The Lodestar

Intercession and fasting are potent spiritual practices that have been used for centuries to deepen one’s connection with the divine and transform individuals and communities alike. While often mentioned together, each holds its unique significance and can complement one another in powerful ways.

What is Intercession?

At its core, intercession is the act of intervening on behalf of another through prayer. It is a selfless act of standing in the gap for someone else, pleading their case before a higher authority. In Christianity, intercession finds its roots in the belief that believers have the privilege and responsibility to intercede for others, following the example of Jesus Christ, who intercedes for humanity before God (Romans 8:34).

Intercession encompasses a wide range of prayers, from praying for the salvation of loved ones to interceding for peace in regions torn by conflict. It involves empathising with the needs of others and lifting them up in prayer, trusting in the power of God to bring about change and healing.

The Purpose of Fasting

On the other hand, fasting is voluntary abstention from food, typically for spiritual purposes. While fasting is commonly associated with denying oneself physical nourishment, it goes beyond physical discipline. Fasting serves as a means of spiritual purification, allowing individuals to focus on God and seek His will more fervently (Matthew 6:16—18).

The Bible portrays fasting as a powerful tool for seeking God’s guidance, repentance, and breakthrough. For example, in the Old Testament, the people of Nineveh fasted and prayed, leading to God’s mercy and the city’s salvation (Jonah 3:5-10). Similarly, Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness, preparing Himself for His ministry and overcoming temptation (Matthew 4:1—11).

The Synergy of Intercession and Fasting

When combined, intercession and fasting create a synergy that amplifies their effectiveness. Fasting intensifies our prayers, making them more fervent and sincere. By denying physical comforts, we demonstrate our earnestness before God and our dependence on Him alone. This heightened spiritual state enables us to intercede with greater clarity, sensitivity, and faith.

Moreover, fasting can serve as a form of solidarity with those we are interceding for. Just as we voluntarily abstain from food for a higher purpose, we identify with the needs and struggles of others, empathising with them on a deeper level. This empathy fuels our prayers, moving us to intercede with compassion and perseverance.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, intercession and fasting can be applied in various contexts. For instance, individuals may fast and intercede for the healing of a sick loved one, the reconciliation of broken relationships, or the salvation of unbelievers. Churches and communities may organise corporate fasts and prayer vigils to seek God’s intervention in societal issues such as injustice, poverty, or natural disasters.

Furthermore, intercession and fasting are not limited to specific seasons or occasions but can be incorporated into one’s regular spiritual discipline. By cultivating a lifestyle of intercession and fasting, believers can cultivate a deeper intimacy with God, develop a greater sensitivity to His leading, and participate more fully in His redemptive purposes in the world.

Intercession and fasting are integral to the believer’s spiritual journey, offering avenues for communion with God and transformative change. When practised with sincerity, humility, and faith, they can unleash God’s grace and bring about miracles in the lives of individuals and communities. As we engage in intercession and fasting, may we do so with a heart aligned with God’s will, trusting in His goodness and sovereignty to accomplish His purposes on earth.