Prayer and Fasting - The Power Duo for Every Believer

Hello and Happy New Year, family!

Welcome to another episode of Let’s Talk God N' Christ! I’m your host, Ngozi Ndubisi, and as always, I’m thrilled to have you here. Today’s topic is one that will stir your spirit, shake your faith into action, and light up your walk with God: Prayer and Fasting – The Power Duo for Every Believer!

Here’s a little truth to kick us off: “If prayer is the key, fasting is the fire that unlocks the door to God’s supernatural power!” When you pair these two disciplines, you’re not just praying—you’re breaking chains, shifting atmospheres, and stepping boldly into God’s divine plan for your life.

Let’s start with a word of prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for this new year and for every listener tuning in today. Lord, we invite Your presence to fill this space as we dive into the power of prayer and fasting. Open our hearts, sharpen our spirits, and align our desires with Your perfect will. Let this message inspire breakthroughs and transformation for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Now, let’s get real for a moment. In today’s fast-paced, distraction-filled world, prayer and fasting can seem like ancient practices reserved for pastors, ‘super-spiritual’ Christians, or people in crisis. But let me tell you something: Prayer and fasting are for YOU. Yes, YOU—whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, a college student, a working professional, or retired. By the end of today’s episode, you’ll see how doable, life-giving, and transformational these practices really are.

Grab your Bible, open your heart, and let’s get started!

What Did Jesus Say About Fasting?

Let’s look at Matthew 6:16-18:
"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

Notice Jesus didn’t say “If you fast”—He said “When you fast.” Fasting is not an optional extra for believers; it’s an expectation. But don’t panic—it’s not about starving yourself; it’s about feasting on God’s presence and power.

What Exactly Are Prayer and Fasting?

Let’s break it down for clarity:

PRAYER:

Prayer is simply talking to God. It’s your direct line to the Creator of the universe—a sacred space where you can pour out your heart, seek His guidance, and grow closer to Him. However, prayer isn’t about emotions or mere sentiments; it’s about presenting facts aligned with God’s Word (the Bible). For God to answer your prayers, they must align with His will: "Take words with you and return to the Lord" (Hosea 14:2a).

Here are some scriptures that affirm God’s promise to answer our prayers when we pray according to His will:

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7-8).

"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know" (Jeremiah 33:3).

"Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours" (Mark 11:24).


FASTING:

Fasting involves intentionally giving something up—often food—for a specific period to focus more on God. It’s a way of saying, “Lord, I desire You more than this meal, habit, or distraction.” Fasting heightens your spiritual sensitivity and can accelerate answers to your prayers, as seen in Isaiah 58:9: "Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and He will say: Here am I."

PRAYER AND FASTING TOGETHER:

When combined, prayer and fasting become a powerful spiritual practice. They draw you closer to God and open the doors to supernatural breakthroughs.

If there’s no answer to your prayer, it’s essential to reflect. The issue might be one of the following:

You’ve asked with the wrong motives or intentions ("You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives" – James 4:2-3).

Or, you simply haven’t asked God yet.

By praying with the right heart and fasting to deepen your focus, you can strengthen your connection with God and see His promises fulfilled.

WHY ARE PRAYER AND FASTING SO IMPORTANT?

1. 1. They Strengthen Your Spirit: Fasting silences the noise of your flesh and sharpens your spiritual hearing. It’s like tuning a fuzzy radio to the right frequency so you can hear God clearly.
2. 2. They Break Strongholds: Whether you’re battling fear, addiction, or life’s challenges, prayer and fasting invite God’s power into the fight. Remember Jesus’ words in Matthew 17:21: “This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
3. 3. They Align You with God’s Will: Fasting humbles your heart and aligns your desires with God’s. It’s not about bending God to your will; it’s about letting Him shape you for His purpose.

How Can You Start?

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR PRAYER AND FASTING

Feeling a bit intimidated? Don’t worry; it’s simpler than you think. Here’s how to start:

1. 1. CLARIFY YOUR PURPOSE: Ask yourself, “Why am I fasting?” Is it for direction, breakthrough, or spiritual growth? A clear purpose will keep you focused.
2. 2. START SMALL: If fasting is new to you, don’t jump into a 40-day fast. Try skipping one meal or fasting for half a day. You could even fast from social media or other distractions. The goal is to redirect your focus to God.
3. 3. REPLACE, DON'T JUST REMOVE: Don’t just skip a meal—replace that time with prayer, Bible reading, and worship. Let God fill the space you’re creating.
4. 4. STAY HYDRATED - PHYSICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY: Drink water during food fasts, and meditate on scriptures like Isaiah 58:6, which talks about fasting that breaks chains and sets captives free.
5. 5. FIND ACCOUNTABILITY: Share your fasting journey with a trusted friend or prayer group. Community keeps you encouraged and grounded.

A REAL-LIFE TESTIMONY:

Let me share a quick testimony: A friend of mine was feeling stuck—financial struggles, spiritual dryness, and no clear direction. She committed to a three-day fast, praying specifically for clarity and provision. By day two, she got a job interview call, and by the end of the week, she had a new job and a renewed sense of purpose.

Fasting isn’t magic, but it positions you for miracles. It’s about making room for God to move in ways only He can.

Let’s Wrap It Up

Family, prayer and fasting aren’t reserved for the ‘holier-than-thou.’ They’re tools for everyday believers like you and me—spiritual game-changers that bring you closer to God and align your life with His Kingdom power.

So, if you’ve been feeling stuck, distant from God, or overwhelmed, this is your sign: Start small, start messy, but just start. God honors every sacrifice made in faith and love for Him.

 

CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord Almighty, thank You for the gift of prayer and the discipline of fasting. We ask for Your grace to set aside distractions and seek You wholeheartedly. For everyone listening today, I pray for breakthroughs, fresh revelation, and renewed strength as they step into this spiritual practice. Remind us, Lord, that You honor every act of faith, no matter how small. May we walk in power, purpose, and peace, all for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thank you for tuning in to today’s episode of Let’s Talk God ‘N' Christ. I hope this message inspires you to take your prayer life and fasting to the next level. Share your testimonies with me—I can’t wait to hear how God is moving in your life.

 

Until next time, stay faithful, stay hungry for God, and stay blessed. And remember: Prayer and fasting are not just spiritual disciplines—they’re spiritual game-changers! God bless you, and Happy New Year!