Engaging Vital Approaches for A Profitable Fasting and Prayers! By Bishop David Oyedepo
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Topic: Engaging Vital Approaches for A Profitable Fasting and Prayers!
Welcome to another impactful week! I hope you were blessed by last week teaching. Today, we shall focus on: Engaging Vital Approaches for a Profitable Fasting and Prayers!
First, let us understand that every instruction of scriptures is not for punishment but for our profiting. In order words, there is no instruction of scriptures that is designed for our punishment but for accomplishment, attainment and profiting. As it is written, All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Essentially, fasting and prayer is one of such scriptural instructions ordained by God for the distinction of the saints. Remember, Jesus said, …when thou fastest, and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly (Matthew 6:17-18). The Bible did not say ‘If thou fast’ but ‘when thou fast’. In the same way, the Bible says ‘When ye pray’ not ‘if ye pray’ (Mathew 6:7). This shows that prayer and fasting is not an option, but compulsory for every one that must fulfil destiny in grand style. However, it’s not just enough to engage in a fast. It is important to understand the correct principles to a profitable fasting and prayer. This is because there is more to prayer and fasting than just engaging in it. Importantly, prayer and fasting is a weapon for contending with opposition but it is not enough to have a weapon in our hands; we must have a sound understanding of how it operates. That way, we won’t become victims but victor in battle.
Therefore, to set the stage for a most profitable engagement in prayer and fasting, we must note the following:
1. Prepare in the Word to Approach the Prayer Altar: The throne of grace is the throne of judgment where the Judge of all the earth (God) is seated. It is also the courtroom of heaven where we produce our strong reasons in prayers (Isaiah 41:21; Genesis 18:25). However, it is on the basis of God’s Word that we plead our cause. This is because He grants us audience on the basis of His Word. Therefore, the stronger our reasons, the more assurance we have for answered prayers (Isaiah 43:26). We must understand that engaging God’s Word in prayer guarantees us audience with Him. This is why it is important to prepare in the Word before approaching God on the prayer altar because it is the scriptural basis for our demand that gives us audience with Him. That means God does not hear our prayers except we are asking Him according to His will, which is His Word.
2. Genuinely Forgive Those Who Offend Us: We must be willing to forgive those who offend us because it qualifies us for automatic forgiveness with God. Moreover, if our trespasses are not forgiven, God’s hand cannot deliver answers to our prayers. Therefore, it is very important to willingly forgive, so we can clear the way for our own forgiveness and secure audience with God on the prayer altar (Isaiah 59:1-2; Mark 11:25-26; Matthew 6:12-15).
3. Engage In Praying For The Needs Of Others: This is one of the facilitators of the heavyweight profiting we access in fasting. When we pray for the needs of others, we commit God to the release of ours. For instance, when Job prayed for his friends, in spite of his affliction, the Lord turned his captivity and gave him twice as much as he had before (Job 42:10; Acts 12:5-17; Philippians 1:19).
4. Approach the Throne of God with Full Assurance of Faith: We must approach the throne of prayers with full assurance of faith and a pure conscience because prayers are answered on the platform of faith. While approaching the prayer altar, we must understand that we have not come to try whether God will answer or not. However, we must believe that we have come to the prayer answering God to take delivery of our desires (Hebrews 10:22-23; see also Matthew 21:22; James 1:6-7). It is important therefore to build our faith in the Word before we approach the prayer altar (Romans 10:17).
In conclusion, God has made it clear in His word that nothing is impossible with Him. There is no insurmountable mountain in life, if only we know how to go about it. However, God is not an abracadabra God! He is a God of principles, and His principles cannot be broken. We must understand that the blessings inherent in fasting and prayers are real, but the conditions must be met before we are qualified to enjoy the benefits. I believe with the knowledge contacted on the principles of prayer and fasting, our spiritual engagement will no longer be fruitlessness, but profitable. However, you must be born again. Are you born again? If you are not, this is an opportunity to do so.
Simply say the following prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Today, I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me! Now, I know I am born again! For further reading, please get my books: Winning Prayer, Satan Get Lost and Born to Win! I invite you to fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively.
I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria, or call 01-4548070, 01-4548280, or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org, Facebook: David Oyedepo Ministries International, Twitter: @DavidOyedepoMin.
Bishop David O. Oyedepo is a Nigerian Christian author, architect, preacher, and the founder and presiding bishop of the mega church, Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel.
