Do the fast with someone else. Surrender your life to Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. It is a part of our sacrificial living for the purpose of bringing our spirits in alignment with His. Also, consider this backdoor inspiration for fasting: If you make a daily or weekly practice of eating with a particular group of friends or family, and those plans are interrupted by someones travel or vacation or atypical circumstances, consider that as an opportunity to fast, rather than eating alone. Break your fast on a meal that is light and easy to digest (i.e., a pound of grapes, a shredded apple, watermelon, or steamed vegetables). Love God with all of your heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37). What makes this time of fasting rich is by using the time to pray, read the Bible and worship God. Reading books with testimonies of victories gained through fasting will encourage you, too. Never go beyond three days without water. Appropriate the continual fullness and control of the Holy Spirit by faith on the basis of Gods command (Ephesians 5:18) and promise (1 John 5:14,15). Its not because we havent read our Bibles or sat under faithful preaching or heard about the power of fasting, or even that we dont genuinely want to do it. During a fast, four major areas of the body are going through a detoxification process. Each fast should have a specific spiritual purpose. Fresh vegetable juice made from lettuce, celery, and carrots in three equal parts. It was encouraged and expected by Jesus that believers would fast (Matt. The following is a general overview of biblical precedent and guidelines for wise fasting to help and encourage you. If you have previously or currently struggle with an eating disorder, have any dietary restrictions of any kind, or are on prescription medication, please consult your doctor before beginning the fast and know that you may need to fast something other than food. Start with a little soup and fresh fruit such as watermelon and cantaloupe. Eat raw fruit and vegetables for two days before starting a fast. But how you break your fast is extremely important for your physical and spiritual well-being. Pregnant or nursing mothers could engage in types of fasting such as giving up certain kinds of food. Pray for His vision for your life and empowerment to do His will. Fasting is no license to be unloving. Discouragement may come in like a flood, but recognize the source and take your stand on the victory of Christ. Prepare your body for the fast and prevent constipation during and after the fast by eating certain preventative foods at least two days beforehand (even longer before an extended fast), such as: fresh fruit and raw vegetables, fruit or vegetable juices, oatmeal, etc. Avoid television or any other distraction that may dampen your spiritual focus. Fasting is hard.
Unconfessed sin will hinder your prayers. Its a temporary measure, for this life and age, to enrich our joy in Jesus and prepare our hearts for the next for seeing him face to face. At this point you will need to exercise watchful self-control. Scripture is the truth that fits all of these qualifications, so were called to dwell on it. It is important after a fast to begin to discern between real hunger and cravings so you do not feed your cravings. We would not encourage this without strong medical supervision, particularly in the case of young people. Fast and pray one 24-hour period each week. Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | A Bethany International Website. The first two or three days are usually the hardest. If you have a diagnosed illness and/or are taking prescription medicine, fasting should only be done under the direct supervision of a doctor or healthcare professional. Listen for His leading. We fast in this life because we believe in the life to come. Before you fast, decide the following up front: Making these commitments ahead of time will help you sustain your fast when physical temptations and lifes pressures tempt you to abandon it. The to fast or not to fast dilemma can be a major tool of the enemy. Weve talked a lot on what to do before your fast, but here are a few things to do during your fast. Pay attention to your physical needs and what your body is telling you. Biblical fasting should not be considered a method for dieting, but a method for growing into deeper communion with God and being more in tune with His Spirit. Do you share together in some special need for Gods wisdom and guidance? Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. Christian fasting is the act of abstaining from something for a period of time for a certain spiritual purposeits intentionally emptying oneself to be receptive to something else. Temptation and discouragement may come in like a flood, but remember that because of Christ, we can stand in victory. The same standard applies to an absolute fast (Esther fastno food or water for three days) of any duration (Est. Its a way to glorify Him, so our focus should be centered around Him rather than ourselves. Some health conditions keep even the most devout from the traditional course. A Daniel fast, with vegetables and water, is good for those carrying a heavy workload. Chances are you are among the massive majority of Christians who rarely or never fast. Simply said if fasting is not coupled with prayer and Bible reading its simply a diet. Monitor juice acidity carefully as it can cause canker sores (mouth ulcers). Copyright 2022 - International House of Longer periods of time