Prayer and Fasting: Igniting the Fire of the Holy Ghost

Main Text: Matthew 17:21

Matthew 17:21 KJV 1900

21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

Introduction: The Call to Fire

The church is in desperate need of a fresh move of the Holy Ghost. We were never meant to live in lukewarm, powerless Christianity—we are called to be fire-baptized believers who shake the world with the power of God. But if the fire has dwindled, if the passion has faded, then it’s time to stir up the flames through prayer and fasting.

Prayer and fasting are the weapons God has given us to break through strongholds, revive our spirits, and release the supernatural. Prayer and fasting are the fuel that reignites the fire of the Holy Ghost. When the people of God begin to pray with fervency and fast with purpose, everything that has been holding us back will be broken off, and revival will come.

I. The Purpose of Prayer and Fasting: Stirring the Fire of God

1. Prayer and Fasting Bring Spiritual Awakening

Every revival, every great move of God, began with a remnant that was desperate for Him.

• In Acts 1:14, before Pentecost, the disciples continued in prayer and supplication—and the fire fell.

• Joel 2:12-13 declares, “Turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning.”

• The great Azusa Street Revival began with a handful of people praying for hours upon hours, crying out for the Holy Ghost.

If we want the fire back, we must pray and fast until we are consumed by His presence.

2. Prayer and Fasting Break Spiritual Resistance

Jesus said in Matthew 17:21, “This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”

• There are strongholds that will not move unless we pray and fast.

• There are spirits of apathy, depression, addiction, and complacency that only break when we turn down the plate and seek God with everything in us.

Fasting weakens the flesh and strengthens the Spirit.

Fasting makes us spiritually sensitive to the move of God.

Fasting is the secret to breaking demonic chains.

II. The Power of Fervent, Fire-Baptized Prayer

James 5:16 – “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

Not all prayer is the same. The Bible speaks of fervent prayer—prayer that is passionate, persistent, and powerful.

• Elijah prayed until the heavens gave rain (1 Kings 18:42-45).

• The early church prayed until the prison doors broke open (Acts 16:25-26).

• Jesus prayed in Gethsemane until His sweat became as great drops of blood (Luke 22:44).

Fervent prayer stirs up the Holy Ghost fire.

Fervent prayer shakes the foundations of the enemy’s kingdom.

Fervent prayer opens up the heavens and releases the supernatural.

We need fire-filled, gut-wrenching, Spirit-led, travailing prayer.

We need the kind of prayer that stirs the atmosphere, shifts the church, and awakens the soul.

We need prayer that brings revival.

III. The Enemies of Fire: What Holds Us Back?

If we are not burning with the fire of God, something is quenching the Spirit.

The Holy Ghost is always ready to move—but are we allowing Him to?

1. The Spirit of Lukewarmness

• Revelation 3:16 – “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”

• Many churches today have lost their fire because they have lost their hunger for God.

• The devil does not mind if we go to church—as long as we have no fire, no passion, no power.

Fasting and prayer kill lukewarmness.

Fasting and prayer make us burn with hunger for more of God.

2. The Spirit of Distraction

• Luke 10:41-42 – Jesus told Martha, “Thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful.”

• The devil will keep us busy, entertained, and distracted so we never enter into deep prayer.

• The enemy is not afraid of a distracted church—but he trembles at a praying church.

Fasting and prayer silence distractions and refocus us on Jesus.

3. The Spirit of Fear and Doubt

• 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

• Many are afraid to fully surrender to the Holy Ghost.

• Many hold back because of fear of man, fear of the supernatural, or fear of stepping out in faith.

Fasting and prayer remove fear and fill us with boldness.

IV. The Breakthrough: When We Pray and Fast, Fire Falls

1. The Upper Room Fire (Acts 2:1-4)

• 120 believers gathered in prayer and fasting until the fire fell.

• They were not satisfied with the old, cold religious systems—they wanted a fresh outpouring.

• And when the fire fell, they went out and turned the world upside down.

When we seek Him like they did, we will receive what they received.

2. The Deliverance of Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20:3-4)

• When Judah was surrounded by enemies, Jehoshaphat called for fasting and prayer.

• They worshiped and praised until God sent confusion in the enemy’s camp.

• The battle was won through their spiritual warfare, not by swords.

If we want victory, we must pray and fast.

V. The Call to Action: Revival Starts Now

Are you tired of cold, powerless services?

Are you hungry for a move of the Holy Ghost?

Do you want to see people set free, chains broken, and miracles released?

Then it’s time to pray and fast.

Make the Commitment Today:

• Choose a personal fasting schedule (1-day, 3-day, 7-day, etc.).

• Increase your time in prayer—early morning, before services, and during altar calls.

• Encourage the church to meet in corporate prayer meetings.

• Teach your family to fast and pray together.

• Step out in boldness—expect the fire to fall.

Conclusion: The Fire is Coming

God is ready to ignite the flames of revival in our church.

God is calling us deeper, higher, and further than ever before.

But we must be hungry enough to seek Him in prayer and fasting.

Will you answer the call? Will you press in until the fire falls?

If we seek Him, He will come in power. If we fast, pray, and believe, He will move like never before.

It’s time for breakthrough. It’s time for revival. It’s time for Holy Ghost fire.

“Prayer and fasting are the two wings that carry the believer into the heavenlies, where the fire of God descends.” – Leonard Ravenhill