Day 5: The Greatest Need in the World Today
Most people erroneously think of fasting as an Old Testament concept, but the reality is, fasting is mentioned almost thirty times in the New Testament. Fasting with prayer was a habitual practice in the early church (for example in Acts 14:23). Through church history, times of wickedness and apostasy were met with intense times of fasting and prayer. Many revivals and great awakenings were preceded by times of fasting and prayer. The revival sparked by John Wesley and George Whitfield was fueled by fasting and prayer. As part of their spiritual discipline, they fasted twice a week. In fact, in Wesley’s day, no Methodist preacher was allowed to preach if they didn’t practice fasting during the week. Charles Finney, the great revivalist, stated that when a revival began to decline in power, they would set aside time for fasting and prayer and inevitably the work of God would surge ahead once more. No Christian in his right mind would deny that there is a crying need for a spiritual awakening today. This is the greatest need in our world today. So, if you are dreaming of being part of a great move of God, you better prepare yourself by fasting and praying.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you that fasting is not legalism or bondage but rather an act of love and obedience to you. Please renew my spiritual life and fervor. I am in desperate need of you, though conditions or surroundings may buffer or conceal it. As I fast and pray today, strengthen my commitment, deepen my faith, and guide and empower me. Revive and awaken me and my loved ones. May our hearts burn for you. Use us Lord to turn others to you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen
Join us for a 6-week online book study of Derek Prince’s “Shaping History Through Prayer and Fasting” starting July 8, 2025. We will meet each week on Zoom from 5:00-6:30pm CT. The online book study will conclude on August 12, 2025.
We want to hear your fasting testimony! Email info@triumphofhope.com to share your story.