How To Fast For Jesus

A Guide to Christian Fasting

You are most likely one of the vast majority of Christians who fast just sometimes or never at all. I don’t believe this is because we haven’t read our Bibles, sat under trustworthy preaching, or heard about the power of fasting; it’s more likely that we just don’t want to do it for many reasons. We just never seem to get around to putting the fork down once all is said and done. Perhaps part of the problem stems from the fact that we live in a world where food is so readily available that we eat not just when we don’t need to, but also when we don’t want to eat.

As well as these external factors, we have our own internal desires and pains for comfort that prohibit us from experiencing the discomfort of fasting.

Not So Fast

FASTING is the voluntary abstinence from food — or any other frequently appreciated, beneficial gift from God — for the sake of achieving a spiritual goal. It is strikingly counter-cultural in our consumerist world, just like refraining from sexual activity before marriage is in several cultures. To acquire the forgotten art of fasting and to reap its benefits, we must not listen with our ears to the ground of society, but rather with Bibles open on our laps and before us. The question then will not be whether we fast, but when we shall fast.

He does not say “if you fast,” but rather “when you fast” (Matthew 6:16).

Feasts are strikingly counter-cultural in our consumerist world, just like refraining from sexual activity until marriage is.

We don’t have to have everything right away since we have a guarantee that we will get everything in the next generation.

Radical, Temporary Measure

Fasting is for this world, for expanding our hearts to receive some fresh air beyond the anguish and trouble that we are surrounded by. It is not for the hereafter. And it is for the purpose of combating the sin and weakness that exists inside us. We express our dissatisfaction with our sinful selves as well as our desire to be more like Christ. When Jesus arrives, the practice of fasting will be abolished. It’s a temporary measure, for this life and age, to deepen our delight in Jesus and prepare our hearts for the next – for meeting him face to face in the presence of the Father.

When he returns, he will not call a fast, but will instead throw a feast; at that point, all holy abstinence will have served its wonderful purpose and will be recognized by all as the magnificent gift that it truly was by everyone. Until then, we’ll observe a fast.

How to Start Fasting

Fasting is difficult. It appears to be lot simpler in theory than it turns out to be in practice. The amount of anxiety we experience when we miss a meal might be startling. Many an idealistic new faster has made the decision to skip a meal, only to discover that our stomaches forced us to make up for it long before the following lunchtime arrived. However, despite the fact that fasting appears to be a straightforward process, the world, our body, and the devil combine to bring all sorts of problems that prevent it from taking place.

These ideas may appear trite, but the goal is that such fundamental advice would be useful to individuals who are new to fasting or who have never given it significant consideration.

1. Start small.

Don’t go from not fasting to trying to fast for a week at a time. Start with one meal; you could even try fasting one meal a week for a few weeks. Then try two meals a day for a while, and eventually work your way up to a daylong fast. Perhaps you might attempt a two-day juice fast in the future. Juice fasting is defined as refraining from all foods and beverages other than juice and water for a certain period of time. When you let yourself juice, you are allowing your body to get the nutrients and sugar it needs to keep running while still feeling the affects of not eating solid meals.

2. Plan what you’ll do instead of eating.

Fasting is more than just a kind of self-deprivation; it is also a spiritual practice that helps us to seek more of God’s fullness. As a result, we should have a plan for what beneficial activity we will engage in during the time it takes to consume a conventional meal. Our days are spent with food in front of us for a significant percentage of the time. One of the most major benefits of fasting is the time it provides for prayer and meditation on God’s word, as well as for performing some act of kindness for others.

Make a connection between it and your fasting goal.

Identify what it is and create a focus to take the place of the time you would have spent eating otherwise.

3. Consider how it will affect others.

Fasting does not give you permission to be unloving. It would be tragic if we were to lose sight of and care for others around us as a result of this manifestation of heightened devotion to God. Love for God and love for one’s neighbor are inextricably linked. A good fastening blends horizontal and vertical concerns in a seamless manner. When we fast, our loved ones should feel even more cherished and cared for, if that’s even possible. As you plan your fast, keep in mind how it may effect those around you.

Also, consider this alternative source of fasting inspiration: Think about fasting instead of dining alone if you are used to eating with a group of friends or family on a daily or weekly basis, and your plans are disrupted by someone’s travel or vacation or other unusual circumstances.

