Day 3 — “Deny Yourself”

6am Prayer21 Days Prayer & Fasting
Written By Niel Petersen

Scripture:

“Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’”
Matthew 16:24 (ESV)

Devotional Thought:

The call of Jesus is clear and costly. Following Him begins with a decision — not to improve ourselves, but to deny ourselves. This is where the lust of the flesh is confronted most directly.

The flesh resists denial. It prefers comfort over obedience and ease over surrender. But Jesus makes it plain: discipleship always involves a cross before a crown.

Fasting brings this truth into focus. Each moment of hunger reminds us that we are not led by appetite, impulse, or comfort. We are led by Christ. Denying the flesh is not about self-punishment; it is about choosing obedience over convenience.

Every “no” to the flesh becomes a “yes” to God.

Prayer Focus:

  • Ask the Lord to reveal areas where comfort has replaced obedience

  • Pray for strength to deny self and follow Jesus wholeheartedly

  • Surrender habits, patterns, or attitudes that resist God’s leading

  • Ask for grace to embrace the way of the cross

Prayer:

“Lord Jesus, I choose to follow You. Teach me to deny myself and take up my cross daily. Help me lay down comfort and embrace obedience. I want my life to reflect surrender, not convenience. Amen.”

Niel Petersen
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Day 2 — “Not by Bread Alone”