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Fasting

In its simplest form, fasting is a time during which you abstain from eating. Fasting can enable you to focus, intensify your desire for holiness and help you hear the voice of God more clearly.

Why fast?

Fasting takes your attention off your everyday earthly needs and helps you focus your attention on more eternal, spiritual needs. At times God may ask you to pray and fast for a specific situation or individual. Or you may want to fast to grow closer in your personal relationship with Christ. Fasting can help you build a lifestyle of discipline.

Are there biblical examples of fasting?

Yes. Besides Jesus, Daniel fasted, as did Moses, Elijah, Ezra, Esther, Paul and the Early Church. (See Luke 4:1-14; Daniel 9:3-19; Deuteronomy 9:7-29; 1 Kings 19:8; Ezra 8:21-23; Esther 4:16; Acts 9:9, 13:1-3, 14:23)

What do I do during my fast? Are there other things to do besides fasting?

Scripturally, fasting is almost always partnered with prayer (e.g., Ezra 8:21,23; Luke 2:36-37). During times when you would normally eat you may want or need to couple fasting and prayer with one or more of the items below:

• Worship (Nehemiah 9:1-3; Acts 13:1-3)
• Petition (Daniel 9:3,17)
• Reading the Word of God (Nehemiah 9:1-3; Jeremiah 36:6)
• Humbling yourself before God (Ezra 8:21)
• Asking for direction and guidance (Judges 20:19-46; Ezra 8:21)
• Mourning (1 Samuel 31:8-13; Nehemiah 1:3-10; Esther 4:1-4)
• Confession of sins (1 Samuel 7:6; 2 Samuel 1:12; Daniel 9:4-18; Nehemiah 9:1-3)
• Repentance (Joel 2:12-17)

When should I fast?

Some people fast on a regular basis (e.g., breakfast every Monday or all day on Wednesday) as a habitual discipline (Luke 2:36-37). Other people may fast once a month or on certain occasions (Esther 4:16). Times when you want to fast may include when you need direction for a major decision in your life, strength and wisdom for a special task to which God has called you or extra prayer time for you grow in your relationship with Christ.

Are there different ways to fast?

The most common way to fast is to abstain from eating food and drink only water. If you haven't done this before you will want to start by fasting one meal. Slowly work your way to a full day or more.

At times people will do a juice fast, drinking only juice. Some other types of fasts are not eating meat, choosing not to eat desserts, eating only fruits and vegetables, or abstaining from some other type of food.

Other non-food fasts might include abstaining from television, computers or gaming systems. The motive behind such would be to deny yourself things that get in the way of spending extra time in God's presence.

What does God want to accomplish while I am fasting?

God wants to change you (Isaiah 58:6-14). Listen to God's voice for direction for your life. Hear what is on His heart. Take extra time to repent of sin and ask God for supernatural insight and strength.

What are some do's and don'ts concerning fasting?

• Have a plan prior to starting your fast. When will you fast? From what will you fast? Why are you fasting?
• Before starting your fast get your parent's permission and doctor's approval if you have a physical condition requiring medications and/or medical treatments.
• Don't think of fasting as a way to get extra "points" with God. He loves you! You don't have to earn His love.
• Don't make it a big deal to your friends when you are fasting. Your fast is between you and God (Matthew 6:16-18).
• Keep a journal to record the things that you have learned. Write down what God has shown you while fasting.
• You will find yourself getting tired faster during a fast. Get extra sleep and rest. Drink plenty of water. Avoid caffeine.
• You will lose weight during a fast; however, this should never be the motive for fasting. The purpose is to grow spiritually during the time set aside for fasting.
• Break your fast slowly. After fasting, eat a small piece of fruit or small salad without salad dressing for your first meal. Baked potatoes and vegetables without seasonings also work well. The basic rule is that the longer your fast, the longer you'll want to take before eating the way you did prior to the start of your fast.

Feel like your fasting isn't working? Examine your heart and motives (Isaiah 58:1-5; Zechariah 7).

This is meant to serve as a guideline to help get you started with a lifestyle of fasting. You may also want to check out, "7 Basic Steps to Successful Fasting and Prayer," by clicking here.