Prayer & Fasting For Your Business - Is It For You?
Updated: May 11
Calling all Christian Entrepreneurs!!! Yes, I mean YOU!! I want to introduce you to a POWERFUL and TRANSFORMATIONAL piece of your faith that you can incorporate into your business - and I bet this is something you may never have thought to do. If you're ready to gain clarity, confirmation, and direction from the Lord, consider Prayer & Fasting!
As a Christian female entrepreneur, you know that faith plays a vital role in every aspect of your life, including your business. You pray for guidance, seek wisdom from the Bible, and trust God's plans for your future. But have you considered incorporating prayer and fasting into your business strategy?
Prayer and fasting are spiritual disciplines that can have a significant impact on your business. Both are mentioned throughout the Bible as essential practices for seeking God's guidance, wisdom, and direction. In fact, many prominent figures in the Bible fasted and prayed before embarking on significant endeavors - And all of them were used in powerful ways-with purpose and preparation from the King of Kings. In each instance, there was compassion and preparation for a cause, a heart of repentance, or a deep need or mourning within them. And since the Bible applies to ALL of life, I think it's safe to say you can apply this to your business too!
Here Are Some Examples:
Moses fasted for 40 days and nights when he was on Mt. Sinai receiving the 10 commandments.
King David fasted when he was mourning the death of his son.
Queen Esther and her people fasted for 3 days before she went to speak with King Xerxes on behalf of her people.
Elijah fasted for 40 days and nights while he was on his way to Mt. Horeb, where he encountered God.
When Nehemiah heard about the condition of Jerusalem's walls, he fasted and prayed for several days asking God for wisdom and guidance to prepare the kings heart for his task to rebuild the walls and restore the city.
Daniel fasted for 21 days as he prayed for understanding and guidance from God.
Anna, a prophetess, fasted and prayed in the temple day and night, waiting for the coming of the Messiah.
Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights in the wilderness before beginning his public ministry.
While some of these men and women's fasting was long, others were short - but all of them were fueled by a power outside of themselves -and God was able to meet their needs.
What Exactly Is Prayer and Fasting, and How Can It Benefit Your Business?
Prayer is the act of communicating with God, either through spoken or silent words. It's an opportunity to express your gratitude, make requests, seek guidance, repent from sins, and praise God for His blessings. If you're looking to simply start with prayer, I created 7 Days of Prayer for the Christian Entrepreneur that you can download here!
Fasting, on the other hand, is connecting with God on an even deeper level. It's the practice of abstaining from food or other pleasures for a specific period of time in an effort to consume more time with Him. This self-denial allows you to focus on spiritual matters and seek a deeper connection with The Lord. In place of food or a personal desire, you choose to skip those things and instead read God's Word, Worship Him, and Pray specifically for focused needs. Remember, the general premise of fasting is Less of ME = More of HIM.
Common Objections That Tend To Get In The Way:
Now if you're anything like me, your initial take on fasting is that it's seems too hard and may sound kind of boring. I mean, I had nothing against blanketing my business in prayer, but did I really need to go as far as to give up food or other pleasures to connect with God? And was prayer and fasting really intended to use within my business? I made every excuse imaginable about why I couldn't commit to this endeavor.
Here Are Some Common Objections To Prayer and Fasting. Do You Find Yourself Resonating With Any of These Too?
"I can't fast because I have a medical condition that requires me to eat regularly."
I felt the Lord tugging on my heart again this year to pray and fast - but I was going through one of the hardest times of my life physically. My body was overwhelmed with stress, my immune system shut down, I was constantly exhausted and all I could to do was lay around. I knew that if I deprived myself of food to complete a fast, I would weaken my body even more and continue in sickness. Because of this, I waited until I was in a better place - but I didn't take fasting completely off the table. I just set it aside to tend to my health the way I knew I should. While there are some medical conditions that make fasting difficult or impossible, many people use this excuse as a way to avoid the discomfort or inconvenience of fasting altogether. If you have a medical condition, talk to your doctor to determine if fasting is safe - but ultimately know that fasting doesn't always have to include food. If you have a medical condition, simply fast from other things such as television, social media, sweets, time with friends, or other personal pleasures.
