Morning by Morning, January 13, 2026 — “By Prayer and Fasting”
Good morning, Lord Jesus. In surrender and trust, I look to You and listen for Your leading to begin my day embraced by my Father, centered in Christ, and filled with Your Holy Spirit. ...
As I wait, what I hear in my heart are these words: “By prayer and fasting.” And the Scripture immediately comes to mind:
“Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, ‘Why could we not cast (the demon) out?’
“Jesus said to them, ‘Because of your unbelief. For truly I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. And nothing will be impossible for you. But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting’” (Matthew 17:19-21).
I know many people moving in the ministry of healing and deliverance often say this is a teaching of Jesus that a certain “kind” of demon can only be cast out if the disciple exercising their authority in Christ has been praying and fasting for the encounter. That’s not my understanding.
I believe You are speaking in the broader context of faith. And that prayer and fasting is one of the means of Your grace to draw us nearer to You, to be more attentive to You, so that when we move in obedience as Your disciples, we move in faith that flows from a deep intimacy with You.
As we join with our local church in a season of prayer and fasting, I believe You’re just reminding me this morning, to keep my focus on You, to draw nearer to You. Prayer and fasting is not some tool to use to bring me to some higher level of authority in You or against the spiritual enemies of our souls. But prayer and fasting, especially in the ebb and flow of Your leading in a lifestyle, is a gift You give us, as a means of Your grace, to help us hear more clearly in a lifestyle of intimacy with You and faith in You.
Draw me nearer to You in a deeper lifestyle of intimacy with You, Lord—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit of God. Thank You for allowing the gift of prayer and fasting to help fulfill the Promise of Your Word: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:10). In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays
My friend, may the Holy Spirit move over every area of your life, bringing peace and order, aligning your life and world with the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven in Jesus' name. God bless you, my friend! And you have a great day!
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Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries
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