​

Getting to the Root of It: A Healing Balm of Freedom

February 2, 2025

First things first, Joyful Black History Month!

Now for the devotion.

Devotional: Getting to the Root of It - Fasting and Prayer

As we focus on Getting to the Root of It, Wednesdays are set aside for fasting and prayer. It’s important to remember that everyone’s journey with God looks different. What works for one person may not work for another, but the goal remains the same: to grow in intimacy with Jesus—a deeper connection, a closer walk, and an open heart to hearing God’s voice more clearly.

Fasting and prayer can look like anything from a few hours to an entire day—or even multiple days, depending on how the Spirit leads. Whether you're walking through the season of Lent or simply taking a moment to pause and recalibrate, the key is to lean into God.

The beauty of fasting is that it’s about more than denying food; it’s about denying distractions so that you can focus your attention on Him. It’s about listening closely for His voice, being intentional with your time, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you. But never make it complicated. Don't let your time with God become a checklist or something that feels rigid and legalistic. The relationship you build with Him is personal and unique.

Take a deep breath and let go of any pressure. Whether you fast from food, technology, or other distractions, the purpose is simple: to make room for more of God. When you feel temptation or distraction pulling at you, stop and pray. Seek God in those moments. It’s in the quiet spaces where you’ll often find His whisper, guiding you to the root of what’s truly on His heart for you.

Remember, God is never distant when we make space for Him. Fasting and prayer are about leaning in, not striving to impress. It’s about real intimacy with the One who already knows you completely and loves you unconditionally.

Prayer: Lord, help me to remember that fasting is not about following rules, but about drawing near to You. I want to hear Your voice more clearly and grow in intimacy with You. Remove any distractions that keep me from fully focusing on You. Teach me to lean into the Holy Spirit, to trust You in this time of fasting and prayer. I surrender this time to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Here's the strategy ~

It’s entirely up to you how you decide to enter a time of prayer and fasting, should you feel led to participate. Below are a few bullet points to help guide you through this time:

• Daniel mourned, consecrated himself, and partially fasted over the struggles of his people, Israel (Daniel 10:2-11). We, too, can enter into this time of mourning, consecration, or partial fasting for various reasons: for the state of our own lives, our local church and its family, the world, our nation, our state, our city, the body of Christ, ourselves, the marginalized, those struggling with illness and disease, those in pain, marriages, families, government, children, relationships, companies, the lost, protection, anointing, covering, leaders, pastors, ministries, and so much more (fill in the blank with what is on your heart).
• Daniel fasted for 21 days – three full weeks. You may choose to do a fast once per week, three hours a day for a number of days, three full days, or however the spirit of God leads you. Remember, this is for you, not God, but you are focused on God.
• Daniel abstained from rich, indulgent foods—things like party foods, desserts, meats, and wine. For us today, this could include chips, candy, fast food, sodas, caffeinated beverages, and yes, even social media or television. The point is to deny ourselves what we typically turn to for comfort or distraction. When tempted, we pray, we seek God, and we stay focused. It's not about making it easy—it’s about strengthening our faith and deepening our relationship with Jesus. It’s about growth and sacrifice.

For those with health concerns or who are on medication, consider fasting from distractions like television or your phone (except for work or school-related calls). If you choose to fast from food, be sure to stay hydrated with plenty of water!

Prayer Strategy: The main purpose of this fast is to seek God’s will, guidance, protection, and direction. We are praying for resources, for an outpouring of His love, for families, and for reconciliation. Let us remember Habakkuk 2:2-3: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”

Steps to Begin Your Fast:

1. Start by preparing your heart through praise and worship.
2. Begin with prayer, asking for forgiveness and repenting for any sins.
3. Set aside a specific time each day to spend alone with God.
4. Read your Bible daily.
5. Be clear and specific in your prayers and requests.
6. Stay expectant for God’s answers, and consider journaling your thoughts, prayers, and responses.
7. Be mindful of the enemy’s tactics. Have a list of scriptures ready to lift you up during times of struggle.
8. Partner up with someone in prayer, someone you can lean on when you feel weak or overwhelmed.
9. When you feel the pull to break your fast, whether it’s food or something else, replace that temptation with prayer, worship, or reading the Word.

God is speaking—how will we respond?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, may we enter this time of fasting and prayer with a heart that seeks Your will and direction for our lives and everything we’re involved in. Heavenly Father, we come to You in Jesus Christ’s Holy Name. We surrender ourselves to You. Your Word says in Jeremiah 33:3, “Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things you do not know.” We ask You to show us these things during this time of fasting and prayer. Lord, help us not to get caught up in religion but to be caught up in Your Holy Spirit, so our prayers may be effective and our hearts obedient to You. We want to serve Your divine purpose and do what is good and right in Your sight. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. AMEN!

NO Zoom This Sunday

Reminder: The information shared in this email is the intellectual property of Gail Dudley, EVERBLOOM. I give you permission to share this information, and ask that you credit my work. Thank you.

~ Gail

Gail Dudley, The Audacious Advocate

www.GailDudley.com

​

​