Sometime ago, I decided to fast and pray. I spent so long a time in the place of prayer. In the middle of my prayers, the Holy Spirit instructed me to apologize to a pastor. I picked up my phone and did exactly as instructed.

If I had disobeyed, my fasting and prayer that day would have amounted to a terrible hunger strike. That is what happens when we fast&pray with bitterness&grudges in our hearts. It is not easy to fast, why waste it?

We are in that season when churches and para church ministries will be getting set to declare a season of waiting on the Lord in the place of fasting and prayer. This should be done with utmost reverence for the Lord.

The opening text makes it clear that living in bitterness, fighting and grudges whilst fasting and praying will not get you anywhere. Before setting days, weeks and months apart, it is wise to check your heart and forgive those that have offended you so that your season of waiting will not be in vain.

A heart devoid of offense is a priceless asset to God. It is easy for God to commune with such and for the power of heaven to flow through.

If you have been fasting without result, check your heart. If strife, bitterness, anger and resentment lurk within, get rid of them.

Mark 11:25 says, "But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too" ( NLT).