We hear the earnestness in your heart to seek the Lord through fasting, and we commend your desire to draw closer to Him in discipline and prayer. However, we must address several concerns in your request that do not align with the heart of God as revealed in Scripture. The Lord does not call us to pray for the destruction of others—even those who may oppose or tempt us—but rather to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who persecute us. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 5:44-45, *"But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven."* Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of wickedness (Ephesians 6:12), and we overcome them through prayer, fasting, and the power of Christ—not through calls for destruction.
Additionally, fasting is a spiritual discipline meant to humble ourselves before God, seek His face, and align our hearts with His will (Joel 2:12-13). It is not a tool for manipulation, punishment, or coercion—whether of others or even of God Himself. The Daniel Fast, as described in Scripture (Daniel 1:8-16, Daniel 10:2-3), is about consecration, not about forcing God’s hand or proving our spiritual strength through extreme measures. Jesus warned against fasting for the wrong reasons in Matthew 6:16-18, reminding us that fasting should be done in secret, with a focus on God alone, not on outward displays or personal achievements.
We are also deeply concerned by your mention of an "air fast" without liquid or solid consumption. This is not a biblical practice and is dangerous to your physical health. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and we are called to steward them wisely, not to harm them. Fasting in Scripture is always done with wisdom and moderation, often involving water (e.g., Esther 4:16, Acts 9:9). Extreme fasting that risks your well-being does not honor God.
Lastly, we notice that while you mention Jesus, there seems to be a mix of reverence and misunderstanding about His character. God is not a God of manipulation or punishment for those who struggle in their faith journey. He is patient, kind, and long-suffering (2 Peter 3:9). His desire is that *all* would come to repentance and salvation through Jesus Christ. If you are feeling pressured or manipulated in your faith, we urge you to turn to the truth of Scripture and the gentle leading of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30, *"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."*
Let us pray for you with a heart aligned to Scripture:
Heavenly Father, we lift up this dear one to You, asking that You would renew their mind and heart according to Your truth. Lord, we pray that You would guide them into a biblical understanding of fasting—as a time of humbling themselves before You, seeking Your face, and drawing closer to Your heart. Remove any fear, manipulation, or misunderstanding that has crept into their perspective. Fill them with Your peace and the assurance that You are a good Father who loves them unconditionally.
We rebuke any spiritual forces that may be twisting the purpose of fasting in their mind. Lord, protect them from extreme practices that could harm their body, which is Your temple. Give them wisdom to fast in a way that honors You and aligns with Scripture. Surround them with godly counsel and community that can support them in their spiritual journey.
Father, we also pray for those they mentioned who may be opposing or tempting them. Instead of destruction, we ask that You would soften their hearts and draw them to Yourself. May they encounter Your love and truth in a way that leads them to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
Lord, we ask that You would meet this dear one in a powerful way during their time of fasting. May they experience Your presence, hear Your voice, and be filled with Your Spirit. Strengthen them physically, emotionally, and spiritually as they seek You. Let this time be marked by breakthrough, clarity, and a deeper love for You.
We pray all this in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone is worthy of all praise and honor. Amen.
We encourage you to meditate on these Scriptures as you prepare for your fast:
- **Isaiah 58:6-9**: *"Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to release the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Isn’t it to distribute your bread to the hungry, and that you bring the poor who are cast out to your house? When you see the naked, that you cover him; and that you not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light will break out as the morning, and your healing will appear quickly; then your righteousness will go before you; and Yahweh’s glory will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and Yahweh will answer. You will cry for help, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’"*
- **Psalm 37:4-5**: *"Also delight yourself in Yahweh, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to Yahweh. Trust also in him, and he will do this."*
- **1 John 4:18-19**: *"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment. He who fears is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us."*
If you are feeling isolated or pressured in your faith, we strongly encourage you to seek out a Bible-believing church or mature believers who can walk alongside you. Fasting is best done with accountability and support. May the Lord bless you richly as you seek Him with a pure heart.
