The Power of Prayer and Fasting in Disciple Making

Dear Discipleship-first friends,

We hope you have enjoyed our introduction to the first three key principles in disciple making (of the 10 we will share):

1) disciple making is the core mission,

2) definitions (are crucial), and

3) Leading from the front.

Here is the fourth principle: focus on prayer and fasting. In churches across the globe—especially in places like Africa, India, and China—radical disciple-making movements are changing entire communities. But in North America, we often wonder why we aren’t seeing the same kind of transformative movements. What’s missing? One powerful and often overlooked factor is an emphasis prayer and fasting.

Prayer and Fasting: Not Just an Ancient Practice

When we hear the word “fasting,” many of us instantly feel a little uncomfortable. In a culture full of abundance, skipping meals to pray can seem extreme or unnecessary. But throughout history, every great spiritual movement—from the early church to modern revivals—has been fueled by prayer and fasting. This isn’t a coincidence. It’s a divine principle built into how God brings about breakthrough.

As Josh Howard and I explain, the reason disciple-making movements flourish around the world isn’t simply cultural. It’s spiritual hunger. These movements are powered by men and women who spend hours daily in the presence of Jesus. They fast two to three days every week. Their prayers are bold and desperate: “God, make my city hunger for you like I hunger for food. Make my neighbors thirst for you like I thirst for water.”

This intensity and devotion stand in stark contrast to what we often see in the West. While we value prayer, we rarely embrace fasting at the same level. But here’s the truth: if we want to see God move in our churches, families, and cities, we need to reclaim this radical practice.

Why Prayer and Fasting Unlock Breakthrough

Scripture ties spiritual breakthrough directly to prayer and fasting. Jesus Himself modeled this. Before launching His public ministry, He spent 40 days fasting in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). When major decisions approached, like selecting the twelve disciples, He spent entire nights in prayer (Luke 6:12-13). Even in His regular rhythms, Jesus consistently withdrew to lonely places to pray (Mark 1:35).

This isn’t about legalism—checking off a spiritual box to get God to act. Prayer and fasting create an environment where the Holy Spirit works. It’s not a formula, but a heart posture. Fasting empties us of distractions and reminds us how desperately we need God. Prayer aligns our hearts with His will. Together, they prepare the soil for revival.

A Simple Call to Action

So, what does this look like practically? It doesn’t mean you have to fast for 40 days immediately. Instead, start by “upping the dial” in your prayer and fasting life.

Here’s what some churches and disciple-making movements are doing:

• Regular fasting periods: Many churches call their members to a 14- to 21-day fast once a year. This could mean fasting from one meal a day, or for some, even multiple meals.
• Weekly fasting: Other communities practice fasting one day each week, dedicating time to pray for their city and for the lost.
• Focused intercession: Movements in India and elsewhere keep lists of names—specific lost people they pray for daily. They also pray for towns and villages by name, asking God to break spiritual strongholds.

This isn’t just about individual growth; it’s about joining God’s mission. Strategic prayer and fasting become powerful tools for spiritual warfare, opening hearts, tearing down barriers, and preparing the way for the gospel to spread.

Following Jesus’ Example

The goal isn’t to manipulate God into action but to walk in step with Him. Jesus didn’t fast and pray because He had to—He did it because He longed to be with the Father and to align His heart with the Father’s will. As we follow Jesus, we discover the same truth: fasting isn’t about suffering for suffering’s sake. It’s about hunger—hunger for God’s presence, hunger for revival, hunger for lost people to find hope in Jesus.

At Discipleship.org and in churches pursuing real disciple-making movements, leaders are seeing what happens when prayer and fasting become regular rhythms. Hearts change. Communities shift. Movements begin.

It’s Not Just for “Radical Christians”

Some might think radical prayer and fasting is only for missionaries in remote villages. But that’s simply not true. This is for every believer—whether you live in a small town in the Midwest or a major North American city. Prayer and fasting aren’t cultural; they’re spiritual. They’re not reserved for “super Christians”; they’re invitations for all of us.

If your prayer life feels stale or your church’s evangelistic efforts feel stuck, maybe the answer isn’t a new strategy or a better program. Maybe it’s time to press into God’s presence like never before—through fasting and prayer.

Ready to Begin?

If you’ve never fasted before, start small. Skip one meal and spend that time praying for your neighbors. Create a list of lost friends and family members and commit to praying for them daily. Invite your small group or church to fast together for a day or a week.

The point isn’t perfection—it’s persistence. As you draw near to God, you’ll discover His heart for your community. His dreams will become your dreams. And that’s the beginning of real disciple-making movements.

If you’re ready to go deeper, check out these resources from Discipleship.org:

• Revival Starts Here Primer (A practical guide to prayer and fasting)
• The Kingdom Unleashed (Explore global disciple-making movements and what we can learn)

Prayer and fasting aren’t outdated relics—they’re the gateway to spiritual power and breakthrough. Let’s turn up the dial and see what God does.

For King Jesus,