It Is Time to Fast

Knowing God is calling you to pray and fast is very compelling. When you believe it is time to fast, the Holy Spirit has convinced you that now is the time to do it. Whatever the length of the fast, you are making the spiritual decision that God is up to something in your life; therefore, you are pursuing him with all you are and all you have. God’s irresistible invitation is for you to elevate your walk with him through prayer and fasting. Knowing God is interested in deepening your relationship with him moves you to enter this moment and season.

Fasting is abstinence from food with a spiritual goal in mind. Fasting is when you choose to give up one of the most natural things your body desires, which is food, to pursue the God of heaven to do something supernatural in your life. Today’s passage speaks of Ezra proclaiming a fast for everyone. He was calling the people to submit their lives totally to God. Ezra made a spiritual decision: it is time to fast. This is the same decision you have made today; it is time to fast.

Why did you make this decision? What is driving you and compelling you to fast today? Whatever is moving you to pray and fast, write it down in one statement. This will keep you focused on why you are doing this today and what you are trusting God to do about it. For Ezra, he had a specific and spiritual goal in mind: a safe journey. To get to Jerusalem, they had to go through enemy territory; therefore, he asked the people to pray and fast with him that God would give them safety throughout this journey.

Write down in one clear sentence why you are praying and fasting today. Keep it before you all day. If God has given you a Scripture verse or passage to stand upon, write it underneath your request. If you do not have a Scripture verse, ask the Holy Spirit to provide one. It will energize your prayer dynamically and supernaturally when you stand on the Word of God.

God, you have called me to pray and fast today. Please answer my request. Amen.