Scriptural Rationale for Prayer and Fasting

Fasting intensifies prayer and, therefore, intensifies the results. Examples of prayer and fasting are replete in the scriptures. Moses, the prophets, righteous leaders, the disciples, the early church and Jesus Himself all fasted with great results. Christians who desire to see a positive change in our culture would do well to understand the effectiveness of prayer.

The scriptures are clear that God honors prayer that is honest, urgent, and persistent. In fact, God moves through the prayers of his people to effect great change on the earth. A survey of the power of God recorded in scripture reveals that God acts powerfully on behalf of the individual or nation that truly calls for his aid. Passivity is never commended, while positive activity always is. It is the responsibility of all believing people to exercise their spiritual rights and petition God on behalf of themselves and their country, or risk leaving important outcomes to the caprice of man, or the lowest common order of random events.

Corporate prayer is especially encouraged because it unifies believers in a special way and focuses that collective energy and desire for a common goal of good. The power of corporate prayer is so great that Jesus specifically elevated its status “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 18:19).

The scriptures in their entirety are really the testimony of a great and mighty God who desires to act wonderfully on the behalf of those who seek Him: “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him” (2 Cron 16:9). It is clear that if believers, individually and collectively, unite in an initiative of prayer and fasting, and ask God to intervene in this election for the good of the country, He will do so.