Our goal in fasting is to draw nearer to God. Biblical fasting always has to do with eliminating distractions for a spiritual purpose; it hits the reset button of our soul and renews us from the inside out. It also enables us to celebrate the goodness and mercy of God and prepares our hearts for all the good things God desires to bring into our lives.
We know some may not be able to participate in a complete fast from food due to medical conditions, age, etc. We encourage each person to consider how to adjust his or her routine, make sacrifices, and create space to seek the heart of God in a more focused way. Your personal fast should present a level of challenge, but it is very important to know your body and your options in order that you may seek God in prayer and follow what the Holy Spirit leads you to do.
Biblical Reasons for Fasting
The Bible records numerous accounts where people, cities, and nations have turned to God by fasting and praying: The Lord Jesus fasted immediately prior to the start of His earthly ministry (Matthew 4:2); and Anna worshiped at the temple with "fasting and prayer night and day" (Luke 2:37). There are several specific reasons that the Bible tells us to fast.
To be Christ-like (Matthew 4:1-17; Luke 4:1-13)
To obtain spiritual purity (Isaiah 58:5-7)
To repent from sins (Jonah 3:8; Nehemiah 1:4, 9:1-3; 1 Samuel 14:24).
To petition God (2 Samuel 12:16-23)
To mourn for the dead (1 Samuel 31:13; 2 Samuel 1:12)
To request God's help in times of crisis and calamity (Ezra 8:21-23; Nehemiah 1:4-11).
To strengthen prayer (Matthew 17:21; Mark 9:17-29; Acts 10:30; 1 Corinthians 7:5).
How to Fast
Why are you fasting? Ask the Holy Spirit to clarify His leading and objectives for your fast. This will enable you to pray more specifically and strategically. As a faith family, we are seeking the heart of God and craving His direction and presence in us.
Guidelines set forth in Scripture concerning fasting.
Done in a manner of humility and secrecy (Matthew 6:16-18, Luke 18:9-14)
Fasting is closely related to prayer and reading of Gods word (1 Samuel 1:6-18, Nehemiah 1:4, Nehemiah 9:1-3, Daniel 9:3, Daniel 9:20, Jonah 3:6-9)
Fasting may be partial or absolute (Complete fasts: Deuteronomy 9:9, Ezra 10:6, Esther 4:16, Acts 9:9, Acts 27:33. Partial fasts: 1 Kings 17:5-6, Daniel 10:3)
Some fasts can be personal or corporate. (Corporate/Group fasts: 1 Samuel 7:5-6, Eara 8:21-23, Joel 2:15-16, Acts 27:33-37. Personal fasts: 11 Samuel 12:16, 1 Samuel 21:27, Daniel 9:3, Acts 9:9)
Make Your Commitment
Jesus assumed that all of His followers would fast (Matthew 6:16-18; 9:14-15). Some keys to your commitment include:
The type of fast God wants you to undertake? When fasting from food, we recommend fasting from solid foods and consuming liquids only.
Consider what physical and social activities you will restrict.
We are also encouraging you to fast from social media: TV, radio, internet, etc. Choose instead to spend that time praying, reading God’s Word, meditating/memorizing Scripture, journaling, etc.
Determine how much time each day you will devote to prayer and God’s Word. Take advantage of normal meal times for prayer and being in the Word.
Making these commitments ahead of time will help you sustain your fast when physical temptations and life’s pressures tempt you to abandon it.
Prepare Yourself Spiritually
Our life as believers should be marked with repentance. Unconfessed indwelling sin will present a barrier in your relationship with Christ and experiencing His presence. Here are some things you can do before and during the fast to have a heart focused on the Lord:
Ask God to help you make a comprehensive list of your sins. Four major emotions that can pollute our hearts and lead to sin are guilt, anger, greed and jealousy. These four areas are a good place to begin.
Confess every sin that the Holy Spirit calls to your remembrance and accept God's forgiveness (1 John 1:9).
Seek forgiveness from anyone you have offended and forgive all who have hurt you (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4;17:3-4).
Make restitution as the Holy Spirit leads you. Specifically, consider the four areas above: for guilt, pursue confession; for anger, you need to forgive; for greed, respond by giving; and for jealousy, choose to celebrate those things/people you are jealous of.
Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit according to His command in Ephesians 5:18 and His promise in 1 John 5:14-15. Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Master; refuse to obey your worldly nature (Romans 12:1-2).
Meditate on the attributes of God: His love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace, compassion and others (Psalm 48:9-10; 103:1-8, 11-13).
Do not underestimate spiritual opposition. Satan sometimes intensifies the natural battle between body and spirit (Galatians 5:16-17).
Prepare Yourself Physically
Fasting requires reasonable precautions. Consult your physician first, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic ailment. Some persons should never fast without professional supervision. Physical preparation makes the drastic change in your eating routine a little easier so that you can turn your full attention to the Lord in prayer.
Do not rush into your fast.
Prepare your body. Eat smaller meals before starting a fast. Avoid high-fat, processed and sugary foods.
Eat raw fruit and vegetables more frequently before starting your fast.
Consider weaning yourself from or limiting your intake of caffeine.
While You Fast
Your time of fasting and prayer has come. You are abstaining from all solid foods and have begun to seek the Lord. Here are some helpful suggestions to consider:
Avoid drugs, even natural herbal drugs and homeopathic remedies. Medication should be withdrawn only with your physician's supervision.
Limit your activity. Exercise only moderately.
Rest as much as your schedule will permit.
Prepare yourself for temporary mental discomforts, such as impatience, crankiness and anxiety.
Expect some physical discomforts. You may have hunger pains or dizziness.
Physical annoyances may also include weakness, tiredness or sleeplessness.
Withdrawal from caffeine and sugar may cause headaches.
God Can and Will Do Great Things
The more time you spend with God, the more meaningful your fast will be. Listen for His leading. Begin and end each day on your knees for a brief time of praise and thanksgiving to God. Our physical posture can help our hearts be in submission to Christ. If you are married, this time can be spent with your spouse.
Longer periods of time with our Lord in prayer and study of His Word are often better spent alone. As God moves and leads you, take the opportunity to share God’s prompting with a couple of mature Christ-followers, your spouse, group leader, ministry leader, or church staff for encouragement and accountability.