4. Try different kinds of fasting.

Personal, private, and partial fasting are the most common kinds of fasting, although the Bible has a number of forms, including personal and communal fasting, private and public fasting, congregational and national fasting, regular and infrequent fasting, absolute and partial fasting. Consider fasting with your family, a small group of friends, or your church as a special occasion. Do you and your friends have a common need for God’s wisdom and direction in a particular situation? You may be experiencing a unique challenge in the church or in society, and you may be praying for God’s intervention.

Pray for God’s assistance with a unique level of sincerity by joining your hands with fellow Christians to fast together.

5. Fast from something other than food.

Fasting from eating is not for everyone, and it is not recommended. Even the most devoted of believers are prevented from participating in the usual path due to health reasons. Fasting, on the other hand, is not restricted to refraining from meals. Following in the footsteps of Martyn Lloyd-Jones’ advice, “Fasting should truly be expanded to embrace abstention from everything that is acceptable in and of itself for the sake of some unique spiritual aim.” Instead of fasting from food, if going without food is not the best course of action for you given your current health state, try fasting from television, internet, social media, or any other regular delight that might bend your heart toward greater appreciation of Jesus.

Even married couples are encouraged to abstain from sexual relations “for a brief period, so that you may dedicate yourselves to prayer,” according to Paul (1 Corinthians 7:5).

6. Don’t think of white elephants.

“Going hungry is not Christian fasting; it is just going hungry without a goal and a strategy,” says the author. Instead of allowing your thoughts to concentrate on the fact that you haven’t eaten when your empty stomach starts to grumble and sends your brain every “feed me” signal it knows how to send, do something to satisfy your hunger. If you are able to make it through with an iron will that says no to your stomach but does not allow your mind to go elsewhere, it says more about your love for food than it does about your love for God.

Christian fasting attempts to transfer the sufferings of hunger into the key of some everlasting melody, whether it’s struggling against some sin, appealing for someone’s salvation, advocating for the plight of the unborn, or longing for a better taste of Jesus’ presence.

7 Steps to Fasting

The manner in which you begin and conduct your fast will have a significant impact on its success. If you adhere to these seven fundamental principles of fasting, you will make your time with the Lord more meaningful and spiritually satisfying.

Step 1: Set an Objective for Your Fast

What is your reason for fasting? Is it for the purpose of spiritual renewal? Looking for some direction? In order to heal? In order to find solutions to problems? Do you need more grace to deal with a challenging situation? Inquire of the Holy Spirit about what He would like you to take away from this experience. You will be able to pray more specifically and strategically as a result of this.

According to 2 Chronicles 7:14, we must humble ourselves before God in order for the Holy Spirit to stir our spirits, awaken our churches, and heal our nation via fasting and prayer, respectively. Make it a top priority during your fasting period.

Step 2: Commit to Your Fast

Prepare for your fast by praying about the type of fast you should do. All of Jesus’ disciples were instructed to fast, according to the teachings of Jesus (Matthew 6:16-18; 9:14-15). Believers will fast, according to Him, but it was a question of when rather than whether they would. Before you begin your fast, make the following decisions:

  • How long will you fast for – one meal, one day, a week, several weeks, or forty days? What will you do to prepare? (Begin slowly and work your way up to lengthier fasts.) The sort of fast God wishes you to do, such as a water-only fast or a water-and-juice fast, as well as the types of juices you will consume and how often you will consume them
  • What kinds of physical or social activities will you be limiting
  • What amount of time you will commit each day to prayer and God’s Word is up to you.

Prepare ahead of time by writing down your commitments and sharing them with a trusted friend or family member. This will assist you in maintaining your fast when physical temptations and the demands of daily life entice you to break it.

Step 3: Prepare Yourself Spiritually

Fasting and prayer are built on the basis of repentance. Your prayers will be hampered if you do not confess your wrongdoing. There are various things you may do to prepare your heart, including the following:

