70. The Role of Prayer, Fasting, and Scripture in Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual warfare refers to the ongoing battle between the kingdom of God and the forces of evil. Within this conflict, the practices of prayer, fasting, and Scripture are considered powerful spiritual disciplines. These tools are believed by many to not only strengthen the believer’s relationship with God but also to resist, overcome, and even drive out demonic opposition. While some traditions uphold these practices as essential components of spiritual warfare, others argue that such emphasis may distort the gospel’s focus or misapply scripture.

I. Scriptures in Favor of the Role of Prayer, Fasting, and Scripture in Spiritual Warfare

Ephesians 6:11-18 (KJV)
“Put on the whole armour of God…praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…”
Interpretation: Paul describes spiritual warfare as a battle requiring armor, with prayer as a constant weapon.
Theological View: Prayer, combined with the “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (v.17), forms the believer’s defense and offense against demonic forces.
Matthew 17:21 (KJV)
“Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”
Interpretation: Jesus explains that some demonic spirits require both prayer and fasting to be cast out.
Theological View: Fasting intensifies prayer and spiritual authority in deliverance ministry.
2 Corinthians 10:4 (KJV)
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.”
Interpretation: The believer’s weapons are spiritual and effective in destroying demonic structures.
Theological View: Emphasizes dependence on God’s power through spiritual disciplines like prayer and Scripture.
James 5:16 (KJV)
“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
Interpretation: Righteous, heartfelt prayer is powerful and effective.
Theological View: Supports the belief that prayer can influence spiritual outcomes, including overcoming evil.
Psalm 119:11 (KJV)
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
Interpretation: Memorizing and internalizing Scripture guards against sin.
Theological View: Scripture is both a moral compass and a defense against satanic temptation.
Isaiah 58:6 (KJV)
“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness…”
Interpretation: God-ordained fasting breaks oppression and spiritual bondage.
Theological View: Fasting is seen as a spiritual tool for breaking demonic influence.
Matthew 4:1-11 (KJV)
“But he answered and said, It is written…”
Interpretation: Jesus used Scripture to resist Satan’s temptations.
Theological View: The Word of God is a direct weapon against the devil.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV)
“Pray without ceasing.”
Interpretation: Constant prayer is part of Christian life and defense.
Theological View: Continuous prayer is a core strategy in maintaining spiritual strength and alertness.

II. Scriptures That Could Be Interpreted Against Overemphasis on Prayer, Fasting, and Scripture in Spiritual Warfare

Matthew 6:7 (KJV)
“But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do…”
Interpretation: Warning against meaningless repetition in prayer.
Theological View: Suggests that prayer can become ineffective if misused ritualistically in spiritual warfare.
Colossians 2:18 (KJV)
“Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels…”
Interpretation: Cautions against spiritual practices not rooted in Christ.
Theological View: Fasting and spiritual rituals can become misleading or prideful if divorced from Christ.
Luke 18:10-14 (KJV)
“The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself…”
Interpretation: Condemnation of self-righteous prayer.
Theological View: Focus on spiritual practices may lead to hypocrisy or self-justification.
1 Timothy 4:1-3 (KJV)
“…commanding to abstain from meats…”
Interpretation: Critique of false asceticism.
Theological View: Suggests that forced fasting can be a sign of doctrinal error rather than spiritual power.
Romans 14:17 (KJV)
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace…”
Interpretation: True spirituality is not rooted in external disciplines.
Theological View: Emphasizes inward transformation over outward practices like fasting.
Ecclesiastes 5:2 (KJV)
“Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God…”
Interpretation: Caution against careless or excessive speaking in prayer.
Theological View: Supports balanced, thoughtful prayer rather than emotionally driven warfare prayers.
Galatians 3:3 (KJV)
“Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?”
Interpretation: Warns against returning to works-based spirituality.
Theological View: Could be applied to an overemphasis on disciplines like fasting as means of sanctification.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (KJV)
“…though I give my body to be burned…and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.”
Interpretation: Spiritual acts without love are worthless.
Theological View: Spiritual warfare must be rooted in love and not merely outward practices.

