Prayer and Fasting with a Gospel Mindset

Prayer and fasting are spiritual disciplines frequently connected in biblical tradition, serving as means for believers to draw closer to God and express their devotion ^[11]. The Old Testament links fasting with self-deprivation to focus on God and seek His pleasure ^[13], while the New Testament emphasizes the sincerity and private nature of these practices, particularly in the teachings of Jesus ^{[2, 12]}.

Fasting, in its essence, involves abstaining from food or other comforts for a spiritual purpose. The prophet Isaiah highlights that true fasting is not merely an outward show of piety but an act that creates awareness of injustice and prompts believers to help the needy ^{[10, 13]}. This perspective aligns with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6, where he warns against making a public display of fasting to be seen by others ^{[2, 12]}. Instead, fasting should be a private act directed toward God, who sees in secret and will reward accordingly ^[2]. The Torrey's Topical Textbook further elaborates on the spirit of fasting, noting that it should be for the chastening and humbling of the soul, observed during times of judgment, public calamities, afflictions of the Church or others, private afflictions, or approaching danger ^[3]. It is also associated with significant events such as the ordination of ministers ^[3].

Prayer is a fundamental aspect of Christian life, representing communication with God. Jesus provided his followers with a model prayer, often called "The Lord's Prayer," which serves as a succinct expression of faith and a pattern for simple, sincere prayer, contrasting with the "vain repetition of pagan prayers" ^[5]. This prayer encourages addressing God as "Father," a practice Jesus frequently employed ^[5]. The act of calling on the Lord is a recurring theme throughout scripture, signifying a reliance on God and a seeking of His presence ^[6]. Paul's prayers, such as those found in 2 Thessalonians, often echo Jesus' blessings and emphasize the Lord's constant presence with His people ^{[7, 9]}.

The combination of prayer and fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline. Daniel, for instance, sought the Lord "by prayer and petitions, with fasting and sackcloth and ashes" ^[4]. This pairing is evident in various biblical contexts, including occasions for confession of sin, seeking divine intervention, or dedicating individuals to ministry ^{[3, 11]}. For example, the early church engaged in prayer and fasting during the ordination of ministers ^[3]. Jesus himself indicated the efficacy of prayer and fasting in overcoming certain spiritual challenges, stating, "Howbeit this kinde goeth not out, but by prayer and fasting" ^[1].

A "gospel mindset" in the context of prayer and fasting implies an approach rooted in the teachings and example of Jesus Christ, emphasizing sincerity, humility, and a focus on God's glory rather than human recognition. This mindset stands in direct opposition to hypocrisy or outward show. Jesus explicitly condemned those who fast with a gloomy face to make their fasting obvious to others, instructing his disciples to anoint their heads and wash their faces so that their fasting would not be seen by men, but only by their Father in secret ^[2]. This teaching underscores the internal disposition required for these practices.

The purpose of prayer and fasting, when undertaken with a gospel mindset, extends beyond personal spiritual growth to encompass a broader concern for justice and the well-being of others. Isaiah 58:6-7 connects true fasting with acts of compassion, such as loosing the bonds of injustice, sharing food with the hungry, providing shelter for the poor, and clothing the naked ^[10]. This demonstrates that genuine spiritual discipline is not self-serving but outward-focused, reflecting the love and mercy of God.

The New Testament further illustrates the importance of a right heart in spiritual practices. The apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently offers prayers for believers, often emphasizing themes of peace, grace, and the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ ^{[7, 8, 9]}. These prayers are not formulaic but deeply personal and communal, reflecting a desire for the spiritual flourishing of the church. The "Lord of peace," identified as Jesus Christ, is seen as the one who gives peace, both outward and inward, a peace that remains unbroken regardless of external circumstances ^[9]. This peace is a fruit of a life lived in communion with God through prayer and other spiritual disciplines.

