1 Timothy 2: 1-2

This is a season of learning to pray, fast, seek God, and draw near to Him.

During these 40 days leading up to Singapore’s National Day, I believe that many amongst us are following LoveSingapore’s 40.Day prayer guides and videos, praying for Singapore, the church, ourselves and our loved ones everyday. This is a season of learning to pray, fast, seek God, and draw near to Him.

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1 Timothy 2: 1-2)

Do you have the habit of fasting and praying? Fasting and praying are essential spiritual disciplines. Fasting can be tailored to one’s physical condition and habits, progressing in stages, such as fasting one meal a day or foregoing a favourite food, drink, or fruit for a period. Through fasting, we can set aside more time to wait on God, concentrate on reading the Bible, meditate on God’s word, and pray fervently for specific matters.
Through my own spiritual journey, I have discovered that fasting and prayer are instrumental in our spiritual growth:

1. Knowing God better: By setting ourselves apart and spending more solitude time before God, we can strengthen our relationship with God and become more aware of His will.
2. Knowing ourselves better: Through the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we recognise our sins and shortcomings. The Holy Spirit examines every heart, prompting us to confess and repent of our sins, cast off our ego and pride, and abandon all that displease God.
3. Exercising self-control and strengthening faith: We learn to wait on God, exercise self-control and self-discipline, seek God and His will, grow in faith, pursue renewal and transformation of life, become more like Jesus, and live for Jesus.

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus Christ,
You are the vine, and we are the branches. Apart from You, without Your power and presence, we will wither, and we can do nothing. We need You every day.
Help us grow in the disciplines of fasting and prayer, praying unceasingly for our nation, our church, ourselves, and our families. We desire to worship You, know You, and draw closer to You every day. Amen.