The Role of Prayer, Fasting, and Scripture in Spiritual Warfare — Hebrew, Greek, and English Translation Debates

I. Overview of Language Transmission in Scripture

The Bible’s original languages are primarily Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament), with some portions in Aramaic. The King James Version (KJV), translated in 1611, is based on Hebrew Masoretic texts and the Greek Textus Receptus. These linguistic transitions raise several critical issues affecting doctrines such as spiritual warfare, particularly with terms like “prayer,” “fasting,” “Scripture,” and “spiritual conflict.”

II. Key Terms and Translation Issues

A. Prayer

Hebrew Word: תְּפִלָּה (tefillah)

Root: palal (to intercede, judge)
Focus: Communal or personal appeal to God, often covenantal in tone.
Example: 2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV) — “If my people…shall humble themselves, and pray…”
- Theological View: This verse supports collective repentance and divine intervention in spiritual matters.
- Translation Note: “Pray” here translates palal, which includes intercession and judgment, underscoring prayer as both plea and alignment with divine justice.

Greek Word: προσευχή (proseuchē)

Composition: pros (toward) + euchē (vow, wish)
Meaning: Devotional, directed prayer
Example: Philippians 4:6 (KJV) — “In every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
- Theological View: Prayer is intimate and comprehensive, showing dependence on God.
- Translation Accuracy: “Prayer” as proseuchē captures devotion but may not fully convey the covenantal intercession in Hebrew thought.

B. Fasting

Hebrew Word: צוֹם (tsom)

Meaning: Abstaining from food, often as affliction of the soul before God
Example: Joel 2:12 (KJV) — “…turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting…”
- Theological View: Fasting expresses brokenness and spiritual urgency.
- Translation Issue: English lacks nuance; Hebrew “fasting” implies inner affliction (cf. עִנָּה נֶפֶשׁ — “afflict the soul”).

Greek Word: νηστεία (nēsteia)

Meaning: Abstaining from food for religious purposes
Example: Matthew 17:21 (KJV) — “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”
- Textual Note: This verse is omitted in many modern versions due to manuscript variations.
- Theological Debate: Some argue removal weakens the doctrine of fasting in spiritual warfare. KJV retains it based on Textus Receptus.

C. Scripture

Hebrew Word: כָּתוּב (katuv) / סֵפֶר (sefer)

Sefer: A scroll, book, record
Katuv: “It is written” (used in prophetic, covenantal context)
Example: Deuteronomy 17:18 (KJV) — “…he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests…”
- Theological View: Scripture is not merely a text but a covenantal guide.
- Translation Limitations: English “book” flattens the rich Hebrew idea of living, binding text.

Greek Word: γραφή (graphē)

Meaning: A writing, especially sacred or inspired text
Example: 2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV) — “All scripture is given by inspiration of God…”
- Theological View: Scripture is divinely breathed and profitable for doctrine and correction — key in spiritual warfare.
- Greek Debate: Some scholars argue “graphē” might imply authoritative writings, not just the 66-book canon. This challenges boundary-setting of scriptural authority in warfare contexts.

III. Debates on Translation Fidelity and Doctrinal Impact

1. Omission of Fasting in Modern Translations (Matthew 17:21, Mark 9:29)

KJV: Retains “prayer and fasting”
Modern Translations (e.g., NIV, ESV): Often exclude “and fasting” based on Alexandrian manuscripts (e.g., Codex Vaticanus, Sinaiticus).
Theological Impact: Some argue this undermines spiritual warfare doctrines by de-emphasizing fasting. KJV supporters claim doctrinal consistency is preserved by its inclusion.

2. Interpretation of “Strongholds” in 2 Corinthians 10:4

Greek: ochurōma (ὀχύρωμα) = fortress, stronghold
English Translation: “pulling down of strong holds”
Debate: Are these psychological/worldview-based or demonic structures?
- KJV Theological Leaning: Ambiguity allows application to both inner (mind, sin) and outer (demonic) strongholds.
- Modern View: Many scholars interpret metaphorically, reducing application to spiritual deliverance.

3. Prayer Language in Ephesians 6:18

Greek: dia pasēs proseuchēs kai deēseōs = “through all prayer and supplication”
KJV: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication…”
Accuracy: The KJV renders this well but lacks nuance of variety (proseuchē vs. deēsis).
Theological Note: The multiplicity of terms emphasizes layered spiritual warfare (personal devotion, urgent petitions).