2. "I can't fast because I have a busy schedule and can't afford to be hungry or low-energy."
It's true that fasting can be challenging, especially if you have a busy schedule. However, many people find that fasting actually increases their energy and focus, allowing them to be more productive during the day. Plus, there are different types of fasts you can try, such as intermittent fasting or partial fasting, that may be easier to incorporate into your
schedule. And the truth is, if you have time to eat, time to scroll, or time to (fill in the blank), you have time to substitute prayer and fasting for those activities temporarily too.
3. "I don't want to fast because I love food too much."
Let's be real, food is delicious-You don't have to tell me twice! But fasting doesn't have to mean depriving yourself of food forever. It's a temporary practice to help you focus on your spiritual connection with God. Scripture says, "Man can't live on bread alone but on every Word that comes out of the mouth of God." And who knows, you may find that the break from constant snacking actually helps you appreciate your meals even more and deepen your relationship with the Lord.
4. "I don't think fasting will actually make a difference in my life."
It's understandable to be skeptical of spiritual practices, I was too!! So much so that I put this off for almost 20 years - with deep regret. Fasting eventually became a pivotal turning point in my faith. Here's what I learned when I finally took the leap: God truly does want you to get to know Him - and His desire is to show you rich and glorious things. Years after prayer and fasting, He continues to show me that He is ALWAYS at work- even in seasons of PREPARATION- or when you feel like He may be making you wait too long. If you've found that you've fasted before with "no results", try looking at it through this perspective: Fasting isn't like rubbing the bottle of a genie for your free wish. It's a connection and relationship that lasts long after you pick back up your food. Fasting opens the gates of Heaven and sets a command in motion that ultimately brings forth God's Glory for your good. Many Christians have found that fasting has brought them clarity, focus, and a deeper sense of connection with God, as it also continues to enrich their sanctification. Give it a try and see how God works in you!
How Can Prayer and Fasting Help Your Business?
Here Are Some Potential Benefits:
Clarity and Direction: Fasting and prayer can help you gain clarity and direction for your business. By taking a step back from your daily demands and seeking God's guidance, you may receive insights and ideas that you wouldn't have thought of otherwise.
Renewed Focus: Fasting and prayer can help you renew your focus on your business, goals, and priorities. As you seek God's wisdom, you may become more aware of areas where you need to shift your focus or adjust your strategy.
Strength and Endurance: Starting and running a business can be challenging and stressful, and fasting and prayer can give you the strength and endurance you need to persevere through difficult times. As an entrepreneur, you may face things such as financial difficulties, operational issues, or marketing challenges. Fasting and prayer can help you overcome as the Lord reveals creative solutions or brings people into your life to help move your business forward.
Cultivate Humility and Gratitude: Fasting and prayer can help cultivate humility and gratitude in your life, which are essential qualities for any Christian Entrepreneur. By acknowledging your dependance on God and expressing gratitude for His blessings, you can stay grounded and focused on what truly matters most.
Increased Faith: As you rely on God's guidance and provision, your faith in Him grows stronger. This increased faith can help you overcome obstacles and challenges that come your way.
I want you to look at this experience as not just a personal time of connecting with the Lord but also as an investment, as you make God the CEO of your vision and business. Take yourself out of a place of ownership and relinquish control to Him. This doesn't leave you without responsibility or in a position to neglect the effort and hard work He's calling you to do. It's merely a heart posture and an act of aligning your work and will with His. With that in mind, you can pray and fast for immediate and long terms business plans and "Clock In" with Your Creator every single day. It's a beautiful depiction of how running a business built upon Biblical Principal should be.
Lessons From The Book of Nehemiah:
When taking a deeper dive into the book of Nehemiah I noticed this key thing: "When God wants to accomplish a work, He always prepares His workers and puts them in the exact right place at the exact right time".
