Praying with Purpose
Fast
Fast from all meat today, letting every moment of hunger turn your heart toward intercession.
Matthew 6:10
"Your Kingdom Come.”
Fasting is one of the most tangible ways we can align our hearts with God’s Kingdom. When Jesus taught us to pray in Matthew 6:10, “Your Kingdom come,” He was inviting us to live with a surrendered posture. This invitation is rooted in God’s desire for His reign to be fully formed within us and fully revealed around us. Fasting helps create that posture.
Today, the Houston’s First family will fast from meat. If that’s not a realistic possibility, let me encourage you to skip a meal instead. Our physical hunger can become a holy reminder of our true spiritual need. Instead of focusing on what you’re giving up, focus on Who you’re pressing into (Colossians 3:2). Use your hunger to intercede for God’s presence to overtake your home, your workplace, and your relationships.
Comfort, control, and routine are impulses that often rule us. Fasting weakens those impulses, and at the same time, strengthens our awareness of God’s priorities. Hunger becomes our teacher when it reminds us that our greatest need is not a temporary appetite to be appeased, but an eternal longing to be met (John 6:27). Each pang becomes a quiet prayer: “Lord, let Your Kingdom come in me.”
As you carry that prayer inward, let me encourage you to also let it flow outward. Intercede for others. Pray for God’s Kingdom to come to someone who is hurting. Pray for His Kingdom to break through in places that feel dark or stuck. Pray for His Kingdom to advance through our church in ways that go well beyond this present moment.
For many, denying ourselves is the exception, not the norm. May today’s empty stomach launch you into full surrender. Let your hunger be as an offering to our glorious God.
Until the nets are full,
Malcolm Marshall
Campus Pastor
Houston’s First Baptist Church - Sienna
Prayer Guide
- Pray for a neighbor, coworker, or family member by name, asking God’s Kingdom to touch their life.
- Pray for God’s Kingdom to advance in Houston and within our church with fresh power.
- Pray for God to reveal the gift He desires you to give toward Kingdom Come, with willing obedience.
Action Step
Will you pray for a family member, friend, or coworker by name today? Afterwards, reach out to tell them you prayed for them.
Prayer Practice
Practice praying out loud by yourself during your prayer time. If you are not used to this, it will help you become confident to pray in groups.