Ezra had received miraculous favor from Artaxerxes, the king of Persia, to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. Concerned about the safety of the exiles returning to Jerusalem with him, Ezra was fearful to ask the king for a military escort. Upon his reticence, Ezra decided to call a fast with prayer to petition God. God gave him his request.

Fasting and prayer are rarely employed to petition God, and yet, this is one of the most tried and true methods of getting God’s attention. It’s as if a prayer cloaked in fasting carries more weight with God. When we deny ourselves, God must say, “Wow, this matter is so important to them that they are willing to crucify their flesh by denying its power over them.”

This is a pattern for true spiritual power.

PRAYER: Lord, its so hard to deny our flesh, and yet we understand its effectiveness. Give us the grace necessary to mute our lust and appetites.

READ: Ezra 7-9