Here Are Some Powerful Questions For You To Reflect On Today:
Where has God placed YOU?
What work does He have you doing?
Can you see the bigger purpose in it? The immediate and long term goals?
Have you asked Him about your future?
Do you have the compassion and determination of Nehemiah for your calling?
How have you prepared for it?
Is your heart open to God's potential leading?
Where else could you be used?
Whether this is in your home as wife and mama, out on the mission field preaching the gospel so sinners might be saved, homeschooling your babes, or working your business serving the Kingdom through your products and offers each and every day, YOU HAVE A HEART TO SERVE. God sees that and wants to strengthen and connect with you in deeper ways. He also wants to provide clarity and confirmation so you have a resolve to keep pressing forth despite adversity. God wants to take you to a place that you know none of it was possible without HIM. It's a place of deep release and overwhelming peace. His strength is made GREATER in your weakness, so you must first acknowledge His goodness, and express your need for Him.
Here's Another Thing I Noticed About Nehemiah: HE STARTS HIS PRAYER WITH PRAISE. Here's How He Lays This Out In Nehemiah 1:
Nehemiah reminds God (and himself) of His unfailing love and covenant with His people.
He then pleads with God to hear his prayer
He confesses the sins of his people - including himself in this repentance.
He reminds God of His promises and calls God to fulfill them.
He ends his prayer asking for success in his venture- to make the king favorable to him and the needs he has ahead. "Put it in his heart to be kind to me"
- all of which are similar needs and ways we can prayer as Christians, too.
You can Pray & Fast:
- IN THE PREPARATION
- IN THE HERE AND NOW
- FOR THE FUTURE
- SEEKING BIGGER VISION & PROVISION
As a Christian Entrepreneur you may have faced various challenges while building and growing your business. Whether you have tried different strategies and business tactics to address these pain points, the best solution is understanding that the work you do is SPIRITUAL and HAS ETERNAL IMPACT. This means it must be met on a SPIRITUAL level too. Prayer and fasting are powerful tools that can connect you with God and provide you with His guidance & wisdom that surpasses your own knowledge and understanding. It can also help you tune into God's voice and step into a sure purpose. Just like Nehemiah asked God to prepare the way, you can do the exact same thing.
Common Business Issues Prayer & Fasting Can Help Address:
Financial Struggles:
If you're facing financial difficulties or simply need wisdom and direction on how to properly multiply, steward, and give generously from God's provision, this is a great place to start! You can pray for wisdom on how to manage your finances, increase your revenue, or find new opportunities for growth!
Leadership Challenges:
As a leader you are called into a place of influence and authority. People look to and trust you, so you want to be a woman who walks in integrity and clearly expresses your vision. Whether you face challenges such as team conflicts or communication issues, OR simply want to better grow in wisdom and perfect your decision-making skills, seeking God's guidance on how to lead your team effectively is key!
Marketing & Sales:
If you're struggling to attract new clients or close sales, prayer and fasting can help you wash away any distracting factors and connect with guidance straight from Him. The Lord can guide you in how to improve your tactics and strategies. You can pray for wisdom on how to target your ideal customers, create compelling messaging, and build strong relationships with your current and potential clients. He is faithful and a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him!
And So Much More! If you want to convert these things to apply outside of your business, simply switch your perspective and bring them before Him.
How To Fast:
Choose a Duration:
You can fast for a day, several days, or even a week, depending on your preference and health conditions. You can also choose to fast from certain types of food, social media, or other distractions that seem to interfere with your focus on prayer. If you're intimidated about prayer and fasting, remember to start low and slow until you create a better practice of it.
Set an Intention:
Before you start your fast, set an intention or purpose for your prayer and fasting. You can write down your goals and refer back to them throughout your fast.
Need additional options as you work on preparation prior to your fast?
Lessen screen time a week ahead to silence distraction and hear from God
Begin to cut out processed foods and nourish your body with healthier choices so it is fueled appropriately
Create your prayer list- get specific. Do not limit God.
