Understanding Prayer and Fasting

Prayer is primarily about Faith rather than simply repeating words. God does not answer us because of the quantity of our words but because we trust Him (Faith).

Faith is not just a state of mind but the assurance that He hears us when we pray as He is a refuge to those who know Him. If Faith were only a mindset, even unbelievers could have it as there are many decisive minds in the world. The belief of a sinner is considered unbelief, which is why they are called unbelievers due to the nature of their spirit. Therefore, Faith is the nature of our spirit. It is the good nature that Christ revived at repentance. This nature has the power to bring things to pass as it is written, “All things are possible to those who have faith.” (Mark 9:23 NIV) It is this nature that moves God. He also blesses the unbeliever through physical principles, just as He blesses everybody with rain. If they follow the principles of life, such as humility, hard work, patience, diligence, and unity (etc.), God will bless them. However, the nature that commands the heavens is the good nature in man, as prophetically illustrated in Joshua 12:12–14 (NIV).

When praying, we should be humble rather than boastful. (Luke 18:9–14 NIV)

Prayer is not about the amount of time spent but about Faith. Someone may pray for eight hours about a particular topic and receive no answer, while another person prays for just five minutes and is answered.

Why pray for the same topic for eight hours? Are you trying to compete with someone for the longest prayer, or do you think God is not listening? (Matthew 6:7 KJV) Apostle Paul, who was close to God, did not even need to ask four times. He understood that the answer was not favorable after the third time. (2 Corinthians 12:8–9 NIV)

Prayer is not about the duration but about faith. Pray and have faith. It is your faith that matters, not the multiplication of words. Persistence in prayer (Luke 11:5–8 NIV) is not in the multiplication of words but in the spirit that does not let it go, no matter the storms. (Luke 18:2–4 NIV)

So, ask. If there is no answer, ask yourself why. Seek what you need to do better (seek for the door). Maybe you only need the right attitude toward that situation or person.

If the door is closed, knock (pray again or fast). Certain things need many trials before you find the correct idea or angle. (Matthew 7:8 NIV) Once you have the right wisdom or direction, knock, and it will be opened.

Sometimes, it is not yet the right time: The apostles were fishing all night and did not catch any fish, but in the morning, Christ told them to throw the nets at that same place where they toiled all night. They did it, and the catch was great. (John 21:1–6 NIV)

Sometimes, you are the problem because you are not using the suitable methods or approach to the situation, or your idea is entirely wrong.

Sometimes, everything is alright, but you need to wait on God. You may need to wait because the right people to favor you are not yet in that company or line of business, or God is still trying to remove stumbling blocks, which may include some wicked or jealous people. Don’t be discouraged. (Luke 18:2–4 NIV) Pray for help but also for guidance.

If your hope is in God, you will soar. If you have no answer when you ask, He will give you multiple ideas (seek), and you will find the door. But if that door is closed, knock. Sometimes, we may need advice from someone with more experience or knowledge. Some people are so proud that they even reject free advice, thinking God will perform some miracle for them, while He has already sent a human helper.

The things of the spiritual world are different from what we see in this world. Therefore, do not come to prayer crying, thinking that those tears will change something in your situation. If you do not brace up, take the armor of Faith, and fight for your answers, nothing will happen. Your tears will not move God; this world is full of tears, but God is moved by spiritual principles set even before this world was formed. (Be like Jabez, who was defined for pain but rejected it.) (1 Chronicles 4:9–10 NIV) So, pray but also seek the wisdom attached to that situation.

We are answered by our Faith, not because we cry more than other people. Do not think you will be answered by shouting, sweating, boxing, jumping, standing, kneeling, or lying. You should brace up and pray with Faith for God to answer you. It is not by shouting and disturbing neighbors or by jumping, as some Christians say, “Make some noise for God,” “Make it louder,” or “I can’t hear you,” that God will hear you. God is not a man but a Spirit.

He is a Spirit, so even if you speak in your heart, He will hear you clearly. He knows your intentions before you speak; that is why it is written, “Before they call, I will answer…” (Isaiah 65:24 NIV)

Even if God were like humankind, He would not be deaf, so your words would not enter His ears by shouting and disturbing the neighborhood. You are even exposing your prayer topics to everyone in the neighborhood. Prayer is a private matter, as it is written, “When you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father who is unseen…” (Matthew 6:6 NIV) Yet, you want to be known by everyone as a prayer warrior. (Matthew 6:5 NIV) There are people who are prayer warriors, but you wouldn’t even know unless someone tells you.

Some Christians even say, “God quickly answers violent prayers.” There is nothing like “violent prayers” because the violence of the spiritual realm is not the same as physical violence. It has nothing to do with words or gestures. Faith is the violence of the spiritual world, for the violent take the kingdom of heaven by Faith. We took it (repented) by Faith, not physical force.