Prayer and Fasting- Part 3

 Prayer and Fasting -Part 3- Promises

January 7, 2026

Isaiah 58:8-12 (NKJV) 

8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. 9 Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I [am.]’ “If you take away the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, 10 [If] you extend your soul to the hungry And satisfy the afflicted soul, Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, And your darkness shall [be] as the noonday. 11 The LORD will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. 12 Those from among you Shall build the old waste places; You shall raise up the foundations of many generations; And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In.

Rememberer the three main points in Isaiah’s discourse on fasting in chapter 58:

1. Praying for others
2. Promises for pleasing God
3. Loving God

Today, let us look at the second point. When you live according to Gods’ chosen fast, there are many promises that follow. There will be a new light or understanding and healing and deliverance will spring forth. The Lord will hear your prayers and guide you continually. You will be like a spring of water refreshing your neighbors and a light to the world.

Jesus taught the same in the sermon on the mount*. He began with the beatitudes which taught how you should live, how you should love your neighbor, then added this passage.

Matthew 5:13-16 (NKJV) 

13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 “Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all [who are] in the house. 16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

When you live the blessed life, being meek, merciful, compassionate, etc. then you will be salt and light. God’s chosen fast is to live in such a way that you will be a blessing to those around you. And when you are a blessing, you will be blessed. You will be a light, illuminating the world with true wisdom and grace, and salt, bringing flavor and salvation to those around you.

So as you prepare yourself for the coming year with prayer and fasting, remember God’s chosen fast and love your neighbor. Be salt and light to the world and look for the blessings and promises that follow for those who live in such a fashion. It is the way of the kingdom of God. It is God’s chosen fast.

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*Matthew 5:1-12 (NKJV) 

1 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. 2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: 3 “Blessed [are] the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed [are] those who mourn, Forthey shall be comforted. 5 Blessed [are] the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed [are] those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. 7 Blessed [are] the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed [are] the pure in heart, For they shall see God. 9 Blessed [are] the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. 10 Blessed [are ]those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great [is] your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.