me the grace to overcome sin and finish this fast in a way that is pleasing to You. Amen.