Sources

Matthew “Matthew 17:21 (Geneva1599) — Howbeit this kinde goeth not out, but by prayer and fasting.”
Matthew “so that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you. -- Matthew 6:18”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Fasting — Spirit of, explained -- Isa 58:6,7. Not to be made a subject of display -- Mt 6:16-18. Should be to God -- Zec 7:5; Mt 6:18. For the chastening of the soul -- Ps 69:10. For the humbling of the soul -- Ps 35:13. Observed on occasions of Judgments of God. -- Joe 1:14; 2:12. Public calamities. -- 2Sa 1:12. Afflictions of the Church. -- Lu 5:33-35. Afflictions of others. -- Ps 35:13; Da 6:18. Private afflictions. -- 2Sa 12:16. Approaching danger. -- Es 4:16. Ordination of ministers. -- Ac 13:3; 14:23. Accompanied by Prayer. -- Ezr 8:23; Da 9:3. Confession of si”
Daniel “I set my face to the Lord God, to seek by prayer and petitions, with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. -- Daniel 9:3”
Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 6:9: 6:9-13 The Lord’s Prayer is similar in form to a common Jewish prayer (the qaddish). Jesus gave this prayer to his followers as a succinct expression of their new faith. 6:9 Pray like this: In contrast to the vain repetition of pagan prayers (6:7-8), “the Lord’s Prayer” is a model of simplicity. • Jews rarely addressed God as Father, but Jesus did so in every prayer but one (Mark 15:34). • may your name be kept holy: God’s name is profaned by the sin of his people (Isa 29:22-24; Jer 34:15-16; Ezek 39:7; Amos 2:7).”
2 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Timothy 2:22: 2:22 those who call on the Lord: Cp. Ps 99:6; Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21; 9:14, 21; 22:16; Rom 10:12-13; 1 Cor 1:2. • with pure hearts: Cp. 1 Tim 1:5.”
2 Thessalonians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Thessalonians 3:16: 3:16 The final prayer echoes Jesus’ blessing in John 14:27 (cp. Num 6:26) and contrasts with the situation these believers faced in Thessalonica (2 Thes 1:4-10; 1 Thes 2:14). Paul was always conscious of the Lord Jesus’ presence with his people (Rom 15:33; Phil 4:9).”
Philippians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Philippians 4:23: (Gal 6:18). be with you all. Amen--The oldest manuscripts read, "Be with your spirit," and omit "Amen." Next: Colossians Introduction”
2 Thessalonians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Thessalonians 3:16: Lord of peace--Jesus Christ. The same title is given to Him as to the Father, "the GOD of peace" (Rom 15:33; Rom 16:20; Co2 13:11). An appropriate title in the prayer here, where the harmony of the Christian community was liable to interruption from the "disorderly." The Greek article requires the translation, "Give you the peace" which it is "His to give." "Peace" outward and inward, here and hereafter (Rom 14:17). always--unbroken, not changing with outward circumstances. by all means--Greek, "in every way." Most of the oldest manuscript”
Isaiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Isaiah 58:6: 58:6-7 True fasting creates an awareness of injustice and oppression and prompts the practitioner to reach out to help the needy in their struggles (see 42:7; Matt 25:35-36; Jas 1:27).”
Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 6:16: 6:16 Prayer and fasting are frequently connected (Lev 23:27-32; Neh 9:1-2; Zech 7:3-5; 8:19; Luke 18:12). The practice had been abused before Jesus’ time (Isa 58:3-12).”
Matthew (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Matthew 6:15: But if ye forgive not, &c.--See on Mat 6:12. Fasting (Mat 6:16-18). Having concluded His supplementary directions on the subject of prayer with this Divine Pattern, our Lord now returns to the subject of Unostentatiousness in our deeds of righteousness, in order to give one more illustration of it, in the matter of fasting.”
Isaiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Isaiah 58:3: 58:3 Fasting should be a time of self-deprivation in order to focus on God and pleasing him (Lev 16:29; see Zech 7:5). However, these people were only interested in pleasing themselves and continuing in their sins.”

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