IV. Theological and Textual Controversies

A. Textus Receptus vs. Critical Text (Greek)

KJV Source: Textus Receptus, compiled from later Byzantine manuscripts.
Modern Bibles: Use Critical Text (Nestle-Aland, UBS), based on older Alexandrian texts.
Debate: TR includes verses and phrases foundational to spiritual warfare (like Matthew 17:21), which are omitted or footnoted in modern translations.
Theological Impact: Critics of modern translations argue this weakens Christian spiritual armament.

B. Septuagint (Greek OT) vs. Masoretic Hebrew

Differences: Some OT verses quoted in NT (e.g., Isaiah, Psalms) align more with the Septuagint than the Hebrew Masoretic.
Example: Isaiah 61:1-2 quoted in Luke 4:18 (KJV) — includes “recovering of sight to the blind,” found in LXX but not Masoretic.
Spiritual Warfare Relevance: Jesus’ use of LXX affirms its authority in declaring His mission, which included casting out devils and healing — foundational to spiritual warfare.

C. Accuracy of Greek Translations

Koine Greek: Precise but with limitations — some Hebrew concepts (like chesed or ruach) are broader than Greek equivalents.
Example: “Spirit” in Hebrew ruach means wind, breath, spirit; Greek pneuma narrows the meaning.
Theological Concern: Nuances of spiritual dynamics may be partially lost or oversimplified in Greek.

V. Summary

The role of prayer, fasting, and Scripture in spiritual warfare is deeply rooted in both biblical languages and theological tradition. Hebrew emphasizes covenantal, holistic aspects of spiritual disciplines, while Greek frames them more technically and devotionally. The KJV preserves many key phrases vital to this doctrine, but debates persist around textual variants, translation fidelity, and theological emphasis. The Greek translation tradition, particularly the Textus Receptus, provides a robust doctrinal foundation in this area, but modern textual criticism often challenges or diminishes some warfare-specific texts.

The linguistic journey from Hebrew to Greek to English is not just about vocabulary, but about worldview. Where Hebrew embodies a relational, covenantal combat against evil, Greek offers structured articulation. The KJV, standing between them, captures both reverence and rigor — making it uniquely positioned in the theology of spiritual warfare.

Denominational Views

1. Roman Catholic Church

The Roman Catholic Church holds that spiritual warfare is primarily fought through the sacraments (especially Eucharist and Confession), prayer (notably the Lord’s Prayer and the Rosary), fasting, and Scripture. The Church also emphasizes the authority of Sacred Tradition and the Latin Vulgate translation alongside original Hebrew and Greek texts.

View For (KJV):
Ephesians 6:11 (KJV) — “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

Theological View: The “whole armour” (πανοπλία – panoplia, Gk.) encompasses sacramental grace, supporting the Catholic position that spiritual warfare requires more than individual prayer—it includes the Church’s liturgical power.
Latin Vulgate: “induite vos armaturam Dei” — closely reflects Greek, but Vulgate tends to emphasize ecclesial interpretation over direct personal engagement.

View Against (KJV):
Matthew 4:4 (KJV) — “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

Critics argue Catholic reliance on ecclesiastical tradition may obscure the direct authority of Scripture in spiritual warfare.
Greek: ῥῆμα θεοῦ (rhēma Theou) — “spoken word of God,” indicates personal engagement, which some see as minimized in Catholic liturgy.

Hebrew/Greek Focus:
The use of rhēma (uttered word) over logos (general word) highlights the Catholic notion of spoken prayers (e.g., Rosary) but draws debate on whether repetition aligns with Matthew 6:7 (KJV): “use not vain repetitions.”
Hebrew equivalent דָּבָר (davar) has both a spoken and authoritative nuance, supporting Catholic sacramental speech, yet invites scrutiny when spiritual warfare is overly institutionalized.

2. Eastern Orthodox Church

The Eastern Orthodox Church views spiritual warfare as synergy between divine grace and human struggle. Prayer (especially the Jesus Prayer), fasting, and asceticism are central, along with the liturgical and mystical reading of Scripture.

View For (KJV):
James 4:7 (KJV) — “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Theological View: Orthodox theology affirms human cooperation (synergeia) with God’s grace, mirroring this verse’s balance of submission and resistance.
Greek: ἀντίστητε τῷ διαβόλῳ (antistēte tō diabolō) — “stand against the devil,” emphasizing active participation.

View Against (KJV):
Colossians 2:20-21 (KJV) — “Why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances… Touch not; taste not; handle not.”