with our Lord in prayer and study of His Word are often better spent alone. Minors are discouraged from fasting food and should never engage in fasting without express parental consent and oversight. Do you want to keep the second coming of Christ in view? Take care to attend to each of these: The bowels/colon/large intestines: During a fast of three days or more, taking an herbal laxative (inquire at your local health store) or an enema before bedtime will help eliminate solid waste products; these can cause headaches and sluggishness if left in the body during a fast. There has been a resurgence of fasting in recent decades, as God calls His people to regular fasting as part of a normal Christian lifestyle. Raw vegetable juices such as carrot, celery, beet, or green vegetable combinations are excellent as well. Several generations fasting together has a powerful impact. Though seemingly routine, the everyday habits of grace we cultivate give access to the God-designed channels through which his love and power flow. Mix acidic juices (orange and tomato) with water for your stomachs sake. Eating too heavily after a fast can produce serious discomfort (stomach cramps, nausea, and weakness) and can nullify the physical benefits of fasting; it can also cause serious irreversible complications or even death. If the juice contains too much sugar for your system, dilute it by 50 percent with water or drink a green drink (made by juicing carrots, celery, spinach, and parsley). Are you fasting to go deeper in your relationship with God? If you have regular lunches with colleagues or dinners with family or roommates, assess how your abstaining will affect them, and let them know ahead of time, instead of just being a no-show, or springing it on them in the moment that you will not be eating. It takes time to build your spiritual fasting muscles. We fast from what we can see and taste, because we have tasted and seen the goodness of the invisible and infinite God and are desperately hungry for more of him. Here are both practical and spiritual rules for fasting. Many abstain from food, television and other forms of entertainment during this time and spend that time drawing closer to God instead. Discuss your plans with your church leaders. The time is now.. If you do not take a laxative or an enema, the toxins can hurt your intestines or reabsorb into your bloodstream, making you feel nauseous. Two are better than one! Additionally, this information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website. I encourage you to fast from whatever it is that takes up most of your attention. Before you begin your fast, I highly encourage you to familiarize yourself with what scripture says about discipline since fasting requires much of it. The maximum length of an adult fast that is biblically supported is forty days without food for a male adult in good health, and three days without water. If you end your fast gradually, the beneficial physical and spiritual effects will result in continued good health. Before you begin your fast, make sure to plan what youll do in the time period that youll normally spend doing the thing youre fasting from. After boiling about half an hour, pour the water into a container and drink it. As 2022 begins, we want to start the year with a 21 days set apart to seek God with all our hearts in prayer and with fasting. A fast of three days or more should never be broken by eating a normal meal (including animal proteins, bread, sugar, dairy, and processed foods) because these heavy foods put a severe strain and shock on the digestive organs which have been resting throughout the fast. Fruit juices, preferably freshly squeezed or blended and diluted in 50 percent distilled water if the fruit is acid. We know that its in times like these where God reveals His heart and changes ours. Determine to live a holy, godly life of obedience and faith. If the better part of wisdom for you, in your health condition, is not to go without food, consider fasting from television, computer, social media, or some other regular enjoyment that would bend your heart toward greater enjoyment of Jesus. Press through. Just as we need fresh in-fillings of the Holy Spirit daily, we also need new times of fasting before God. Soon there will be the midnight cry, Behold, the bridegroom! Plead with special earnestness for Gods help by linking arms with other believers to fast together. The level at which a person engages in fasting (particularly food) should be determined according to age and with regard to any physical limitations. Avoid high-fat and sugary foods. Gods Chosen Fast, Arthur Wallis 
Any fast undertaken must be done with spiritual wholeheartedness and wisdom when dealing with our physical body; we must count the cost honestly and honor the temple of the Holy Spirit. Fasting in this age of the absent Bridegroom is in expectation of His return. Herb tea with a drop of honey. Fasting is the act of denying oneself and ones needs to grow our dependence and reliance on God. This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages. Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Master; refuse to obey your worldly nature (Romans 12:1,2). cartee The Rewards of Fasting, Mike Bickle and Dana Candler Paul even talks about married couples fasting from sex for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer (1 Corinthians 7:5). I believe that fasting, prayer, eating the Word, getting in the prayer room are ways that we violently get serious and radical about following Jesus.
