Thomas Watson writes the following paragraph in his little book, Heaven Taken by Storm: Showing the Holy Violence a Christian Is to Put Forth in the Pursuit of Glory:
Even where sin has received its deadly wound and is in part abated, the work of mortification is not to be laid aside. The apostle persuades the believing Romans to mortify the deeds of the flesh (Rom. 8:13). In the best of saints there is something which needs mortifying– much pride, envy, and passion; therefore mortification is called crucifixion (Gal. 5:24), and is not done suddenly. Every day some limb of the body of death must drop off. Nothing harder than rock (saith Cyrill), yet in the clefts thereof some weed or other will fasten its roots. None stronger than a believer, yet do what he can, sin will fasten its roots in him, and spring out sometimes with inordinate desires. There is always something which needs mortifying. Hence, Paul did beat down his body by prayer, watching, and fasting (1 Cor. 9:27).
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Like weeds wrapping their roots around rocks, the strongest of Christians will still find sin “fasten its roots in him.” Watson speaks rightly, therefore, that killing sin is a daily and constant duty, a lifelong crucifixion. We must fix our eyes fully upon our Savior, beating down our flesh through prayer, watchfulness, and fasting.
What sin is presently growing roots around you? Are you daily mortifying these “inordinate desires?” Are you watchful and vigilant against sin? Do you guard yourself through prayer and fasting?
B. C. Newton 
This is a daily challenge to not let the worries of this world crowd out our prayer time. Each day praying for wisdom and for the Holy Spirit to reveal unforgiveness and resentment, so we can repent. I have learned that resentment is one of the greatest threats to having a successful Christian life. Thanks for sharing on this topic.
Dear BC, Thanks for your article. I believe in fasting also, as a normal part of being in a relationship with the great King of Kings. Currently, I am fasting for wisdom for personal questions, and the peace of the election cycle ending November 3, 2020 in my home state of Minnesota and in the United States. If you are led, please consider lifting us up in your prayers. I don’t yet fully understand why, but for some reason this is a place in the throes of a massive spiritual battle. The wrongful death of George Floyd and destructive aftermath is just the tip of the iceberg. We need to address the spiritual root judgments and separations with our Father that are spilling over and manifesting as acts of cultural revolution, and political and spiritual judgments and separations. Please consider that the Lord will embolden the faith of the Church here, and cause us to stand for His Kingdom in humility. As believers, we get to be the “glue” of society because we have tasted the Lord’s favor and forgiveness to all people, at all times; everywhere. In mourning and repentance, JD Orvis Pray ThroughHistory