Prayer Without Fasting
That’s right, you can pray without fasting, but fasting without prayer is almost impossible. Almost because maybe some have attempted but quickly realized their flesh rules. Without prayer and engaging our spirit with the Spirit of God through prayer, a fast can be called a diet. The biblical example tells us if you fast you must couple it with prayer. Here is the short list of who fasted and prayed in the Bible.
Moses the lawgiver.
David the king.
Elijah the prophet.
Esther the queen.
Daniel the seer.
Anna the prophetess.
Jesus the Son Of God.
Paul the apostle.
They all fasted for different lengths of time. They all fasted for different things. They all fasted to humble themselves before the Lord to hear His heart and follow His will.
Derek Prince has a video topic called The Power of Fasting. I like to learn from those who know the Word of God and have experienced what they are speaking about. When Derek came to the Lord God began to talk to him about fasting. He was not aware of exactly what it was. Once he learned, God asked him to fast and he committed to one day a week and did so for 4 years while he served in the military. Ridiculed and mocked by the men he commanded, he continued and continued and continued. He tells of how God answered miraculous prayers, testifing of the power of fasting. He calls it one of the keys to answered prayer.
I encourage you to listen to what he has to say.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZFhCJDfWYI&t=392s
Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:6, 16,17 - How do we pray?
John Wesley’s words on fasting -
Here is Wesley’s famous sermon on fasting.
https://tebeth.wordpress.com/2020/10/10/john-wesleys-famous-sermon-on-fasting/
Another voice on the earth today, Jentzen Franklin teaches prayer and fasting. He wrote one of the best books about fasting and practices it. His message on fasting is filled with passion, purpose, and a plan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JMQUVgfy6s
What is my purpose in sharing about these people and their words on fasting and prayer? It is two-fold - to alert you to one of the things we are told to do by Jesus that most are not doing. To start! That’s right! Start right now.
We just ended another 21 days of prayer and fasting as many churches across the globe have. Most people don’t start off being able to fast for 21 days. Start with one day. From morning to morning. In between, pray. Make a list. Tell your stomach to hush. It will get fed tomorrow. Take charge with your spirit and join God’s Spirit. Ask God what is on His heart and join Him in prayer. Make your requests known to Him. If you mess up. Try again the next day.
At the very least, fasting humbles us. It gets us beyond ourselves and into the presence of God of whom we completely depend.
Please don’t say, “I don’t have time.” Make time. Please don’t say, “I can’t because…. Pray and ask God, how to fast if you have a special situation. He will make a way.
I remember the first time I fasted I thought I was going to die. In fact, I probably did overnight and came back to life the next morning when my body knew breakfast was waiting! Seriously, start small. Give a day to God and watch Him multiply back to you!
Finally, think about the prodigal son, what made him come to his senses and return to his father? Hunger! God is asking us to put aside some time and some food and hunger for Him. He promises to fill every gap, every crevice, even the chasms that are in our lives.
Spend time with the Father and couple it with fasting.
I am praying for you!
Remember, the heart of the matter is the matter of the heart.
Dr. Michele
January 26, 2025
