KEY SCRIPTURE: Matthew 17:21 (KJV). “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”

WHEN the disciples wanted to know why they could not cast out the demon, the Lord showed them why. He first reprimanded them for their lack of faith, but afterwards He, added that “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”  Matthew 17:21 (KJV). How does fasting and prayer help us to get some kinds of devils out? Fasting and prayer generates spiritual power. In Luke 4:14, our Lord Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit after fasting. Please note, having power is not what makes people fail to bless others. The real problem is how to release the power in you.

Fasting also humbles our souls. (Psalms 35:13). In some cases, our spirits are able to act on the word when the soul is humbled. Many of us act from the soul unknowingly. There is a difference between the soul and the spirit according to Hebrews 4:12 and 1Thess 5:23.

Our souls are the self-conscious part of our being. It comprises, our mind or intellect, our emotions and finally our will or volition. One can easily act or speak from his emotions, or feelings. He may say be healed, but that may be a mental issue and nothing will result. Spiritual power can only be communicated by the Spirit. The word is spirit and it is only the spirit that can truly release the power of the word. When we fast effectively, our souls are humbled giving access to our spirit to be in charge.

Just as God is a spirit, man is also a spirit having a soul. It is the soul that gives the spirit itself consciousness. The soul should never lead. The spirit must be in charge always. One may say be healed from his emotions, his mind or his will and nothing will happen. If he says be healed from his spirit, then there will be results. Our fellowship with the Holy Spirit, through prayer, studying and acting on God’s word gradually enables our spirit man to be in charge. Faith is the response of the spirit to the word (Rom 10:9,10)

CONFESSION

I am a spirit having a soul and I live in my body. I give no place to my body or my soul to lead me. I am led by the Spirit as I act on the word of God.

FURTHER STUDIES

 Proverbs 20:27 (KJV).  “The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.”

Job 32:8 (KJV). “But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.”