The new testament gives consistent testimony to the importance of prayer and fasting, both in the life and teaching of Jesus, as well as of His disciples. Jesus began His ministry by 40 days of fasting and prayer. Fasting never moves God, but it removes you. Jesus was only one of three who fasted for 40 days. Elijah and Moses were the other two. During Jesus’ 40 days of fasting, He was attacked by the enemy, the devil himself. Jesus was attacked and tempted in the three areas which we must overcome – the flesh, the world and the devil.

Jesus prepared Himself for the attack in these three areas by fasting and prayer. Jesus then used the written Word of God and overcame in these three areas of temptation in this order – the flesh, the world and the devil.

Many Christians live for weeks and months under oppression. All spiritual oppression is caused by demon spirits. (Matthew 17:21 – “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”) Fasting removes your unbelief. Some Christians would rather remain under the power of the oppressor than to obey Christ in fasting and prayer until the power of the oppressor is broken. Some people say: “I’ll fast when God puts it on me.” They also only pray when God “puts it on them” and their spiritual life is their testimony of unbelief and disorder. They don’t wait until God “puts it on them” to go to work or to eat. They eat three times a day and at regular fixed times. God expects us to have orderly lives and He expects us to have orderly spiritual lives, also.

Church history tells us that first-century Christians ran the church with periods of fasting. Acts 13:2 shows us one of the ordinary, every day activities of the church in the local fellowship. (Acts 13:2-4 -- “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost...”)

For the first two centuries, church history has proven that most Christians fasted regularly two days a week on Tuesday and Friday. What would the body of Christ see today, if the church would unite themselves together with prayer and fasting two days a week? Throughout the world, we would see a revival like never before. We are going to have to go back to the basics of the Word of God. We are truly going to be held accountable for prayer and fasting. Study the Word on fasting and allow the Holy Spirit to minister to you.