Understanding Prayer and Fasting

Personal prayers and group prayers are both essential. Group prayers strengthen our relationships, for “iron sharpens iron.” (Proverbs 27:17 NIV)

Do not assume that group prayers yield more results because of the passage, “Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand, and your enemies will fall by the sword before you.” (Leviticus 26:8 NIV) Unlike them, we are not the ones fighting but angels. Our battles are not physical but spiritual. (2 Corinthians 10:4 NIV)

The centurion understood this concept and said, “For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” (Luke 7:6–8 NIV) Christ confirmed that it was great Faith (Luke 7:9 NIV) because he understood that Christ was a man under authority with angels (ministering spirits); so are all believers. (Mark 16:17 NIV)

Group projects will only succeed if every team member is committed at all levels. This is a fundamental rule. Prayer operates differently as it does not involve our direct actions. However, if you are praying for the success of your group projects, it is important to also pray for unity.

We are not the ones fighting but Someone else. And this Someone is neither for you nor the enemy but for God alone. (Joshua 5:13–15 NIV) The angels are not fighting for your selfish will, so honor God’s will. Faith consists of being one with God’s will.

If you have hatred, unforgiveness, or any sin in your heart, don’t even bother praying unless your authority is that of Beelzebub, prince of demons.

During group prayer or fasting, everyone doesn’t need to have one mind before God will answer. Though unity is ideal, it is not a prayer requirement. In Genesis 18:33 (NIV), it is written, “For the sake of ten, I will not destroy the city.”

The Lord found only Lot and did not destroy him. There is no way that God will not answer the prayers of the righteous because of the unrighteous. (Genesis 19:29 NIV) The sinners may fail, but the righteous will succeed.

Many of our prayers would never be answered if that were the case. If you could see the thoughts of all the people around you during prayers, you would avoid many of them. Christianity is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. (Matthew 13:47 NIV)