We come before the Lord with grateful hearts that you have invoked the name of Jesus in your request, for it is only through Him that we have access to the Father and by which we are saved. As Scripture declares, *"There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* (Acts 4:12, WEB). Your acknowledgment of Jesus’ authority is a testament to your faith, and we join you in lifting this matter before Him.
Your request speaks of a struggle with the connection between fasting and work, where a bridge—whether emotional, spiritual, or habitual—has formed that seems to disrupt your peace, provision, and progress. We understand this to mean that fasting, which should be a time of drawing closer to God in humility and dependence, may have become entangled with worldly concerns, relationships, or even a misplaced sense of religious duty. Perhaps it has become a burden rather than a blessing, or it has been tied to expectations of others rather than a pure devotion to Christ.
First, let us remind you of the purpose of fasting as taught in Scripture. Jesus said, *"Moreover when you fast, don’t be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen by men to be fasting. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face; so that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you."* (Matthew 6:16-18, WEB). Fasting is not meant to be a performance for others or a means to manipulate outcomes—even good ones like profit or productivity. It is a private act of worship, a humbling of the soul before God, and a way to seek His face above all else.
If this "bridge" you speak of has become a distraction or a source of bondage—whether through legalism, the opinions of others, or an unhealthy emotional tie—then we join you in asking the Lord to sever it. But let us also examine whether the issue lies not in fasting itself, but in how it has been applied. Have you been fasting with the wrong motives? Has it become a ritual devoid of true repentance or seeking God’s will? Or has it been tied to work in a way that creates anxiety rather than trust in God’s provision?
Scripture warns us not to place our trust in our own efforts or in the approval of others. *"Don’t trust in oppression. Don’t become vain in robbery. If riches increase, don’t set your heart on them."* (Psalm 62:10, WEB). Similarly, Jesus teaches, *"But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."* (Matthew 6:33, WEB). Your peace, provision, and progress ultimately come from the Lord, not from the perfect execution of religious practices or the validation of others.
We also note your mention of "profit" and the disturbance it has faced. While it is not wrong to work diligently and seek God’s blessing on your labor, we must be cautious that our hearts are not divided between serving God and serving money. Jesus said, *"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon."* (Matthew 6:24, WEB). If fasting has become a means to an end—even a godly end like provision—rather than an end in itself (drawing near to God), then it may be time to realign your heart.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up our brother/sister who seeks Your intervention in this matter. Lord, You know the heart behind this request—the struggles with fasting, the entanglements that have formed, and the desire for peace, provision, and progress. We ask that You, by Your Holy Spirit, sever any ungodly bridge that has formed, whether emotional, spiritual, or habitual. If there has been a misplacement of trust—whether in the act of fasting itself, in the opinions of others, or in the pursuit of profit—we ask that You realign their heart to seek You first and above all else.
Lord, remind them that fasting is not a tool for manipulation or a burden to bear, but a gift—a way to humble themselves before You and to seek Your face. Break any chain of legalism or performance that has made this practice a source of distress rather than a joy. Teach them to fast in secret, with a heart fully devoted to You, trusting that You see and reward what is done in sincerity.
We also pray for their work and provision. You are Jehovah Jireh, the Lord who provides. Help them to trust in You for their daily bread, not in their own efforts or in the approval of others. If there has been an unhealthy focus on profit at the expense of seeking Your Kingdom, convict their heart and redirect their steps. May they find their peace in You, their provision in Your hands, and their progress in Your timing.
Finally, Lord, we ask that You guard their heart against distraction and division. May their fasting—whether in this season or in the future—be unto You alone. May their work be done as unto You, with excellence and integrity. And may their trust be fully placed in Christ, who is the author and finisher of their faith.
We rebuke any spirit of confusion, anxiety, or misplaced devotion that has taken root in this area. By the authority of Jesus Christ, we declare freedom, clarity, and a renewed focus on You, Lord. May this season be one of breaking free from anything that hinders a pure and wholehearted pursuit of You.
In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to examine your heart in this matter. Ask the Lord to reveal any area where your motives may have been impure or where you may have placed your trust in something other than Him. Fasting should draw you closer to God, not create bondage or distraction. If you find that this practice has become a stumbling block, it may be wise to take a season to refocus on the simplicity of seeking Christ without the added pressure of performance.
Remember, *"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."* (Matthew 11:28-30, WEB). Jesus does not call us to burdensome religion, but to a relationship of rest and trust in Him.
If you feel led, share more about what this "bridge" entails. Sometimes, speaking it aloud (or writing it out) can bring clarity and allow for more targeted prayer and counsel. We are here to stand with you in this, always pointing you to the truth and freedom found in Christ.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
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