Daily Devotions

Today’s Scripture: “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’” Matthew 6:9-10, ESV 

Theme: When we fast, our prayers need to begin with a focus on worship and recognition of God for who He is, not on what we want.

Today's Scripture: “Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’” Matthew 16:24, ESV  

Theme: Denying yourself is physically and mentally difficult but leads to a closer walk with God, abiding in Him, and experiencing spiritual blessings.  

Today’s Scripture: “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.” Matthew 4:1-2, ESV 

Theme: The Spirit of God may lead you (as He led Jesus) to fast for a season of preparation or during hardship so that you may clearly understand His will for your life. 

Today’s Scripture: “But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:17-18, ESV 

Theme: God sees your heart. When you fast in order to focus on and honor Him, He rewards your sacrifice and obedience. 

Today's Scripture: “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.” Matthew 6:16, ESV  

Theme: Fasting, for the sake of showing others your super-spirituality, is sinful and distasteful to God.