Therefore, Jesus added, Howbeit this lineage of demons does not go out but by prayer and fasting. The faith that can overcome stubborn resistance such as you have seen in this evil spirit, Jesus tells them, is not possible except for men living in very close fellowship with God and in very special separation from the world – in prayer and fasting. And so He teaches us two lessons of deep importance about prayer. The one is that faith needs a life of prayer in which to grow and keep strong. The other is that prayer needs fasting for its full and perfect development.