Critics argue Orthodox asceticism (fasts, monastic rules) may border on legalism.
Greek: δογματίζεσθε (dogmatizesthe) — “subject to decrees” is contrasted with spiritual freedom.

Hebrew/Greek Focus:
In Psalm 91:1 (KJV): “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High…”

Hebrew: סֵתֶר עֶלְיוֹן (seter elyon) — “secret place of the Most High” points to mystical communion, a hallmark of Orthodox prayer.
This deep inner spirituality, though biblical, faces critique for lack of evangelistic immediacy.

3. Evangelical

Evangelicals stress personal relationship with Christ, the authority of Scripture, and individual prayer and fasting in battling demonic forces. Most favor the KJV or modern English translations rooted in Greek and Hebrew.

View For (KJV):
2 Corinthians 10:4 (KJV) — “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.”

Theological View: Strongholds are interpreted as demonic influences or false beliefs, directly addressed by prayer and Scripture.
Greek: ὀχυρώματα (ochurōmata) — fortified places; metaphorically, deeply rooted sin or deception.

View Against (KJV):
Ecclesiastes 7:16 (KJV) — “Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?”

Critics argue Evangelical zeal (particularly in spiritual warfare movements) can become excessive, unbalanced.
Hebrew: אַל־תְּהִי צַדִּיק (al-tehi tzaddik) — warns against overzealous religiosity.

Hebrew/Greek Focus:
Evangelicals often emphasize logos (λόγος – written word) and rhēma (ῥῆμα – spoken word) from Ephesians 6:17 (KJV) — “…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Emphasis on rhēma promotes spontaneous, Spirit-led warfare, sometimes criticized as subjective.

4. Protestant (General)

Mainline Protestants view prayer, fasting, and Scripture as means of grace, emphasizing personal piety balanced with social responsibility. Their use of Hebrew and Greek is often academic, filtered through modern translations.

View For (KJV):
Isaiah 58:6 (KJV) — “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness…”

Theological View: Fasting is for justice and deliverance—spiritual warfare that includes societal impact.
Hebrew: צֹם (tsom) paired with פַּתֵּחַ חַרְצֻבּוֹת (patēach chartsubot) — “loose chains” reflects spiritual liberation.

View Against (KJV):
Galatians 5:1 (KJV) — “Stand fast…and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

Excessive ritual fasting may be seen as reversion to legalism.
Greek: ζυγῷ δουλείας (zygō douleias) — “yoke of slavery,” warns against spiritual constraints.

Hebrew/Greek Focus:
In Psalm 119:11 (KJV) — “Thy word have I hid in mine heart…”

Hebrew: אָמַר (amar) — “word” also implies promise or declaration.
Protestants use this verse to validate Scripture memorization as a defense in spiritual warfare.

5. Baptist (Southern, Independent, etc.)

Baptists prioritize the authority of Scripture (especially the KJV), individual responsibility in prayer and fasting, and personal relationship with Christ. They strongly affirm the use of Greek and Hebrew in exegesis.

View For (KJV):
Matthew 26:41 (KJV) — “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation…”

Theological View: Personal vigilance through prayer is essential for resisting spiritual attacks.
Greek: γρηγορεῖτε καὶ προσεύχεσθε (grēgoreite kai proseuchesthe) — emphasizes active readiness.

View Against (KJV):
Romans 14:3 (KJV) — “Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not…”

Critique: Legalistic enforcement of fasting may cause division.
Greek: μὴ ἐξουθενείτω (mē exoutheneitō) — “let him not despise,” warns against judging dietary/spiritual practices.

Hebrew/Greek Focus:
Fasting: צום (tsom) – denotes mourning and repentance

Used in Ezra 8:23 (KJV) — “So we fasted and besought our God…”
Greek: νηστεία (nēsteia) in NT—voluntary abstention to seek divine intervention.

6. Methodist (United, AME, etc.)

Methodists hold that spiritual warfare is tied to sanctification, with prayer and Scripture guiding believers toward holy living. Fasting is seen as a discipline, not a requirement. They affirm both KJV and modern translations.

View For (KJV):
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV) — “Pray without ceasing.”

Theological View: Continuous prayer sustains sanctification and combats temptation.
Greek: ἀδιαλείπτως προσεύχεσθε (adialeiptōs proseuchesthe) — denotes habitual prayer.