Don't talk about it. Tell only those who truly need to know or whom you want to invite to pray and fast with you.
Examine your heart. Ask God to help you see your brokenness and repent from any sin.
Create a Quiet Space:
Find or create a peaceful space where you can pray, read the Bible, and Worship Him. Set this space aside so you are free from possible distractions. If you've got kiddos, this may be a little harder but work with what you've got. Prepare fun activities or quiet tasks your kids can do while you're spending time with God. Prep meals for your kids ahead of time too so you're not tempted when making food to sneak a treat.
Stay Hydrated:
During your fast, it's important to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. You can also drink herbal tea or non-caloric beverages to keep your body nourished.
Types of Fasting:
Regular fast: A regular fast is when you abstain from all food and drink except for water (Matthew 4:2).
Partial fast: This is a type of fasting that involves abstaining from a particular type of food. Daniel’s diet while he was in Babylon is an example (Daniel 10:3). One popular type of partial fast is a liquid fast, removing certain types of drinks from your diet. This might include alcohol, caffeine, or soda. Another form of partial fast is abstaining from one particular meal each day.
Absolute fast: An absolute fast is when you abstain from food and drink of any kind. You should only do this for a short period of time. Going longer than three days without eating or drinking can be dangerous.
Supernatural fast: There have been instances when God enabled someone to fast in ways that they could not do on their own. Moses abstaining from food and water for 40 days (Deuteronomy 9:9) is an example of this type of fasting in the Bible.
WHAT'S NEXT?
We understand how overwhelming this can feel to step into prayer and fasting for your business when addressing so many key things- which is why we've created a Biblical Business Bundle that includes a four day, step by step roadmap outlining your prayer and fasting journey. You're busy and you need SIMPLE STRATEGY & STEP BY STEP GUIDANCE to prepare your heart for connecting with your Savior! And we don't just leave you with a one time moment of prayer and fasting- we provide you with tools and resources to strengthen and implement God's Vision as you continue on in daily things.
A Prayer & Fasting Guide for your life & business needs. This helps you tap into God's wisdom and guidance and build a deeper connection between you and Him. You'll walk through simple steps of personal development and self reflection as you answer questions, map out your specific fast, set your intentions and dive into four very specific days of connection with your Savior. You need easy, this maps it out for you and takes you from start to finish.
A Christian Entrepreneur's Daily Routine & Planner in your Clock In With Your Creator Guide. This will teach you how to make God the CEO of your business as you clock in daily with Him. As a Christian Female Entrepreneur, you're not just held accountable to yourself- you serve a bigger purpose and a great big God, so this helps you stay on task for prioritizing your faith and values in your business! You'll create daily habits and a unique roadmap to prioritize success while achieving spiritual growth and a healthy work-life balance!
Biblical Affirmation Guide for Every Day of the Month! This takes 30 different scriptures (one for each day of the month!) and allows you to speak TRUTH over your life and business- filling you with God-fidence and reminding you of your worth and purpose in Christ! So many coaches talk about manifestation and worldly "I am" affirmations- this is different! We take power and truth and speak them over you, keeping God in His proper place. No more "Me Culture" where it's all about YOU making things happen. While you do have a responsibility to show up and do your work, we're shifting to "He Culture" where what God says stands over all- trusting Him to bring the fruit and blessings and to believe what He says about you above all else.
My Favorite Worship Playlist: Because God deserves to get the glory in all you do! Worship and Praise play a huge role in lifting your burdens and connecting you to the heart of God. It puts Him in His proper place in your life and gives you hope and encouragement in Him!
With this bundle, you'll have the tools and resources you need to grow your business while staying true to your faith, values, and the Kingdom-Call God has on your life as you serve His people each day!! You'll learn how to overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome, find balance and rest in God, and attract clients who share your faith and values!
Is prayer and fasting for your business? Ultimately, that's a decision you need to make for yourself. However, if you're looking for ways to deepen your spiritual connection with God AND seek His guidance for your business, prayer and fasting may be worth considering.
Cheering you on in Him,
