“We fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and He heard our prayer.” (Ezra 8:23)
“One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.’”
(Acts 13:2)
Today we begin 21 Days of Fasting and Prayer at Celebration. Fasting is abstaining from food, entertainment, preferred indulgences, etc. while dedicating our time to worshiping the Lord, reading His Word, praying, and listening to His voice. Many Celebration attendees will follow a “Daniel Fast” (eating vegetables, fruits, and nuts while abstaining from sweets, meats, bread, and dairy products). Others will “fast” 1-2 meals a day, some will “fast” food altogether (drinking only juice and water), others will “fast” watching television or using social media, and others will engage in other types of “fasts.” The purpose of “fasting” is not to abstain from food, entertainment, etc., but to utilize the time we would spend eating or viewing entertainment to focus on the Lord’s presence so we can draw closer to Him, better hear His voice, discover His will for our lives, and better intercede for others who need God’s help in their lives.
Ezra and the Israelites needed God’s help at a crucial time, so they fasted and prayed that they would experience the Lord’s supernatural provision and protection. The Lord heard and responded to their prayers (Ezra 8:21-23). What type of help from the Lord do you and others need as we begin 2025? As we consistently and fervently “fast and pray” over the next couple of weeks, we trust that the Lord will hear and begin to respond to our prayers (Matthew 7:7-11).
What direction or insight do you need from the Lord as you begin 2025? The early Church leaders needed direction from the Lord. So, as they “fasted, prayed and worshiped the Lord,” the Holy Spirit gave them the direction they needed (Acts 13:1-3). The Lord will respond similarly in our lives if we will fervently and consistently “fast and pray.”
Prayer - Lord, thank You for the help I’ve received from others. But I especially thank You for Your Word that teaches me how to know and walk with you. Help me to learn what I need to learn from Your Word during these 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting.
Reflection - What do I need to learn from God’s Word and Spirit during these 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting? And what types of help do I need in my life?