View Against (KJV):
1 Corinthians 8:8 (KJV) — “But meat commendeth us not to God…”

Overemphasis on fasting seen as nonessential for spiritual commendation.
Greek: παρίστησιν (paristēsin) — “brings us near,” absent here, showing neutrality on fasting.

Hebrew/Greek Focus:
In Psalm 19:14 (KJV) — “Let the words of my mouth…”

Hebrew: אִמְרֵי־פִי (imrei fi) — “utterances of my mouth”
Methodists see verbal prayer as spiritual alignment with God’s sanctifying work.

7. Lutheran (Missouri Synod, ELCA, etc.)

Lutherans affirm that prayer, fasting, and Scripture are tools in spiritual warfare, but stress justification by faith alone as the foundation of victory. They emphasize the means of grace—Word and Sacrament—and caution against over-reliance on works like fasting. Lutherans typically use critical editions of the Greek New Testament but respect the KJV tradition.

View For (KJV):
Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV) — “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication…the peace of God…shall keep your hearts and minds…”

Theological View: Prayer leads to spiritual peace, which guards the believer against anxiety and spiritual attacks.
Greek: προσευχή (proseuchē) and δέησις (deēsis) — general prayer and specific requests, showing a full-spectrum defense.

View Against (KJV):
Luke 18:12 (KJV) — “I fast twice in the week, I give tithes…”

Lutherans argue that boasting in fasting, as shown by the Pharisee, undermines grace.
Greek: νηστεύω (nēsteuō) — “I fast,” is critiqued when done for show or merit.

Hebrew/Greek Focus:
Psalm 46:1 (KJV) — “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Hebrew: מַחֲסֶה (machaseh) — “refuge” implies protection, a passive yet real defense.
Lutheran theology affirms God’s action over human striving in warfare.

8. Pentecostal (Assemblies of God, UPCI, etc.)

Pentecostals emphasize spiritual warfare as an active battle against demonic forces using prayer (especially in tongues), fasting, and declaring Scripture. They are deeply rooted in the KJV but often lack formal Hebrew-Greek exegesis.

View For (KJV):
Mark 9:29 (KJV) — “This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.”

Theological View: Some spiritual forces require intensified spiritual effort.
Greek: προσευχή (proseuchē) and νηστεία (nēsteia) — some early manuscripts omit “fasting,” causing debate over textual reliability.

View Against (KJV):
Romans 8:26 (KJV) — “For we know not what we should pray for…but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us…”

Critics argue over-reliance on tongues (glossolalia) may obscure clear scriptural teaching.
Greek: στεναγμοῖς ἀλαλήτοις (stenagmois alalētois) — “groanings which cannot be uttered” is open to multiple interpretations.

Hebrew/Greek Focus:
The Hebrew word רוּחַ (ruach) — “Spirit” or “wind” from passages like Genesis 1:2, links spiritual activity to power.
In Acts 1:8 (KJV): “Ye shall receive power…” — Greek δύναμις (dunamis) — explosive, miraculous power, is central to Pentecostal understanding of spiritual warfare.

9. Jehovah’s Witnesses

Jehovah’s Witnesses view spiritual warfare as avoiding satanic influences and remaining loyal to Jehovah through prayer, Bible reading (New World Translation), and evangelism. They reject traditional Christian translations like the KJV as flawed.

View For (KJV):
Ephesians 6:12 (KJV) — “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood…”

Theological View: They interpret “wicked spirits” as literal demons influencing governments and religion.
Greek: κοσμοκράτορας (kosmokratoras) — “world rulers,” interpreted as demonic forces over human institutions.

View Against (KJV):
1 Timothy 2:5 (KJV) — “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”

They deny Christ’s divinity, so KJV phrasing here (especially “the man Christ Jesus”) is used to reject Trinitarian interpretation.
Greek: ἄνθρωπος Χριστὸς Ἰησοῦς — “man Christ Jesus,” they argue this proves he’s not divine.

Hebrew/Greek Focus:
They reinterpret יהוה (YHWH) as “Jehovah” and prefer their own translation.

In Psalm 83:18 (KJV) — “That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH…”
Critics note “Jehovah” is a hybrid form, not original Hebrew, leading to disputes over textual fidelity.

