This is the audio from the August 19, 2026 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

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“This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months will become joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah. Therefore love truth and peace.’”
Zechariah 8:19 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer time on deliberately being hungry through the practice of prayer and fasting.  While there are many who believe fasting is simply an Old Testament practice, we find Jesus giving new instruction about prayer and fasting as He teaches in what we call the Sermon On the Mount.  God’s desire is that our practice of prayer and fasting creates a hunger which brings us closer to Him in ways that He is made more visible through us.  Pray that you would practice humility in all spiritual disciplines as you desire relationship with God over the showmanship of the world.  Pray that fasting, or any spiritual discipline, would be a joy rather than a burden as you deepen your desire for the things of God.  Pray that your growing relationship with Jesus would lead to a greater love of truth and peace.

“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.”
Nehemiah 1:4 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you consider the role fasting should have in your relationship with Him.  Pray that you would be serious about going to God in times of sorrow and heartache.  Pray for the patience to wait before God when life is filled with loss.  Pray that your times of mourning and fasting would prepare you to hear God.

You can find the live video feeds of previous encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page or subscribe to the audio from the Tom’s Treasure podcast channel.

In prayer,
Tom