“Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” Matthew 17:21

Jesus was questioned by his disciples after he casted out a demon out that they had tried to but couldn’t:
“Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?” Matthew 17:19
He made clear what the problem was: unbelief (Matthew 17:20) but then continued to the main verse, stating the necessity and effectiveness of prayer and fasting.
It is even more interesting to note that he had just come down the mount of transfiguration (where he went to pray) when he met the disciples.
He was hinting that times of prayer and fasting were important, he had said earlier:
“And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.” Matthew 9:15
We are living in that day, he has gone to heaven, living in us by the Holy Spirit and so take your times of praying and fasting seriously.

Bible Reading Plan: Job 32, 1 Chronicles 14