“But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

—Matthew 6:17–18 (ESV)

Begin by reading Matthew 6:7–18. Here, Jesus teaches us how to pray and fast with intentionality and humility.

Prayer is not about reciting words without thought. It is a conversation with the Creator of the universe. It is communing with the One who parted the Red Sea, healed the sick, died for us on the cross, rose again, and now sits at the right hand of God. Prayer is not a performative religious ritual. Rather, prayer involves sincere expressions of our heart to God, who hears our pleas with perfect attention and deep compassion.

Fasting, like prayer, reveals the posture of the heart. Jesus assumes that his followers will fast, and he is concerned with how and why they do it. He warns against disfiguring one’s appearance to gain the notice or admiration of others. When fasting becomes a means of self-recognition, the reward is immediate and empty. True fasting, however, is directed toward God alone. It is practiced quietly, and in many ways, secretly. Godly praying and fasting are always conducted with an inward humility that seeks God’s presence rather than public affirmation.

Zechariah 7:5–6 contains this poignant question:

“When you fasted and mourned… was it for me that you fasted? And when you eat and when you drink, do you not eat for yourselves and drink for yourselves?”

—Zechariah 7:5–6 (ESV)

God’s question pierces the heart: Was it really for me? Prayer and fasting can look holy on the outside while remaining self-centered at its core. This passage reminds us that even religious acts can be motivated by self-interest rather than devotion. God is not moved by the act alone; he searches the intent behind it. Prayers and fasting that honor God are marked by sincerity, obedience, and a desire for closeness with him. They are devoid of any desire to be recognized by others for our spiritual piety.

Take time today to examine your motives. Are your prayers shaped by genuine trust and submission? Or are they formed more by habit and obligation? Is your fasting aimed at drawing nearer to God? Or is it proving something to yourself or others? Invite the Father who sees in secret to search your heart. Let your hunger lead you not to self-acknowledgment, but to quiet dependence, deeper intimacy, and joyful alignment with his will.

Prayer:

“Lord, help me to pray and fast with a sincere heart, seeking your presence and not the approval of others. Examine my motives and purify my desires. Make me holy in all my conduct, and mold me into the person you created me to be.”

Daily Prayer Points:

Self-Reflection

• Ask God to grant you a heart that overflows with deep and lasting gratitude, continually recognizing that every good and perfect gift we have in this world is from him by grace (James 1:17).

Bethel Leadership

• Pray that God would grant Pastor Steve and our campus pastors—Ben Hixson, Jared Bryant, and Tim Chen—great effectiveness in teaching and preaching.

• Pray for the marriages of Bethel staff members. Pray that they would be protected from Satan and faithful in their covenant bond to one another.

Bethel Ministries

• Pray for Bethel Small Groups. Pray that group members would help one another grow in their faith and find deep unity in the Lord. Pray for Pastor Chris Whetstone as he shepherds the groups.

• Pray that our Benevolence Ministry will bear gospel fruit while meeting the practical needs of those in our church and community. Pray for Stephanie Ward as she leads this ministry.

The NWI Region

• Pray for the destitute and homeless of Northwest Indiana. Pray that the people of Bethel Church would serve and help them, so that all people in need might see the love of Christ.

Ministry Partners 

• Pray for Bill and Christina Widup as they lead Up & Up Ministries in Vanuatu. Pray for Gene and Shelly Anderson serving in Taiwan. Pray for the Bible to be translated into the heart languages of the Pacific Islands. 

• Pray for our ministry partners serving cross-culturally within the United States. Pray for Lane Lareau as he disciples immigrants in the Atlanta area. Pray for Jim and Carol Garcines working to reach the Filipino population in California’s Bay Area. 

• Pray for Global Action as they train Christian leaders around the world. Pray for 90% of Christian leaders who have yet to receive formal training, that they would be equipped to respond to the needs of the growing global Church. 

Praises

• Praise God for the many blessings he has given you and consider how you can express your gratitude for those gifts.

For Families:

Talk about what each of you chose to fast from this week. Help your kids understand that fasting is about seeking God with a sincere heart, not showing others what we’re doing. Ask how this choice has helped you think more about God and draw closer to him. Invite each family member to share honestly and humbly. Then take time to pray for one another, asking God to shape your hearts as you seek him together.