10. Mormonism (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – LDS)

Mormons believe in modern revelation alongside the KJV Bible and additional scriptures (Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants). Spiritual warfare includes prayer, fasting, and scriptural study but is linked to temple rituals and priesthood authority.

View For (KJV):
Alma 34:17–27 (Book of Mormon) emphasizes continual prayer — similar to Luke 18:1 (KJV) — “men ought always to pray, and not to faint.”

Theological View: Constant prayer aligns one with God’s will and provides power against temptation.

View Against (KJV):
Revelation 22:18 (KJV) — “If any man shall add unto these things…”

Critics argue Mormonism’s additional scriptures contradict biblical warnings.
Greek: προσθῇ (prosthē) — “add,” is interpreted by critics as forbidding further revelation.

Hebrew/Greek Focus:
In John 10:16 (KJV) — “Other sheep I have…”

Greek: ἄλλα πρόβατα (alla probata) — “other sheep,” interpreted by LDS as Native Americans, a view contested by scholars.
LDS linguistic interpretations often diverge from mainstream Hebrew/Greek scholarship.

11. Seventh-day Adventist

Adventists emphasize the great controversy between Christ and Satan. Prayer, fasting, and especially Scripture (KJV preferred) are tools for victory. They affirm Hebrew-Greek accuracy but often link spiritual warfare to end-time prophecy.

View For (KJV):
Revelation 12:11 (KJV) — “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony…”

Theological View: Testimony and sacrificial redemption are central weapons in spiritual warfare.
Greek: λόγῳ τῆς μαρτυρίας (logō tēs martyrías) — “word of their witness,” stresses personal evangelism.

View Against (KJV):
1 Timothy 4:3 (KJV) — “Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats…”

Critics point to Adventist dietary regulations as legalistic.
Greek: ἀπέχεσθαι βρωμάτων (apechesthai brōmatōn) — abstaining from foods, sometimes misunderstood.

Hebrew/Greek Focus:
Daniel 10:3 (KJV) — “I ate no pleasant bread…”

Hebrew: לֶחֶם חֲמוּדוֹת (lechem chamudot) — “delicacies,” used to define the “Daniel Fast.”
This fasting is spiritualized in Adventism as part of warfare against temptation and spiritual dullness.

Summary:

Across denominations, the doctrine of prayer, fasting, and Scripture in spiritual warfare is broadly accepted but interpreted through different theological frameworks, degrees of ritual emphasis, and linguistic fidelity.

Greek terms like proseuchē, nēsteia, dunamis, and logos/rhēma shape much of the NT understanding of warfare and vary in emphasis—Pentecostals focus on dunamis, Evangelicals on rhēma, Orthodox on synergeia.
Hebrew concepts like davar, ruach, machaseh, and tsom highlight themes of refuge, speech, and repentance that map onto these doctrines.
Translation accuracy debates arise over texts like Mark 9:29, Revelation 22:18, and Psalm 83:18—each critical to a group’s theological position.

Ultimately, spiritual warfare through these disciplines remains a central battleground of both doctrinal agreement and translation controversy across Christian traditions.

Conclusion

The doctrine of The Role of Prayer, Fasting, and Scripture in Spiritual Warfare is foundational in Christian theology, yet it is interpreted differently across denominations. While all affirm the significance of prayer, fasting, and Scripture in engaging in spiritual warfare, the emphasis placed on each component and the theological frameworks surrounding their application vary. Some denominations stress personal spiritual empowerment through the Holy Spirit (Pentecostal, Evangelical), while others focus on communal and sacramental approaches (Catholic, Orthodox). The use of the KJV Bible as the foundational translation also influences interpretation, particularly concerning Greek and Hebrew words related to spiritual warfare. Ultimately, despite these differences, the overarching belief that these practices strengthen the believer in resisting spiritual opposition remains central across traditions.

