“So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and He answered our prayer.” — Ezra 8:23
The Old Testament law specifically required prayer and fasting on the Day of Atonement. This custom became known as “the day of fasting” (Jeremiah 36:6) or “the Fast” (Acts 27:9).
Moses fasted during the forty days and forty nights he was on Mount Sinai receiving the law from God (Exodus 34:28).
King Jehoshaphat called for a fast in all Israel when they were about to be attacked by the Moabites and Ammonites (2 Chronicles 20:3).
In response to Jonah’s preaching, the men of Nineveh fasted and put on sackcloth (Jonah 3:5). Prayer and fasting were often done in times of distress or trouble.
David fasted when he learned that Saul and Jonathan had been killed (2 Samuel 1:12).
Nehemiah had a time of prayer and fasting upon learning that Jerusalem was still in ruins (Nehemiah 1:4). Darius, the king of Persia, fasted all night after he was forced to put Daniel in the den of lions (Daniel 6:18).
Prayer and fasting also occur in the New Testament. Anna “worshiped night and day, fasting and praying” at the temple (Luke 2:37).
John the Baptist taught his disciples to fast (Mark 2:18).
Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights before He began His supernatural ministry (Matthew 4:2).
The church of Antioch fasted (Acts 13:2) and sent Paul and Barnabas off on their first missionary journey (Acts 13:3).
Paul and Barnabas spent time in prayer and fasting for the appointment of elders in the churches (Acts 14:23).
Do you see where this weapon can be exceedingly powerful?