Fasting and Praying in Light of Grace

 

Fasting and praying are spiritual disciplines taught and modeled throughout the Bible. Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days (Matthew 4:2) and taught His disciples about fasting (Matthew 6:16-18). Similarly, prayer is a central practice in the life of a believer, as Jesus often prayed (Luke 5:16) and encouraged His followers to pray without ceasing (Luke 18:1).

However, these practices are not about earning God’s favor or achieving righteousness through our own efforts. Instead, they are tools to deepen our relationship with God, align our hearts with His will, and strengthen our faith. Fasting and praying are responses to God’s grace, not attempts to earn it.

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The Finished Work of Christ

You’re absolutely right that Jesus’ death and resurrection completed the work of salvation. When He said, “It is finished” (John 19:30), He declared that the debt of sin was paid in full. We are saved by grace through faith, not by our works (Ephesians 2:8-9). This means:

• We cannot earn righteousness through fasting, praying, or any other action.
• Our healing, prosperity, and freedom are gifts provided through Christ’s sacrifice.

As you mentioned, Scripture affirms these truths:

• Healing: “By His wounds, you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24).
• Prosperity: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9).
• Freedom: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

These promises are received by faith, not by our efforts.

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The Role of Fasting and Praying in the Life of a Believer

While we are saved by grace, fasting and praying are not obsolete. They are ways to:

1. Draw Closer to God: Fasting helps us focus on God and prioritize Him above our physical needs.
2. Seek His Will: Prayer is how we communicate with God and align our hearts with His plans.
3. Break Strongholds: Jesus taught that some challenges require prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21).
4. Express Dependence: Fasting reminds us that we rely on God, not our own strength.

These practices are not about earning God’s blessings but about positioning ourselves to receive what He has already provided through Christ.

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Avoiding Legalism and Embracing Grace

The danger arises when fasting, praying, or any other spiritual discipline becomes a legalistic attempt to earn God’s favor. As Galatians 2:21 warns, “If righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing.”

The key is to approach fasting and praying with the right heart:

• Not as a way to manipulate God or earn His blessings.
• But as a way to grow in faith, surrender, and intimacy with Him.

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Walking in Freedom and Faith

You are absolutely correct that the enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). But Jesus came to give us abundant life. This life is received by faith in His finished work, not by our striving.

So, what does this mean for you?

• Believe in His Promises: Stand on the truth that you are healed, prosperous, and free because of what Jesus has done.
• Practice Spiritual Disciplines with the Right Heart: Fast and pray not to earn God’s favor but to draw closer to Him and align yourself with His will.
• Walk in Grace: Remember that your actions don’t save you—Jesus already did. Your faith in Him is what activates His promises in your life.

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Conclusion

Fasting and praying are valuable spiritual practices, but they must be understood in the context of grace. They are not about earning God’s love or blessings but about deepening your relationship with Him and walking in the freedom He has already provided.

You are free indeed because of Jesus. Walk in that freedom, live by faith, and let your actions flow from a heart of gratitude for what He has done.