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THE PRIORITY OF PRAYER AND FASTING
January 9, 2026While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting,the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for MeBarnabas and Saul forthe work to which I have called them.” Then, when they had fasted andprayed andlaid their hands on them,they sent them away. Acts 13:2-3
1. FASTING IN THE EARLY CHURCH. This passage underscores the power and value of fasting and prayer. In Acts 13, there was a local church at Antioch where prophets and teachers were fasting and ministering to the Lord. Ministering to the Lord means offering praise and adoration, saying things like, “We love You, God. We acknowledge You. We present ourselves before You. You are our Creator.” In that environment, the Holy Spirit spoke and gave clear direction. Even then, they did not scramble into action. They continued to pray and fast before taking their next steps.
2. TYPES OF FASTING. The Bible teaches that we humble ourselves through fasting (Psalm 35:13). Biblical fasting is refraining from food for a period of time to seek the Lord. It can also include denying pleasures, leisure, recreation, or media for a season. Fasting is a self-imposed discipline that helps us concentrate on God. I have done protein-shake fasts and water-only fasts. The Bible also mentions a partial fast, when Daniel and his friends ate only vegetables (Daniel 1:8-16). There is liberty in God. You may need to eat normally because of health or work demands, but you can fast from media or other activities in order to seek God.
3. ADJUSTING OUR PRIORITIES THROUGH FASTING. When we fast and pray, we deny the flesh the right to dominate. It helps us realize where callouses have formed, and we need to get sensitized to the Holy Spirit. Fasting is an optimal time to forgive offenses, repent of any sin, and lay any failures at the altar. The cleansing blood of Jesus causes all things to become new. When we prioritize what matters most and seek first God and His kingdom through prayer and fasting, we will get direction on what we are called to do.
DEFINITION: pri·or·i·ty, noun
Something given or meriting attention before competing alternatives.
God bless you,
Pastor Jeff Perry
PRAY THIS OUT LOUD:
God, as I fast and pray, I am sowing toward my spirit and trusting You for rest, clarity, and fruitfulness. As You directed the early church, show me my next steps. I pray for victory, joy, renewal, hope, and confidence. Let Your purposes come to pass in Jesus’ Name, amen.
Copyright © 2026 St. Louis Family Church, All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved. “Priority, N.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, 2026, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/priority.
