MARCH 4, 2024
Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly. - Joel 2:15
As we continue in faith week, let us explore one of the ways God rejuvenates us—through fasting and praying. In Joel 2:15, we are called to embark on a journey of prayer and fasting, a powerful spiritual discipline that allows us to draw closer to God and seek His face. Prayer is not merely a one-sided conversation where we speak to God, but it is a dialogue—a communion between man and his Creator. As we pour out our hearts to God in prayer, He responds at the perfect time and in His flawless manner.
In 1 Kings 18:24, we observe a powerful demonstration of God's ability to answer prayers. Elijah, a prophet of God, challenged the prophets of Baal, inviting them to call upon their gods to consume a sacrifice with fire. He then declared that he would call upon the name of the Lord, and the God who answers by fire would be recognized as the true God.
This challenge highlights a fundamental truth: God is the only one who answers prayers. While false gods and idols may be invoked, they have no power to respond or bring about any manifestation. It is only the one true God who hears and answers the cries of His people.
Fasting, on the other hand, is the voluntary abstinence from food, specific activities or indulgences for a specific period, often undertaking to cultivate self control and deepen one's connection with God while seeking His face as well. It is a tangible demonstration of our hunger and thirst for God's presence as we seek His will to be manifested in our lives.
Through prayer, we express our desires, concerns, and thanksgiving to God, while fasting serves as a physical act of surrender and dedication to seeking His face.
Just as Queen Esther in Esther 4:16 called for a fast amid plenty, so also are we expected to set aside physical nourishment to focus on spiritual nourishment and seek God's direction and guidance.
Prayer and fasting are intertwined disciplines that complement each other in striving for a deeper connection with God. Through prayer, we express our desires, concerns, and thanksgiving to God, while fasting serves as a physical act of surrender and dedication to seeking His face.
When we combine prayer and fasting, we create a powerful synergy that moves the hand of God and brings about transformation in our lives and circumstances. As we humble ourselves before God in fasting and prayer, He listens to our cries and responds with His mercy, grace, provision as He also addresses our prayers to specific requests.
Today as always, be encouraged to heed the call to prayer and fasting, knowing that as you seek God's face in sincerity and humility, He will meet you in your place of need. Set aside all distractions and worldly comforts, and earnestly seek the presence and guidance of our Heavenly Father.
May your time of prayer and fasting be marked by divine encounters and breakthroughs, as God's will is accomplished in your life and in the world around you.
Amen.
Song of Worship
Zion is calling you to a higher place of praise
To stand upon the mountain and to magnify His name.
To tell all the people of every nation that He reigns.
Zion is calling you to a higher place of praise.
Prayer - Heavenly Father, we thank You for the privilege of prayer and fasting, and for the opportunity to draw closer to You. As we continue seeking Your face, we ask for Your guidance and strength. Help us to set aside distractions and fully engage in communion with You. May our prayers be heard, and may Your will be done in our lives and in the world. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Bible in 1 year: Numbers 35-36; Mark 10