Introduction

Preparation through prayer and fasting is a spiritual discipline deeply rooted in biblical tradition. It is a practice that believers engage in to seek God's guidance, strength, and intervention in various aspects of life. This entry explores the biblical basis, purpose, and examples of preparation through prayer and fasting, drawing from the Berean Standard Bible .

Biblical Basis

Prayer and fasting are frequently mentioned together in Scripture as a means of seeking divine assistance and preparing for significant spiritual endeavors. In the Old Testament, fasting is often associated with repentance, mourning, and seeking God's favor. In the New Testament, it is seen as a way to draw closer to God and prepare for ministry.

One of the most notable examples is found in the life of Jesus Christ. Before beginning His public ministry, Jesus fasted for forty days and nights in the wilderness. Matthew 4:1-2 states, "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry." This period of fasting was a time of preparation and spiritual fortification for the challenges ahead.

Purpose of Prayer and Fasting

1. Seeking God's Guidance: Prayer and fasting are often used to seek God's direction in decision-making. In Acts 13:2-3 , the early church leaders fasted and prayed before commissioning Barnabas and Saul for missionary work: "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off."

2. Spiritual Strength and Victory: Fasting and prayer are tools for gaining spiritual strength and overcoming challenges. In Mark 9:29 , Jesus explains the power of prayer and fasting in spiritual warfare: "He replied, 'This kind can come out only by prayer.'"

3. Repentance and Humility: Fasting is a means of expressing repentance and humility before God. In the book of Jonah, the people of Nineveh fasted and prayed for forgiveness, and God relented from the disaster He had planned (Jonah 3:5-10).

4. Preparation for Ministry: As seen in the life of Jesus and the apostles, fasting and prayer are essential for preparing for ministry and service. It is a time to seek God's anointing and empowerment for the tasks ahead.

Examples in Scripture

· Moses: Before receiving the Ten Commandments, Moses fasted for forty days and nights on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:28). This period of fasting was crucial for receiving God's law and preparing to lead the Israelites.

· Daniel: In Daniel 9:3 , Daniel sought the Lord through prayer and fasting to understand the future of Israel: "So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes."

· Esther: Queen Esther called for a fast among the Jews before approaching the king to save her people from destruction (Esther 4:16). This act of fasting was a preparation for a critical moment of intercession.

Conclusion

Preparation through prayer and fasting is a vital practice for believers seeking to align themselves with God's will and receive His guidance and strength. It is a discipline that has been modeled by biblical figures and remains relevant for Christians today as they navigate the complexities of life and ministry.