Text by Myla Christy Alcantara
Edited with Notes from Ps. Paul Yadao
Read:
Acts 13:1-4 (NASB)
"13 Now there were prophets and teachers at Antioch, in the church that was there: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were [a]serving the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set Barnabas and Saul apart for Me for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, when they had fasted, prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia and from there they sailed to Cyprus."
Acts 14:21-23 (NASB)
"21 And after they had preached the gospel to that city and had made a good number of disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “It is through many tribulations that we must enter the kingdom of God.” 23 When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they entrusted them to the Lord in whom they had believed."
Reflect:
Have you ever waited for someone or something so eagerly? Was there anything you did to prepare for the meeting? Usually, when family or friends are scheduled to visit our home, I clean the house making sure that it will be cozy and comfortable for the anticipated guests.
As sons and daughters of God, we know who we are waiting for: the Holy Spirit! That’s why we pray and fast. We know for sure it’s not just an ordinary meeting or experience, but a powerful encounter! So we prepare by intentionally eliminating any desire until what’s left is a hunger to be filled with the fullness of His Presence. Our body, designed to be the temple of God’s presence, is like being re-calibrated to its very purpose, carrying the Holy Spirit in us.
There is a promise for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit for those who wait. Prayer and fasting help posture our hearts for a deeper encounter with God. When we intentionally quiet down all other desires- for pleasure, food, etc., we become more aware of His Presence and recognize His Voice better. In prayer with fasting, we yield our hearts to His Will and let go of things that hinder us from knowing Him. God works deeper in hearts that are humble and fully surrendered to Him. With this heart, we capture a fresh vision and we are empowered to step into it by His Spirit within.
Another point to note as the disciples pray and fast from Acts 13 and 14, the disciples took prayer and fasting seriously. They do it before making any crucial decision, like appointing elders and sending brethren out. Like Paul and Barnabas, we are launched to our God-given assignments the moment we receive a fresh outpouring from above.
Respond:
As we welcome 2022 with anticipation and hope in the Lord, one sure step is to seek Him through prayer and fasting. It will be best to start asking the Lord how your prayer and fasting journey will be this start of the year. Pray for His enabling grace and ready your heart to anticipate God’s move in your life. Be excited, it’s definitely going to be an exciting new experience with the Holy Spirit!
Myla is a certified coffee enthusiast, always searching for the best coffee in the world. She looks forward to waking up in the morning to smell her little ones breathing and dance randomly with her daughter. She and her husband loves hiking and walking around parks. She is always fascinated by how prayer works.
AUTHOR: MYLA CHRISTY ALCANTARA