The Spiritual Weapon of Fasting

From a conversation with Lou Engle 

For over 40 years, the message of fasting and prayer has shaped my life. It began when I read Derek Prince’s Shaping History Through Prayer and Fasting. That book became my blueprint. I’ve seen governments shift, revivals break out, and destinies change, all precipitated by fasting and prayer.

Fasting is a spiritual weapon in the spirit realm. It inaugurates war in the heavens. I believe that united, massive fasting and prayer is the greatest weapon in the arsenal of the church today.

Here is what I have come to learn over the years.

How Fasting Transforms Us

Two passages burn in my heart when it comes to this topic and they are Luke 1 on John the Baptist, and Daniel 10. When Daniel set his face to fast, it launched war in the heavens. We see that angels moved at his prayers. Not only is it a powerful tool to move families, churches, and nations, but it also does deep spiritual work to an individual heart who embraces it.

Fasting has a way of humbling the heart. It quiets the flesh, strengthens the spirit, and increases hunger for God.

As tears flow, pride is broken, and intimacy with Jesus deepens. In my own life, extended fasting has been a primary way God has sustained me and it it something that I believe many Christians can benefit from when they choose to surrender their desire for food and embrace a desire to hunger after God.

If you are curious about how to fast, here are some keys that may help.

Practical Keys for Fasting

1. Get a Vision Stronger Than Food

First off, I would encourage you to fast because you feel the Lord drawing you to or when there is a spiritual need to. Every long fast I’ve completed began with a dream or prophetic word so compelling that it overpowered the desire to eat. Having a motivator or a strong reason to do it is important to withstand the moments of temptation.

2. Fast With Others

Another important key I would encourage newer believers or those who haven’t spent much time fasting before is to try and fast with others. This can be your church, your family, mentors, etc. Doing this is a great way to maintain accountability. If one falls, another lifts them up. For 40 years, I’ve fasted alongside covenant friends and this has truly been such a strengthening point in moments of difficulty in a fast.

3. Set Yourself Apart

I would also encourage, when possible, to get away from daily distractions to hear God’s voice and draw near. If you want to hear God more clearly, remove the distractions or remove yourself from them and be intentional about giving the Lord time to speak to you and to minister to you. This is key and can be transformational in your fast.

4. Refuse Condemnation

Lastly, don’t believe the condemnation. If you break your fast by accident or in a moment of weakness, choose to resume it. Remember that the intention of the fast is what matters to the Lord. Get back up, don’t dwell in the mistake, continue and fulfill what you started.

I’ve witnessed immediate deliverances, worship gatherings where people were saved mid-song, cults shut down, and national laws overturned as a result of people coming together in prayer and fasting and trusting that the Lord is faithful to listen to those who humble themselves before Him.

I pray this conversation encourages you to take time and seek the Lord with prayer and fasting. Trust that the best is yet to come!

Read: How to Hear God Clearly and Daily