**Table 1: Denominational Views For Prayer, Fasting, and Scripture in Spiritual Warfare**

Denomination	View	Interpretation	Scripture Basis (KJV)
Roman Catholic	Prayer and fasting aid grace and resist evil	Seen as ascetic participation in Christ’s suffering	Matthew 17:21 (KJV) – “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”
Eastern Orthodox	Synergistic cooperation with God through prayer and fasting	Tools of deification and warfare against passions	James 4:7 (KJV) – “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Evangelical	Scripture and prayer are central weapons	Personal relationship with God protects and empowers	Ephesians 6:17 (KJV) – “…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Protestant (General)	Combines prayer, fasting, and Word as spiritual weapons	Defense against temptation, growth in holiness	2 Corinthians 10:4 (KJV) – “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal…”
Baptist	Bible reading and prayer are foundational; fasting optional	Spiritual victory through Scripture application	Matthew 26:41 (KJV) – “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation…”
Methodist	Prayer and fasting are means of grace	Self-denial helps resist temptation	Joel 2:12 (KJV) – “Turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting…”
Lutheran	Word and Sacrament are central; prayer supports faith	God is the defender, not human effort	Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV) – “…by prayer and supplication…shall keep your hearts and minds…”
Pentecostal	Power through Holy Spirit, tongues, and fasting	Dynamic spiritual power exercised through practice	Mark 9:29 (KJV) – “…by prayer and fasting.”
Jehovah’s Witnesses	Loyal obedience and Bible study resist Satan	Avoidance of worldly influences is key	Ephesians 6:12 (KJV) – “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood…”
Mormonism (LDS)	Spiritual warfare includes prayer and fasting plus revelation	Priesthood authority and Scripture unify spiritual defense	Luke 18:1 (KJV) – “…men ought always to pray, and not to faint.”
Seventh-day Adventist	Scripture and prayer support obedience in end-time battle	Great Controversy theology connects to active resistance	Revelation 12:11 (KJV) – “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb…”

**Table 2: Denominational Arguments Against or Cautions on Aspects of the Doctrine**

Denomination	View	Argument Against Interpretation	Scripture Basis (KJV)
Roman Catholic	Not all translations reliable; Vulgate preferred	KJV omits apocrypha which contains warfare examples	Revelation 22:19 (KJV) – “…if any man shall take away from the words…”
Eastern Orthodox	Hesitates on sola scriptura and Protestant translations	Prayer seen as communion, not weapon	1 Corinthians 2:13 (KJV) – “…not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth…”
Evangelical	Overemphasis on ritual fasting can be misleading	Inner faith outweighs external practice	Isaiah 58:5 (KJV) – “Is it such a fast that I have chosen?…”
Protestant (General)	Caution on “formulaic” use of Scripture	May reduce warfare to mechanical quotes	Matthew 6:7 (KJV) – “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions…”
Baptist	Fasting not mandated, only beneficial if sincere	Legalism risks undermining faith	Galatians 5:1 (KJV) – “Be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”
Methodist	Overfocus on warfare may obscure grace and social gospel	Calls for balance in theology	Amos 5:21 (KJV) – “I hate, I despise your feast days…”
Lutheran	Fasting and effort do not merit grace	Emphasis is on God’s action, not man’s	Luke 18:12 (KJV) – “I fast twice in the week…not justified.”
Pentecostal	Tongues and emotion may bypass sound doctrine	Experience must be judged by Scripture	1 Corinthians 14:33 (KJV) – “For God is not the author of confusion…”
Jehovah’s Witnesses	Reject Trinity, use NWT over KJV	KJV seen as doctrinally corrupted	1 Timothy 2:5 (KJV) – “…one mediator…the man Christ Jesus.”
Mormonism (LDS)	Additional scriptures add theological tension	Critics say added texts contradict Bible	Revelation 22:18 (KJV) – “If any man shall add unto these things…”
Seventh-day Adventist	Legalism concern over dietary laws and Sabbaths	Misunderstood emphasis may cloud gospel	Colossians 2:16 (KJV) – “Let no man therefore judge you…in meat, or in drink…”

Summary

The role of prayer, fasting, and Scripture in spiritual warfare is universally accepted across Christian denominations, yet there are significant variations in the interpretation and application of these practices. While all groups affirm their importance in resisting spiritual evil, the theological emphases differ: some traditions emphasize spiritual empowerment (Pentecostal), others focus on grace and reliance on God’s action (Lutheran, Catholic, Orthodox), and still others stress the personal responsibility of the believer (Evangelical, Baptist). The debates over the KJV and original language translations add another layer of complexity, especially regarding the role of fasting and prayer in overcoming spiritual forces. Ultimately, despite differing theological frameworks, all denominations affirm that these practices are integral to living victoriously in a spiritually charged world, with each tradition bringing unique insights into how these elements function in the life of the believer.