When we pray, we can gain great victories for people. Therefore, we want to look for every opportunity possible so the Father’s love and power can be shown off on behalf of others.
During the fast, one of the sweetest and most strategic things we can do is keep a list of people clearly written down—people we will pray for—taking time during the fast to turn our attention from ourselves to others in prayer.
Abraham’s greatest breakthrough was unlocked by praying for others. At a time when Sarah could not become pregnant and it seemed her womb was closed—a time when they had waited and waited on the promise—God instructed Abraham to pray for Abimelek’shousehold.
Genesis 20:17 (NIV)
Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelek, his wife, and his female slaves so they could have children again.
Notice the very next verse in the Bible.
Genesis 21:1–3
Then the Lord took note of Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did for Sarah as He had promised. So, Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the appointed time of which God had spoken to him. Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac.
Last week, one of the men working for us on a project was warned about a problem in his marriage. I won’t go into detail, but it was distressing. I asked if I could pray for him. He was in a place where he was very open to prayer, so he said yes. I explained that I would pray with great authority and that, if at all possible, we would see a great change of heart and breakthrough. As non-churchy as possible, I told the enemy to get out and called upon God to mend and heal.
The next morning, I felt like the king checking in on Daniel in the lions’ den. I asked, “Did you get a breakthrough?” He was so excited. The Lord had met him and answered prayer. This was to God’s glory, and it melted his heart toward Jesus.
Seize opportunities like this during our fast so that the Father is glorified. Never worry about the result—simply act in great faith.