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A Guide to Fasting
Guide to FastingFasting is voluntarily going without food - or any other regularly enjoyed, good gift from God - for the sake of some spiritual purpose.
If you have never fasted before, we applaud your present interest! Jesus assumes His followers will fast. He doesn’t say “if,” but “when you fast” (Matthew 6:16). And He doesn’t say His followers might fast, but “they will” (Matthew 9:15). Fasting is one of the most neglected spiritual practices, because it’s difficult. Every person of importance in the Bible practiced fasting: Moses, David, Elijah, Esther, Daniel, Anna, Paul, Jesus, just to name a few.
16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Matthew 6:16-17
Benefits of Fasting
1. Humbles us
“God opposes the proud, but shows favor to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5, 2 Samuel 22:28). Christians shouldn’t fast in order to look pious or righteous. Fasting is a practice of humbling yourself before God.
2. Renews our connection with God
Jesus said that His disciples will fast when He is gone (Mark 2:20). When we fast, we get our hunger back for the presence of God.
3. Empowers us to fulfil God’s calling in our life
Most of the people in the OT fasted in a crisis; in the NT Jesus fasted for His calling. We should fast not only during problems, but also for our purpose. Many fast for personal revival, revival in our church, nation and fulfilment of the Great Commission. But praying for our own needs and interceding for others are also important reasons to fast and pray.
4. Defeats the devil
Once, the disciples of Jesus could not cast out a demon. Jesus said, “This kind does not leave, but by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21). Fasting helps to break the bonds of wickedness, undo heavy burdens, and empower us to break every yoke (Isaiah 58:6).
Fasting restores my hunger for God.
Types of Fasting
Full Fast - Drinking only liquids (you establish the number of days).
Partial Fast - Abstaining from certain meals or enjoyments in life that take up your time. Or you may choose to fast from sunrise to sundown and eat at night.
The Daniel Fast - Eat no meat, no sweets, and no bread. Drink water and juice. Eat fruits and vegetables (Daniel 10:3).
How to start
1. Start With a Clear Goal
Why are you fasting? Do you need direction, healing, restoration in a relationship, financial breakthrough? Are you believing for revival? Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Identify what that is and design a plan to replace the time you would have spent eating with the things of God. Without a purpose and plan, it’s not Christian fasting; it’s just going hungry. If you are fasting with others in the church, plan time to pray together and support one another.
2. Preparing Spiritually
Examine your heart, and detect any unconfessed sin. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness. Forgive all who have sinned against you and ask forgiveness from those you may have sinned against. Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).
3. Decide What to Fast
The type of fasting is your choice. Remember to replace that time with prayer, word, worship.
4. Preparing Physically
Although fasting is primarily a spiritual discipline, it begins in the physical realm. You will find it helpful to begin by eating smaller meals before you abstain altogether. Resist the urge to have that “last big feast” before the fast. Start to lessen your caffeine and sugar intake.
5. Deciding How Long
You may fast as long as you like or feel led by the Spirit. Most can easily fast from 1-3 days, but you may feel the grace to go longer. Use wisdom and pray for guidance. Beginners are advised to start small and slow.
6. Know What to Expect
When you fast you may experience discomfort such as headaches, irritability and hunger pains. Limit your activity and exercise. Take time to rest. Fasting brings about miraculous results. You are following Jesus’ example when you fast. Spend time listening to praise and worship. Pray as often as you can. Read more of the Bible than you have before. Get away from the normal distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and mind set on seeking God's Face.
7. Know How to End
Don’t overeat when the time comes to end your fast. Begin eating solid food gradually; eat small portions or snacks.