Fasting

According to the Bible, every Christian has three duties: give, pray, and fast. Both the Old Testament and New Testament teach the value of fasting, which is abstaining from food to focus on prayer and seeking God's will. Through many examples of people in the Bible who fasted, we can know that God grants supernatural revelation and wisdom through this practice. Scripture tells us that fasting helps us grow a more intimate relationship with Christ and opens our eyes to what He wants to teach us.

WHY SHOULD I FAST?

PRAYER & FASTING

From Jentzen Franklin’s website jentezenfranklin.org/fastingbasics (also a great resource for more info):

“Are you in need of healing or a miracle? Do you need the tender touch of God in your life? Is there a dream inside you that only He can make possible? Are you in need of a fresh encounter? Do you desire a deeper, more intimate and powerful relationship with the Lord? Are you ready to have heightened sensitivity to the desires of God? Do you need to break away from things that hold you in a cycle of disappointment, discouragement, or sin? Is there a friend or loved one that needs Salvation? Do you desire to know God’s will for your life?”

TYPES OF FASTS

Although fasting traditionally means taking away foods and drinking only water, we want you to fast from what is appropriate for you. Maybe for health reasons, it is not safe to fast food but you can pray and ask God to show you something else meaningful to fast instead. We encourage you to identify things in your life that you usually spend a lot of time doing or thinking about and then to sacrifice for these days to use this time to pray and soak in the Word.

It could be Netflix, a partial fast each day such as not eating from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or from sun up to sundown, a one-day fast, or every other day fast. Ask God to show you what he would have you to do personally. It is very wise to remove any distractions from your life during a time of fasting such as video games, online shopping, social media etc.

Go to God in prayer and let your decisions about biblical fasting come from him. Ask him to show you areas to target during your time of fasting and prayer.

FASTING TIPS

PRAYER & FASTING

Whether you have fasted before or this is your first time, we hope these tips from Jentezen Franklin will help you as you begin your prayer and fasting.

Preparing Spiritually

Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness. Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3-4). Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject worldly desires that may hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).

Deciding What to Fast

The type of fasting you choose is up to you. Remember to replace that time with prayer and Bible study.

What to Expect

When abstaining from food, your body detoxifies, eliminating toxins from your system. This may cause mild discomfort such as headaches and irritability especially when fasting caffeine and sugars. And naturally, you will have hunger pains. Limit strenuous activity when possible and exercise moderately. Take time to rest. Fasting brings about miraculous results. You are following Jesus’ example when you fast. Spend time listening to praise and worship music. Pray as often as you can throughout the day. Get away from the normal distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and mind set on seeking God’s face.

How to End

Before breaking your fast, go to God in prayer and thank him for all he has done and what he will do. Thank him for this opportunity to grow in your relationship with him. Acknowledge the fast is ending and close it in prayer. Again, for those choosing to do a food fast only, don’t overeat when the time comes to end your fast. Begin eating solid food gradually; eat small portions or snacks.