Biblical fasting is the practice of voluntarily staying abstinent from food for spiritual purposes. It requires precautions so consult your doctor if you are taking medications or have a chronic condition are pregnant or nursing.
Matthew 9:15 Jesus declared that when He left the earth His disciples would fast and pray.
Matthew 17:21 He also declared that there are special situations where only through prayer and fasting miracles would manifest.
God answers prayer and He listens closely to His people when they pray and fast. Let’s seek God in this season to move in a miraculous way…
How you begin and conduct your fast will determine your success. By following the 7 steps below recommended by Celebration Church you can make your fast more rewarding...
1. Set your objective. Why are you fasting? Some fast for spiritual renewal, guidance, healing, resolution of problems, or grace to handle a situation. The Holy spirit can clarify His leading and objectives during your fast.
2. Make your commitment. Pray about the kind of fast you should do. Jesus implied that all His followers should fast. Decide how long you will fast, the type of fast God wants you to do, what physical or social activities you will restrict, and how much time you will devote to prayer and God’s word.
3. Prepare Yourself Spiritually. Repent unconfessed sin and accept God’s forgiveness. 1 John 1:9 Prepare your heart.
Seek forgiveness from all whom you have offended, and forgive all who have hurt you. Mark 11:25, Luke 11:4 Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit, Ephesians 5:18. Surrender your life fully to Jesus as your Lord & Savior; refuse to obey your wordly nature, Romans 12:1-2.
Meditate on God’s attributes: love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace, and compassion, Psalm 48:9-10. Begin your fast with an expectant heart, Hebrews 11:6.
4. Prepare Yourself Physically. Consult your doctor if you have a chronic condition. Do not rush into your fast. Eat smaller meals before starting your fast including raw fruits & vegetables. Limit your activity. Exercise moderately and rest as much as you can. Expect physical discomforts such as hunger pains, dizziness, weakness, or sleepiness. The first 2 or 3 days are the hardest. After that you should feel a sense of well-being.
5. Put yourself on a Schedule. Set aside time to be alone with God. Listen for His leading. In the morning begin with praise and worship then read and meditate on God’s word. Invite the Holy Spirit to work in you, Philippians 2:13. Invite God to use you. Pray for His vision for your life. Around noon return to prayer and God’s word and take a prayer walk. Spend time in intercessory prayer. In the evening get alone to “seek His face.” You may want to meet together for prayer with others fasting. Avoid T.V. or other distractions to focus spiritually.
A dietary routine is helpful: 5-8 am: fruit juices freshly squeezed or diluted with water; 10:30-noon: fresh vegetable juices; 2:30-4 pm: herb tea with a drop of honey; 6- 8:30 pm: broth made from fresh vegetables. Juicing can be done with many different fruits and vegetables: watermelon, lemons, grapes, apples, cabbage, beets, carrots celery, or leafy green vegetables. Avoid caffeine, gum or mints since they stimulate digestive juices.
6. Break your fast gradually. Try several small meals or snacks each day including salad and steamed vegetables.
7. Expect Results. Humble yourself before the Lord; repent, pray and seek God’s face. Meditate to experience His presence, John 14: 21.
