Charles Stanley Daily Devotional 8 January 2026 (In Touch) Thursday Message
Charles Stanley Daily Devotional TOPIC: What Fasting Adds to Prayer
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Matthew 6:16-21
Jesus’ words about fasting are an invitation to a deeper experience with God. Fasting benefits us in many ways:
- Cleansing from sin. When we let our spiritual guard down, we start thinking incorrectly. Through such lapses, ungodly attitudes and habits can quietly take up residence in us, and we hardly notice. They impede our fellowship with God, limit the effectiveness of our service, and erode our joy. Fasting helps us give God our undivided attention as He addresses whatever is hindering our spiritual growth. (See Romans 12:2.)
- Guidance. God wants His children to understand and follow His directions. A combination of prayer and fasting helps us develop both the mind needed to hear what He’s saying and the spirit ready to accept His instructions.
- Protection. Through fasting, we gain insight into God’s ways and receive help in identifying unhealthy or dangerous situations. As we submit to His authority and confess our need for protection, the Holy Spirit will give us discernment to make wiser decisions and avoid unnecessary risks.
Fasting coupled with prayer will bring greater spiritual awareness and more intimate communion with the Lord. It can certainly be challenging, but the benefits are worth it.
Bible in One Year: Genesis 26-28
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Fasting combined with prayer can be helpful when seeking God’s guidance and protection.
r. Charles F. Stanley was the founder of In Touch Ministries and a New York Times best-selling author. Throughout his ministry, he demonstrated a keen awareness of people’s needs and provided Christ-centered biblically based principles for everyday life.