Prayer & Fasting: A Beginner's GuideSample

Spiritual Warfare

When Jesus was out in the wilderness praying and fasting, Satan came to Him with various temptations, and he will come to us, too, as we pray and fast. There is a spiritual warfare aspect to prayer and fasting, and the enemy does not want us engaged in it.

The first time I fasted for 21 days, every day at lunchtime, I could almost smell rice and beans cooking in a kitchen somewhere in my home country, even though I hadn't been there in years. I imagined the familiar smell wafting through the open windows, and it was a strong temptation for me to give in and cook some of my own.

When Satan came at Jesus, he did so from different angles, a tactic he will also use with us. So often, in the days before the fast, while we strive to pray, plan, and write down our commitment, something soul-crushing happens. For example, a flare-up of stress related to family, friends, or work comes out of nowhere. If we aren't paying attention, these painful scenarios will shift our concentration away from the prayer and fasting we are trying to focus on.

During the fast, there will most likely be attacks that will cause us to experience various emotions, including sadness, excitement, anticipation, fear, feeling powerless, and even doubt. It can feel like a seesaw, as our emotions seem to take on an up-and-down life of their own.

And then, after the prayer and fasting are over, we may experience spiritual attacks that feel very big and overwhelming. The enemy will try to distract us while we fast. So we should be watchful.

By His example, Jesus showed us how to stand against the attacks of our enemy when we are praying and fasting. That is, to forcefully use the Word of God that we already know. He countered all of Satan's temptations with something from the Word. We can do that too.

Worship music is also a powerful weapon in our arsenal, so we should use it! A forceful way to use it is to listen to praise and worship music at times when we don't usually do so. Filling up our space, home, and car with music that points our attention to God and His character makes a huge difference!

Joining forces with God by choosing to pray and fast is spiritual warfare. So don't be surprised that it requires warfare on your part. We are already victorious! May we be blessed as we pray, fast, worship, and speak the Word of God with authority over our lives.