A Journey Through Prayer and Fasting

The last several days I have been going back again and again to Mark 9:29. It’s the verse where the disciples tried to cast out a demon from a young boy but were unable to do so. After Jesus brings healing, his friends ask why they were not able to perform the miracle themselves. Jesus says, “This type can only come out by prayer (and fasting*).”

Thank you disciples for asking so many questions for our benefit! Are we doing it right, God?

In the early quiet of my living room, I read this and asked God the same questions having to do with my prayer list. I’ve been praying, should I add fasting? Is there anything else I should be aware of? Participating along with you? Have in conjunction with? He invited me to put the verse into my own words. Prayer and Fasting are words tied to so many experiences and stories…he challenged me to say it without my known terminology. 

“This situation is drawing you to relationship and reduction.” (Mark 9:29, Sommer Style)

Prayer walking; it’s just about fasting (reducing the input) from the schedule of the day to have prayer (relational conversation) with God. 

Quiet Time; fasting (reducing the fear of loss) of my physical sleep, to start my day in prayer (relationship building) with Jesus.

The disciples knew about prayer and fasting, but this is the upside down Jesus version of prayer and fasting. It is not to add more requirements in order to get it right. It is to reduce the external requirements in order to receive deeper connection. 

The notes on Mark 9:29 say most manuscripts do not include the word “fasting” in this verse. Commentators suggest it was later added to help bring emphasis and significance. In the original language, the same word for prayer is used in phrases like “devoting themselves to prayer” (Acts 1:14) or “continued all night in prayer” (Luke 6:12) or “in everything by prayer and supplication” (Philippians 4:6) or “he prayed earnestly” (James 5:17)…all indicating an intentional, purposeful and engaged type of prayer. 

In response, I am making momentary mini fasts to intentionally turn my heart to prayer. In a meeting I could feel myself getting frustrated and I heard God say, “Fast your position of authority in this moment and listen to me in humility”. In the evening routine with my kids I hear God say, “Fast your productivity right now and see me in this conversation with her.” While driving and running errands he draws me in, “Fast your music and multitasking list-making, hear me sing over you, laugh with you, process that with you, warm you with the sunshine through your window, and wow you with a demonstration of knowing you.” 

Fast and Pray this week. It’s so fun. It’s so good. I don’t fully know what’s on the other side of it, but the midst of it is sensational. Reduce something to make room for relating to Jesus about our church family and building, finances, relationships, opportunities, great joys and celebrations, deep challenges and trials, or wherever your heart is led when you make space to follow.