Devotional - August 13th, 2026
“Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” — Matthew 17:21
“Prayer invites heaven into the struggle, and fasting teaches the soul that God is greater than the obstacle before us.” — Alma Ohene-Opare
Commentary:
Some challenges cannot be overcome by greater effort alone. There are moments when our wisdom feels insufficient, our strength runs thin, and the road ahead seems larger than our ability to travel it. Prayer reminds us that we were never meant to face every burden in our own power. It is an act of faith and agency. We choose to turn toward God, seek His will, and place our concerns before the One who sees what we cannot.
Fasting adds sacrifice to that prayer. By willingly setting aside a physical need for a spiritual purpose, we declare that our dependence on God is greater than our dependence on comfort. Fasting does not force God to give us the answer we want. Instead, it helps bring our desires, fears, and priorities into greater alignment with Him. Like clearing noise from a crowded room, prayer and fasting can quiet distractions so we can recognize truth, receive courage, and move forward with greater spiritual clarity.
Difficult challenges often reveal what governs us. Fear may tell us to retreat. Pride may tell us to rely only on ourselves. Faith invites another path: humble dependence joined with responsible action. We pray, we fast, and then we rise prepared to do what God asks of us. Sometimes the mountain moves. Sometimes God strengthens us to climb it. In either case, prayer and fasting help us become more patient, courageous, disciplined, and Christlike.
Scripture:
“Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” — Matthew 17:21
Daily Application:
Choose one difficult challenge you are facing and dedicate a specific prayer, and if your circumstances allow, a meaningful fast to seeking God’s guidance and strength concerning it.