WHY SHOULD I FAST?

Why are you fasting? Is it for spiritual renewal, for guidance, for healing, for the resolution of problems, for special grace to handle a difficult situation? Ask the Holy Spirit to clarify His leading and objectives for your prayer fast. This will enable you to pray more specifically and strategically. Through fasting and prayer we humble ourselves before God so the Holy Spirit will stir our souls.

• Prayer and fasting internalizes the burden, deepening our ownership of a need.
• Prayer and fasting insists that we quiet our hearts and wait, slowing us down to receive from God.
• Prayer and fasting infuses the vision, enabling us to see what God wants to do.
• Prayer and fasting initiates the vision’s fulfillment, acting as a catalyst for us to act.

WHAT KIND OF FAST SHOULD I DO?

There are many different types of fasts:

Bread Fast: Eating only bread and drinking only water .

Daniel Fast: Eating only fruits and vegetables.

Juice Fast: Drinking only liquids.

Water Fast: Drinking only water.

• How long you will fast – one meal, one day, one week, several weeks (Beginners should start slowly, building up to longer fasts).
• The type of fast God wants you to undertake (such as water only, or water and juices; what kinds of juices you will drink and how often).
• What physical or social activities you will restrict.
• How much time each day you will devote to prayer and God’s Word.

WHAT SHOULD I DO WHILE I’M FASTING?

The very foundation of fasting and prayer is repentance. Unconfessed sin can hinder your prayers. Here are several things you can do to prepare your heart:

• Remember that God is your Father and He loves you and is for you.
• Confess every sin that the Holy Spirit calls to your remembrance and accept God’s forgiveness.
• Seek forgiveness from all whom you have offended, and forgive all who have hurt you.
• Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Master.
• Meditate on the attributes of God, His love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace, compassion, and others.
• Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart.
• Do not underestimate spiritual opposition. Satan sometimes intensifies the natural battle between body and spirit.

WHAT PRECAUTIONS SHOULD I TAKE?

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.

• Eat smaller meals before starting a fast. Avoid high-fat and sugary foods.
• Eat raw fruit and vegetables for two days before starting a fast

SHOULD CHILDREN FAST?

• Children should be discouraged from fasting food before they reach puberty. Fasting can be detrimental to their health.
• If a child wants to participate in fasting, encourage them to fast alternatives such as TV, video games or social media.

*Information adapted from the writings of Bill Bright and John Maxwell.