Welcome to Day 3 of our 60-day period of special devotion.
In this sacred season, we are not only building devotional consistency, but we are also being drawn deeper into consecration and intimacy with God. This is the expectation we must carry in our hearts.

To begin with, it is important to remember that fasting is not a modern invention. It is a spiritual practice rooted deeply in Scripture and has been observed from the Old Testament. In the Bible, fasting was often used to mark a time as sacred.

Whether in seeking divine help, as we see in:
Exodus 34:28
New King James Version
28 So he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he neither ate bread nor drank water. And He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments

When Moses fasted for 40 days and nights on Mount Sinai to receive the Law, or in atonement for sins or even in times of mourning, as when David and his men fasted after battle:

2 Samuel 1:12
New King James Version
12 And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son, for the people of the LORD and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.

One thing is consistent across these accounts: Fasting was understood as a sacred separation unto God. If the people of old recognized this truth, then surely, we must also embrace it.
Yet, beyond personal decisions to fast, there is an even weightier dimension — when God Himself calls for a fast.
This is far more significant because it indicates that the all-powerful and all-knowing God has chosen, in His wisdom, to supply His people with something unique for that season.

Throughout Scripture, we see that God calls His people to consecration at pivotal times; be it for transition, preparation for divine encounters, or being set apart for special assignments.

Exodus 19:10-11
New King James Version
10 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes

11 And let them be ready for the third day. For on the third day the LORD will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.”

Here, before revealing His righteous standards, God instructed His people to consecrate themselves. The Hebrew word used here is kawdash, which means to be holy, set apart, sanctified.
This shows us that fasting aids consecration. When God calls a fast, it is not to burden us but to birth something in us. It is His way of preparing us for what He wants to do, ensuring we are aligned with His plan in both pace and capacity.

Fasting is not for God; rather, it is for us. It disconnects us from the world and reminds us that we have been set apart for His use.
Therefore, we must resist the notion that fasting is a way to bend God’s hand to our will. In reality, fasting bends our will to align with His.
Yes, fasting strengthens our faith to believe for results, but more importantly, it anchors us in the assurance of God’s will, even when results differ from our expectations. Ultimately, the goal of fasting is not mere outcomes, but deeper consecration.

Joshua 3:5
New King James Version
5 Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.

Before entering the Promised Land, the Israelites were called to consecrate themselves, signifying readiness for God’s wonders.

Joel 2:15-16
New King James Version
15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, Consecrate a fast, Call a sacred assembly;

16 Gather the people, Sanctify the congregation, Assemble the elders, Gather the children and nursing babes; Let the bridegroom go out from his chamber, And the bride from her dressing room. 

This shows the prophet calling for a corporate consecrated fast to prepare for the day of the Lord.
In Exodus 29 and Leviticus 8, the priests underwent lengthy rites of consecration before service. While these outward actions were symbolic, God’s ultimate goal was always the heart. A heart separated unto Him for His use. This will form the basis of tomorrow’s teaching, but today, let us continue into the New Testament.

Luke 2:37
New King James Version
³⁷ and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

We see Anna the prophetess, who devoted her life to God with fasting and prayer, making consecration her lifestyle.

Acts 13:2-3
New King James Version
2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
³ Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.

As the church elders fasted and ministered to the Lord, the Holy Spirit gave clear direction to set apart Barnabas and Saul for their mission. Even Jesus, our Lord, fasted for 40 days and nights before publicly beginning His ministry (Matthew 4). In every instance, fasting marked a time of separation unto God, whether for preparation, direction, anticipation of God’s move, or as an act of worship.

With this understanding, how then can we practically position ourselves during this season of fasting and prayer?

1. Plan for the fast: Schedule specific times of prayer throughout the day.

2. Organize your tasks with the consciousness that this is a sacred period of consecration.

3. Combine fasting with prayer and Bible study: In Scripture, fasting and prayer are almost always paired

Ezra 8:23
New King James Version
23 So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer. 

Daniel 9:3
New King James Version
3 Then I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. 

Fasting without prayer is simply starvation, but fasting with prayer and the Word strengthens the spirit and amplifies divine impact.

4. Set aside distractions: It defeats the purpose to abstain from food yet feed endlessly on social media, movies, or work. Instead, redirect that time to prayer, Bible study, worship, and sermons, creating an atmosphere that nourishes your spirit.

5. Pursue intimacy with God: Jesus warned in Matthew 6:16-18
New King James Version
16 Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,

18 so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Fasting is not for display but for intimacy with the Father who sees in secret. Go to Him sincerely, pour out your heart, and listen for His response in clarity, focus, and renewed strength.

Ultimately, fasting is not about outward denial but inward devotion. It is about drawing closer to God, deepening intimacy with Him, and positioning ourselves for His purpose. As you engage in this season, be intentional about not remaining the same. Let it be a time of transformation, a time of separation, and above all, a time of deeper intimacy with your Father.

Prayer Point
Lord Jesus, I position myself to receive all You have for me in this season of fasting and prayer. Let it be evident at the end that I truly met with God.