Seek medical advice before the fast, especially if you have any existing medical concerns or conditions. If youre fasting because you need to make a big decision, spend that time praying about the decision. Walk one to three miles each day if convenient and comfortable. Write down your vision, so you can run with it (. Its not recommended that you abstain from water during a fast of any length. You will feel mentally, spiritually, and physically refreshed. At this point, you will need to exercise watchful self control. Whether we are partaking or abstaining, everything should be for the glory of God. Christian fasting seeks to take the pains of hunger and transpose them into the key of some eternal anthem, whether its fighting against some sin, or pleading for someones salvation, or for the cause of the unborn, or longing for a greater taste of Jesus. Begin with drinking fruit or vegetable juices and gradually ease into eating fruit and steamed vegetables. download and prayer guide. We can see in Matthew 6 that Jesus expects our fasting to be solely between us and the Lord. A single fast, however, is not a spiritual cure-all. The greatest crescendo we could possibly experience in life is to be called by God into his kingdom and enjoy his beauty forever. 19:5-8; Lk. The practice of fasting in Scripture usually includes, but is not limited to, abstinence from food (Dan. Many an idealistic new fast-er has decided to miss a meal and only found our belly drove us to make up for it long before the next mealtime came. Your confidence and faith in God will be strengthened. In light of this, fasting is not a mandatory requirement for joining staff at the International House of Prayer, but we do promote and encourage it as a biblically and historically proven means of positioning our heart to receive more of Gods grace in the context of commitment to prayer and to the Word (Joel 2:15). 34:28; 1 Kgs. Start or join a home or church Bible study group that emphasizes revival and a holy life. Pregnant or nursing mothers should never fast all food and/or drink, as fasting could be very dangerous to their babys development and health, and their own personal health. Fresh fruit and vegetable juices can be made in a juice extractor or purchased ready-made (be sure to buy juices without any added sugars). Withdrawal from caffeine and sugar may cause headaches, but it is a part of the detoxification process. Is it for spiritual renewal, for guidance, for healing, for the resolution of problems, for special grace to handle a difficult situation? The negative effects wont typically be felt at a young age, but they will accumulate after years of fasting. Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart (Hebrews 11:6). A 24-hour fast each week has been greatly rewarding to many Christians. Depending on your weight and metabolism, you can go forty days on water alone. The Genesis Diet, Dr. Gordon Tessler 
Thereafter, you may return to heavier foods such as animal proteins, but maintaining a healthy diet after the fast will promote lifelong health and allow you to fast correctly in the future. Try several smaller meals or snacks each day. On the day of your fast you can bet that donuts will be at the office or in class. Feel free to rest a lot and continue to exercise with supervision. On the Bible app, there are many reading plans about fasting that you have access to. The spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak. Clarifying the purpose for your fast creates a frame for it. 15 Christian Meditation Songs That Will Bring You Peace, 25 Prayer Journal Prompts To Help Deepen Your Prayer Life, Advice from Years of Ministry Experience With Dr. Sam Storms, How To Not Compromise Your Faith With Josiah Huffman. God is treating you as sons. In their zeal, some people have begun fasting in an extreme way before understanding how fasting physically affects the body; increasing your understanding and taking care of your body while both fasting and eating will ensure your ability to live the fasted lifestyle for many years to come. When undertaken with this type of commitment, a fasted lifestyle is sustainable on a long-term basis, just as it was for Daniel and his friends (Dan. When he returns, he will not call a fast, but throw a feast; then all holy abstinence will have served its glorious purpose and be seen by all for the stunning gift it was. Hunger for God, John Piper Dont let your fast be wasted because you wouldve rather had mans approval than Gods approval. Shall we not much more be subject tothe Father of spiritsand live?
Connect the plan with your purpose for the fast. A fasted lifestyle is a disciplined lifestyle, in which we steward our bodies and time with wisdom and diligence. Make your commitment and determine the length. Do not eat solid foods immediately after your fast.
David Mathis is executive editor for desiringGod.org and pastor at. Confess every sin that the Holy Spirit calls to your remembrance and accept Gods forgiveness (1 John 1:9). 
