ACTS 13:2 “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.”
KEYWORD: When believers fast and worship with understanding and a yielded heart, they position themselves to hear from God clearly.

The Greek word for ministered to the Lord is leitourgeo, which means to render priestly service unto God. It speaks of worship, devotion, and service carried out with a heart that is yielded and ready to obey. This shows us that when we fast, we must not only worship God, but also position ourselves to respond when He speaks. Many people remain in the place of worship during fasting, emphasizing songs, psalms, and spiritual expressions, but place little, or no emphasis on obedience to the instructions God gives during that season. True worship is not just speaking to God, it is also responding to Him. Worship is incomplete without obedience.
Notice the opening scripture: as they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Ghost spoke. This shows that in fasting, worship is essential because it aligns your spirit with God and makes you more sensitive to His voice. However, it does not end at hearing; there must be a readiness to act on what He says.
This is what we see in the church at Antioch. As they fasted and ministered to the Lord, the Holy Spirit gave clear instruction concerning Barnabas and Saul, and they responded accordingly. This reflects a level of spiritual maturity: being led directly by the Spirit, rather than depending on external methods as seen earlier in Acts 1:26.
When believers fast and worship with understanding and a yielded heart, they position themselves to hear from God clearly. Yet many fast while only presenting their needs, without cultivating the discipline to listen. Sometimes God speaks, but they are unwilling to obey because His instructions do not align with their desires. This ought not to be so.
During fasting, worship must also include moments of stillness and inward communion; your heart making melody unto the Lord. It is not only about outward expression; it is about inward connection. In that posture, the Spirit of God brings direction, correction, and clarity. When worship and obedience come together in the place of fasting, divine instruction is released, and alignment with God’s purpose is established. Hallelujah!

PRAYER:
Dear heavenly Father, I cultivate and master the attitude of ministering to You as I separate myself in fasting. Lord, I receive holy words from You, and I receive grace to carry out everything You instruct me to do, in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
ACTS 13:2-4 “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.”