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Today’s episode will help us understand the power of prayer and fasting, how to incorporate them into our daily lives, and why they are essential for personal and community transformation.

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Leading by Example: Principle #3 of Disciple Making

The Power of Radical Prayer and Fasting | Disciple Makers Podcast

Join Jason Ishmael and Josh Howard as they dive deep into the fourth core disciple-making principle: the significance of a radical prayer and fasting culture. This episode covers the impact of prayer and fasting on spiritual movements and personal transformation, backed by biblical insights and historical examples. Learn practical tips to incorporate these practices into your life and community to see profound spiritual breakthroughs. Perfect for anyone looking to deepen their spiritual journey and impact the world for Christ.

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Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction and Banter

03:09 Disciple Making Principles Overview

03:38 Principle 4: Radical Prayer and Fasting

04:18 Practical Applications of Prayer and Fasting

04:36 Biblical Foundation for Fasting

07:41 Personal Reflections and Encouragement

10:31 Tips for Starting Fasting

13:20 Examples of Fasting in Ministry

16:23 Practical Steps to Begin Fasting

17:46 Pressing into God's Presence

18:27 Physical Actions with Spiritual Implications

19:43 The Benefits of Fasting

20:52 Practical Tools for Prayer and Fasting

26:14 Evaluating and Adjusting Your Cravings

28:33 Intentionality in Prayer and Fasting

32:20 Conclusion and Call to Action

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See Below for a longer description:

In this episode, hosts Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael dive into the power of prayer and fasting in a disciple’s life and their impact on spiritual movements. They break down the biblical foundation, historical examples, and practical ways to incorporate these practices into daily life and ministry.

The conversation kicks off with lighthearted banter before shifting to the episode’s core theme: cultivating a culture of radical prayer and fasting. Josh emphasizes that some of the most impactful church movements rely on these disciplines, citing historical revivals that began with a few dedicated people seeking God through prayer and fasting.

Referencing Matthew 6, the hosts discuss how Jesus taught about fasting—not for public recognition, but as a way to deepen one’s connection with God. Jason points out a common misunderstanding: fasting isn’t just about giving up food—it’s about creating space for God to work. He shares how his church’s 21-day prayer and fasting tradition before Easter fosters spiritual renewal.

Josh and Jason offer practical tips for getting started, urging listeners to begin with small steps—like skipping one meal a week to focus on prayer. They highlight the story of Charles Finney and Pastor Nash, who fasted and prayed before Finney’s revivals, underscoring how essential these practices were to their ministry’s success.

The hosts also touch on the scientific benefits of fasting, such as increased mental clarity and discipline. They introduce tools like Dick Eastman’s "prayer wheel" to help structure prayer time and emphasize the importance of silence in prayer—something Jason admits was a struggle for him initially.

As the episode wraps up, Josh challenges listeners to take action—whether by fasting a meal a week, dedicating focused prayer time, or involving their community in these spiritual disciplines. They encourage listeners to share their experiences and reach out for support, reinforcing the idea that prayer and fasting aren’t just personal practices but catalysts for transformation in families, churches, and beyond.