Free Reading Plans and Devotionals related to Matthew 6:17

Biblical fasting is a spiritual discipline that Jesus Himself encouraged while He was on earth. (Matthew 6:17-18) It refers to voluntary abstaining from food and drink for a specific period and for spiritual purposes (humbling yourself to seek God’s face.) (Read Isaiah 58.) We hope that this plan will help you as you plan your prayer and fasting season in 2026 and beyond.

It’s important to know Jesus and what is important to Him so we understand our need for Him. Reflecting on what Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount, will help us draw closer to Him. This is part six of eight in the "Jesus, I Need You" series by Thistlebend Ministries. These plans can be done in any order. See also" Jesus, I Need You" (companion prayer).

Matthew writes to God’s people and walks them on a journey that will take them from where they are to being Disciple Makers.  This is the 6th of 27 devotional plans walking us through the book of Matthew.  Jesus describes the three disciplines of His Kingdom rules.  The three disciplines of Giving, Praying and Fasting are laid out for us.  We also begin the “Do’s and Don’ts” of Kingdom living. 

This week, we will talk about a subject few enjoy bringing up...fasting! Many people believe it is surely good for others, "but not for me." Let's take a look at what the Bible says about fasting and praying. You will discover practical ways on how to start with something Jesus also did a lot!

You raised your hand. You said a prayer, opened your heart to the Gospel for the first time. Maybe you heard the truth for the first time, or maybe you have known it for years and finally decided that it was time to take a step of faith. You are not alone, but NOW WHAT? This is a six-day devotional that will walk you through what to do next.

This study will be a deep dive into The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), one of Jesus' most direct and challenging teachings directed primarily to his disciples. We will ask the Holy Spirit to be our teacher as we read a chapter each day using only the Word as our devotion.

The Bible talks about three eternally steadfast things amongst the shifting sands of society and from age to age - Faith, Love, and Hope. This reading plan is centered around the growth of your faith, the deepening of your love, and the assurance of your hope.

Are you ready to deepen your connection with God? This plan provides practical strategies for incorporating the ancient sacred practice of prayer and fasting into modern-day life with steps and insights drawn from personal experience and research. Prayer and fasting usher in miraculous breakthroughs and spiritual growth! This plan will help you grow your faith and encourage you to pray and fast again or try it for the first time!

Prayer and fasting involve voluntarily refraining from food to focus on prayer and deepen one's connection with God. While they can occur separately, their combination enhances effectiveness. Setting aside time for prayer and fasting is not about manipulating God for personal desires; it’s a deliberate choice to center oneself and depend on Him for strength, provision, and wisdom in the humility of heart. Together, they cultivate spiritual growth and deepen faith.

As we enter the season of Lent, the 40 days of spiritual preparation leading up to Easter, let's sit with Jesus on the mountainside and listen with open hearts to His teaching found in Matthew chapters 5-7.