The Art of Prayer & Fasting

Hey there reader!

With the excitement of 2022 still lingering, it’s crucial to note that prayer and fasting are going to be the tools necessary to add art to the blank canvas of the year. If you’re anything like me, then you too are a fan of not only art but the arts also. Who doesn’t like music, dance, poetry, and creative expression? I’ll wait. -cue crickets- In the spiritual realm, prayer and fasting are the arts - the things that make our spiritual walk worthwhile. They help us to be intimate with God, grow closer to Him, slay demons, and be impactful as a Christian.

Pastor Michael Todd said it, and I couldn’t agree more, “This will be your best year ever, if it is your best year spiritually.” With that being said, prayer is the icing on the cake and fasting is the cherry on top (Now that I’ve got your salivary glands going, go crucify your flesh and fast ! Lol)

If you happen to struggle with prayer and fasting or need a boost to improve those aspects of your spiritual walk, then read on my friend, this article is for you.

Ask yourself…

Lord, I’m about to take a Census of the Saints. Here it goes:

• How many of you dread the thought of fasting?

• Have you ever started a fast and by midday found yourself eating the food you said you would’ve left alone?

• How many times has the Holy Spirit awoken you to pray at 3am only to have you fall into the valley of slumber ?

It’s safe to say that good fasting and prayer habits are a struggle to delve into. Fasting here and there and ushering up a quick prayer before every meal is fine, but when does it shift to having prayer and fasting as a lifestyle. Just like masterpieces, the top tier of the arts, it takes work, effort, time and practice.

From Blank Canvas To Masterpiece

Prayer and Fasting brings A.R.T but it requires ‘A. R. T.’ . Prayer and fasting brings Advancement, Restoration and Transformation, but it requires Accountability, Rationale and Time. If you are going to transform the blank canvas of 2022 into a masterpiece, it’s going to require ART.

>Accountability<

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 || 9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

You cannot expect to do it alone. Maybe the reason you’re struggling is because you don’t have a support system to help you thrive. Accountability goes beyond attending prayer meeting and doing corporate church fasts.

1. Find an accountability partner - establish goals and the standards to which you may need to be held accountable. Ensure this person is concerned more about your spiritual well-being rather than your emotions. They will have to give you the push when you’re just not feeling it. Please note that accountability is a two-way street and you have to be open to sharing with that individual. They cannot help you if you’re not open and transparent. You have to be able to say “I need help”, “I’m struggling” - try coming up with a phrase or emoji that can signify that with your accountability partner.

2. Get covering - When fasting in particular, you always want to have someone covering you as this is a time you are spiritually open, prone to testing and heightened temptation and physically weak. This person can be your pastor, youth leader, or someone that can cover you in prayer.

3. Get a prayer partner - This is different from an accountability partner. Your prayer partner prays with you. You establish areas that you want to target in prayer and go for it. Your prayer partner is the person you set 5am alarms with, shoot them a text at 8:30am and say, “I missed the alarm”…. Just kidding! This year, that’s not the goal.

> Rationale <

Ezra 8:23 || So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.

What is the “this” you are fasting and petitioning God for this year? The rationale for why we pray for these things is so important. When we understand the rationale then we have a better understanding of the importance, power and necessity of our prayers. When we understand the ‘why’ then our push for fasting is greater. What’s the reason behind your prayer? What’s the purpose of your fast? Are you doing it to get something from God or for Him to get something from you. Ultimately, our goal should be to be readily used by God. When our rationale shifts from “I need God to heal me” to “I need healing so that God can get glory” or “I want to walk in my purpose” to “I want to carry out God’s purpose” then we know that our rationale is in the right space.

1. Establish your rationale for everything you do. “I am (praying / fasting) for ______________ because ______________. “ Don’t fast in 2022 without reason. Don’t pray without reason. Whatever the reason this year, ensure that it directs to God and not to self. Your rationale isn’t for selfish gain, it’s to gain access to the Kingdom, souls for the Kingdom and glory for the Kingdom of God.

2. Write it out - Whether in a journal or in the notes portion of your phone, keep record of your “Why’s” this year as it relates to your prayers and fasts to serve as a reminder.

>Time<

Matthew 6:33 || But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

“When” is the reference for time and quite frankly the one word we bombard God with a whole lot. When I am gonna get this ? When is it going to happen? When ? When ? When? This scripture shows the solution. When we seek first, then it happens. This year, let this scripture be your guide. You have to seek (Pray and Fast) and then see the manifestation of God’s promises. The art doesn’t show up without the tools (paint, crayons, pencils, brushes, etc). It’s important that you be intentional about setting time aside for prayer and fasting. Here’s how you can:

- Dates with the Father - One of the things that always stuck with me from C. Jillian Gray’s book My First Love is date nights. Pick the venue (this could be your living room, backyard, closet; somewhere quiet and intimate). Set the time and stick to it - There’s nothing more disappointing than being stood up and the Father doesn’t deserve that. Dress well. Maximize your time in prayer this year. After all, prayer is communicating with the King.

- Be consistent - If you do it enough it becomes a habit and eventually it becomes a lifestyle. Be consistent. For heaven’s sake, my friend, if you set the alarm, adhere to it. You will reap the reward.

- Plan - Plan your time. Don’t give God your last. Be strategic with your times of fasting. While it’s great to say, “Today I’m going to set aside a plate,” planning ahead is better. The angels in heaven would rejoice to hear you say, “I’m going to fast every first and third Monday of each month.” That way, you can prepare your heart and mind. You can arrange the covering (accountability) that you need in advance. Prepare for what you’re fasting for:

• Fast Focus (what is the focus of your fast) eg. Healing, Deliverance, Growth, etc.

• Scriptures - find them in advance so that you can meditate on them throughout the day

• Songs - Get that worship playlist together ! If you’re not having a praise break driving to work, what are you even doing?

• Write - Whether it’s prayers, devotions or your scriptures, write. Go ahead and write it out (or type, whatever your preference).

Prayer and fasting is an art. You can curate it to your liking and come up with methods that are best suited to you. Make our prayer life colorful. Be creative with fasting. This year let’s take the negative connotations from this aspect of our walk with God. The arts are amazing, especially in gospel. Praise dancing, singing, musical instruments, spoken word are great. You’ve mastered those. But have you mastered the art of prayer and fasting?

Kaysheena C.

She Inspires