Main Text: Ezra 8:23
“So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer.”
INTRODUCTION
One of the most critical spiritual lifelines of any child of God is a vibrant life of prayer and fasting. This is more than a spiritual activity; it is a lifelong discipline of communion and dependence on God.
Prayer is how we speak to God; fasting is how we yield ourselves more fully to Him. Through these, we grow in intimacy, alignment, and transformation.
Our Lord Jesus Christ didn’t just command prayer—He modeled it (Luke 5:16; Mark 1:35). He retreated often to pray, not out of routine, but out of desire for fellowship with the Father and clarity of purpose. As disciples of Christ, we are called to live as He lived. A disciple without prayer is a contradiction, for Christ taught that “men ought always to pray and not to faint” (Luke 18:1).
Sadly, many today have reduced prayer to noise, performance, or self-seeking declarations. The sacredness of prayer and fasting has been weakened by a generation that seeks power without consecration. We must recover the heritage of Bible-based, Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered prayer—a prayer that touches heaven and transforms earth.
This study, based on the experience of Ezra and God’s people, aims to rekindle our passion and understanding of the necessity and sufficiency of prayer. We will explore why prayer is indispensable for every believer and how God responds when we seek Him wholeheartedly.
I. EZRA’S EXAMPLE: A BLUEPRINT FOR DEPENDENCE ON GOD
(Ezra 8:21–23)
Ezra was appointed by God to help restore true worship in Jerusalem after a long period of exile and spiritual decline. On the journey back to Jerusalem, he faced many uncertainties—threats of ambush, fear of failure, and the weight of leading a people returning to God. Although Ezra could have requested an armed escort from the king, he chose instead to trust wholly in God’s protection.
So, he proclaimed a fast and led the people to seek God’s face in humility and dependence. Their prayer was not casual. It was desperate. It was believing. And it was answered.
“So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer.” (Ezra 8:23)
Ezra’s story reminds us that as children of God, we must not take God’s promises for granted, but rather appropriate them through sincere prayer. “Call unto Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things which you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3)
Fasting refines our focus and reminds us that our strength is in God, not in ourselves. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Prayer Uproar:
- Thank You Jesus, for You are ever dependable God
- Dear Father, I receive Grace to trust You above every other power
- O Lord, in all the journey of life I embark upon this season, guide me and order my feet in Jesus’name
- O God thGt answer prayer, help me not to seek help where you are not present. Let my come from You alone in Jesus’name
- My Father, my Father Let Your mighty hand rest upon me for solution and victoJesusin all my pursuit of life in Jesus’name
II. WHY PRAYER IS NECESSARY FOR EVERY CHILD OF GOD
1. It Is a Divine Instruction
Matthew 6:5–7, 16–18; 1 Thess. 5:17; Rom. 12:12
Prayer is not just a suggestion; it is a command from the Lord. Jesus didn’t say “if” you pray—but “when” you pray. Every believer is expected to engage in continual communication with God.
It is an expression of obedience, love, and spiritual alertness.
“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 4:2)
2. It Nurtures Our Fellowship with God
Mark 1:35; Revelation 3:20; Psalm 27:4,8
We were created for fellowship with God, not for religious routines.
Through prayer, we commune with our Heavenly Father, share our burdens, listen to His heart, and are transformed by His presence.
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)
3. It Unlocks Divine Insight and Wisdom– Jer. 33:3; 1 Cor 2:9–12; Prov 20:27; Dan 2:17–23
God desires to reveal His mysteries to those who seek Him. Prayer opens our hearts to understand His will, His ways, and His promises. We gain clarity, discernment, and divine strategies when we dwell in His presence. “The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.” (Psalm 25:14)
4. It Releases Strength and Power for Life’s Journey– Isaiah 40:28–31; Phil. 4:13; 2 Cor. 12:9–10
Life comes with burdens, but through prayer, we exchange our weakness for God’s strength. “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength…” Prayer empowers us to overcome and endure. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
5. It Is a Mighty Weapon Against Spiritual Adversaries– Eph 6:10–18; Mark 9:29; 2 Cor. 10:4–5; James 4:7
We are in a constant spiritual battle day in and out as believers. Temptations, trials, and demonic resistance confront every child of God.
But prayer is our line of defense and offense. “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7). “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16b)
- It Advances God’s Kingdom on Earth– Matt. 6:10; 2 Pet.1:2–4; Acts 4:31; Luke 11:2
God’s will must be enforced through the intercession of His people. Souls are saved, lives are changed, and destinies are aligned when believers pray. “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10). “Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance.” (Psalm 2:8).
III. THE SUFFICIENCY OF PRAYER – GOD STILL ANSWERS
“He answered our prayer.” – Ezra 8:23
This short but profound testimony reveals the confidence and assurance we have in God. Prayer is sufficient—not because of the words we speak, but because of the God who hears and responds.
Throughout Scripture, we see the sufficiency of prayer:
- Elijah prayed, and fire fell from heaven (1 Kings 18:36–38).Hannah prayed, and her womb was opened (1 Samuel 1:10–20).
- Hezekiah prayed, and his life was extended (2 Kings 20:1–6).
- Jesus prayed, and the heavens opened (Luke 3:21–22).
- The early Church prayed, and prison doors opened (Acts 12:5–11).
God is still the same today (Hebrews 13:8). He still answers sincere, faith-filled, and kingdom-purposed prayers.
CONCLUSION: RETURNING TO THE ALTAR
Prayer and fasting are not just spiritual discipline and religious practices. They are lifelines. They are expressions of your trust in God and desire to see His will done in your life.
The Lord is calling His people to return to the secret place (Psalm 91:1), to rebuild personal and communal altars of prayer.
Like Ezra, choose the way of dependence. Proclaim your fast. Seek the Lord. And watch Him move mightily on your behalf.
Let this be a season of personal revival. Let your altar of prayer be rekindled. And may you find sufficiency, not in man’s strength, but in God’s unchanging faithfulness.
“So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer.” – Ezra 8:23
“Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.” – Jeremiah 29:12
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7
May your prayers rise like incense before Him, and may answers come in due time. Amen.