Week 1: Cultivating a Culture of Prayer and Fasting
Scripture Reading: Matthew 4:1-11
Key Verse:
Matthew 4:2
After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights just before the great temptations recorded in Matthew 4. He warned against the abuse of fasting and taught His disciples to fast after His departure (Mark 2:20). He provided some instructions for proper fasting and often associated with prayer and fasting (Mark 9:29).
Just as Israel wandered in the desert for 40 years, so Jesus was in the desert for 40 days and nights. Jesus ate nothing during this time. Forty days of fasting made Him physically hungry – the sort of weakness the devil looks for when he tempts God’s children. Jesus overcame the temptation by countering with God’s Word (Matthew 4:4). Fasting results in physical weakness, which give rise to spiritual strength. Decide to overcome your temptations by fasting and praying.
- Reflect on your spiritual growth from when you first believed. Thank God for the spiritual strength He has developed in you.
- What are some temptations you are facing in this fast? Ask God for the spiritual strength to overcome them.