Make restitution as the Holy Spirit leads you. Fasting as a Christian means to humble ourselves before the Lord. We express our discontent with our sinful selves and our longing for more of Christ. Many people have done a 40-day juice fast. Especially if you already exercise, dont stop during your fast. Jesus implied that all of His followers should fast (Matthew 6:16-18; 9:14,15) For Him it was a matter of when believers would fast, not if they would do it. The very foundation of fasting and prayer is repentance. Also, avoid soy protein drinks, which have been known to cause health problems during a fast. Fasting makes lawgivers wise; it is the souls safeguard, the bodys trusted comrade, the armor of the champion, the training of the athlete., Basil, Bishop of Caesarea (AD 330379), Fasting opens the way for the outpouring of the Spirit and the restoration of Gods house. Drinking fruit juice will decrease your hunger pains and give you some natural sugar energy. Because fasting is so broad and there are multiple ways to fast, it can be difficult to figure it out, so you can use this blog as a tool to help you better understand the rules, guidelines, and best practices of fasting. 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. Also do some deep breathing throughout the day by inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth. We just never actually get around to putting down the fork. If youd like to meditate on what the Bible says about fasting, heres a blog that goes can be helpful for you. So as you plan your fast, consider how it will affect others. 4:16). Allow the Lord to guide you on what scripture(s) to meditate on. As you continue to fast, you will likely experience a sense of well-being both physically and spiritually. Ask God to help you make a comprehensive list of your sins. It is wise to abstain from strong stimulants such as caffeinated and sugary drinks during a fast, including the artificial sweeteners found in diet drinks. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. A juice fast means abstaining from all food and beverage, except for juice and water. Do not underestimate spiritual opposition. Here are a few practical and spiritual guidelines for fasting: Keep in mind that years of improper fasting can cause permanent physical damage. We encourage parents and kids to consider fasting together. Fasting shifts our attention from the things of the flesh to the things of the Spirit, and it is an act of surrender to the Lord and the things of Him. Why are you fasting? Invite the Holy Spirit to work in you to will and to do His good pleasure according to Philippians 2:13. Prayer is for our benefit because it puts us into alignment with God and allows our spirit to be in tune with His. Start with one meal; maybe fast one meal a week for several weeks. Even though you may fail several times, God always extends grace. The skin: Since one-third of the waste products eliminated during a fast are removed via the skin, adequate bathing is essential. All of our resources exist to guide you toward everlasting joy in Jesus Christ. It is markedly counter-cultural in our consumerist society, like abstaining from sex until marriage. Make this a priority in your fasting. Be intentional about determining the purpose for your fast before you begin your fast. Here are some suggestions to help you end your fast properly: If you sincerely humble yourself before the Lord, repent, pray, and seek Gods face; if you consistently meditate on His Word, you will experience a heightened awareness of His presence (John 14:21). Fasts are unique to you, so pray about what the Lord wants you do to or not do during your fast. Consider fasting with your church, family, small group, or whoever may want to see the same outcome of your fast. Prayer is reaching out after the unseen; fasting is letting go of all that is seen and temporal. 
Do not over-expand it again by overeating. 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. Pray about the kind of fast you should undertake. Expect some physical discomforts because of the detoxification process, especially on the second day. Satan tempted Jesus on the fast, and we must expect the same. I highly encourage going into your fast committed to a time period for it. When you fast, you shouldnt:-Fast to be seen by others-Fast for a reward-Fast to be more holy or righteous, But when you fast, you should:-Fast to deny oneself-Fast to deepen spiritual hunger for God-Fast for Gods intervention. If you dont want to spend time in devos about fasting, I encourage you to find a devo thats linked with the purpose for your fast. Come out to meet him. It will be too late then to fast and to pray. -Signup to fast one or multiple days between (January 10th January 31st, 2022) Click here or write to info@newbeginning-church.com and indicate the day(s) you will fast with us. When your designated time for fasting is finished, you will begin to eat again. However, women who are nursing or pregnant must always maintain a balanced diet. It would be sad to lack concern and care for others around us because of this expression of heightened focus on God. Invite God to use you. And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. If you cannot do your own juicing, buy juices without sugar or additives. 10:3) and may be engaged in for varying durationstypically for no more than a few days at a time. You can fast in many different ways. In Philippians 4:8, Paul tells us to dwell on whatever it true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, and whatever is of good repute. Consult your physician first, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic ailment. Fasting is voluntarily going without food or any other regularly enjoyed, good gift from God for the sake of some spiritual purpose. If youre just beginning, fasting for one meal is a good place to start. Ask the Lord to search and cleanse your heart daily. Stand firm in the conviction that your fasting when done in faith will be rewarded. Remember, fasting is an attitude of the heart! Eat smaller meals a few days prior to the fast. Pray, and ask God what He will give you faith for in terms of the duration of the fast. Break your fast gradually. When breaking a fast of ten days or more, the break-in period should be extended one day for every four days of fasting. You may have fleeting hunger pains or dizziness. Meditation is Biblical, especially when meditating on the words of God. With the Lord as your strength, Hell give you the energy you need, but dont stop exercising during your fast. Whatever it may be, itll be the most beneficial to you if you found a way to connect the plan for your fast to the purpose for your fast. What should Christians do when they fast? Some people have trouble fasting and become extremely hungry, dizzy, and nauseous because they have undiagnosed low blood sugar, so they should drink fruit and vegetable juices to help keep the blood sugar stable during short fasts.