  • Inviting God to assist you in compiling a complete inventory of your sins
  • 1 John 1:9 says to confess every fault that the Holy Spirit brings to your attention and receive God’s pardon. Count on the forgiveness of those you have offended and the forgiveness of those who have injured you (Mark 11:25
  • Luke 11:4
  • John 17:3-4)
  • Make atonement with those who have wronged you as the Holy Spirit directs you
  • Inviting God to fill you with His Holy Spirit in accordance with His mandate in Ephesians 5:18 and His promise in 1 John 5:14-15 is a good start. Romans 12:1-2 says that you should give your life completely to Jesus Christ as Lord and Master, and that you should reject to follow your worldly nature. Psalm 48:9-10
  • 103:1-8
  • 104:11-13) are good places to start thinking about God’s attributes: love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace, compassion, and other characteristics. Start your period of fasting and prayer with an eager heart, according to Hebrews 11:6. Never underestimate the power of spiritual resistance. Satan may sometimes make the normal fight between the body and the spirit more intense (Galatians 5:16-17)

Step 4: Prepare Yourself Physically

Fasting requires reasonable precautions. Consult your physician first, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic ailment. Some people should never fast without professional supervision. Physical preparation makes the drastic change in your eating routine a little easier so you can turn your full attention to the Lord in prayer. Remember the following:

  • Do not jump into your fast without first preparing your body. Before beginning a fast, eat smaller meals throughout the day. Stay away from high-fat and high-sugar foods. Prior to beginning a fast, consume only raw fruits and vegetables for two days.

Next: While You Fast

Brittany Yesudasan is a model and actress. Historically, abstinence from meals for spiritual reasons has been practiced for thousands of years in the Bible. If you’re accustomed to eating “three square meals a day,” the idea of going without food as a spiritual practice may seem weird at first. Fasting, on the other hand, was a highly widespread religious practice during the time the Bible was written. “Christian fasting, at its foundation, is the hunger of a yearning for God,” says author John Piper in his book “Hunger for God.” In addition to being the spontaneous result of supreme satisfaction in God, Christian fasting has been designated as a selected weapon in the fight against every power in the world that would seek to take that satisfaction away.” But how exactly does biblical fasting function – and how can someone practice it right now?

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In this article, we’ll go over the basics of fasting, such as what it is and how it works, so that any Christian may understand it.

  • Fasting and prayer in the Bible
  • What Does Fasting Accomplish for Christians
  • Do Christians Need to Fast
  • How to Fast According to the Bible
  • Nutritional Fasting and Medical Safety
  • What Should You Do If You Fail at Fasting?

Some Christians use the term “fast” to refer to refraining from pleasures other than food, such as television, the internet, or, in the case of married couples, sex. People who have participated in a “social media fast” or a “screen fast” for spiritual reasons may be familiar to you. This article will be primarily concerned with traditional Christian fasting, which is defined as refraining from eating for a period of time.

Do Christians Need to Fast?

Fasting may appear to be a fantastic idea nowadays. However, in Jesus’ society, it was considered strange for a holy person to refrain from fasting. Fasting was a common practice among the disciples of John the Baptist, an important prophet who cleared the way for Jesus’ mission. A group of religious leaders who rejected Jesus’ teachings and sought to have Him killed felt the same way! It was not customary for Jesus’ disciples to fast throughout His earthly ministry. But, according to Luke 5:33–34, Jesus thought they would fast once he returned to the Father.

Despite the fact that Jesus did not compel his followers to fast, He expected them to do so.

Prayer and Fasting in the Bible

Fasting is referenced throughout the Bible, in both the Old Testament (which was written before Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection) and the New Testament (which was written after Jesus’ mission, death, and resurrection) (written after). Two major passages from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah, as well as one from the life and teachings of Jesus, are typically cited by Christians when they address fasting. We don’t have any information on how to refrain from eating in either of these verses, though.

  • In Isaiah 58, God observes the people of Israel refraining from eating for a day in order to appeal to God for assistance: justice for Israel and judgment on those who have persecuted the country of Israel.
  • With the help of the prophet Jeremiah, God turns the tables on Israel, emphasizing how the Israelites are oppressing their own people.
  • God communicates with the people through the prophet Isaiah, telling them that He does not want them to go a day without food, and that He also wants them to refrain from oppressing one another.
  • (9–10, New International Version of Isaiah 58:9–10) When it came to fasting for God, the Israelites were only putting on a show rather than actually obeying Him.
  • The hypocrites disfigure their features to demonstrate that they are fasting, therefore when you fast, don’t look melancholy as they do.” They have, I swear to you, got their full and complete recompense.
  • (Matthew 6:16–18, New International Version) Christians should refrain from fasting just for the sake of seeming devout or righteous.
  • If you’re converting a fast into a spiritual ego boost, you’ve completely missed the goal of the exercise altogether.
  • Jesus fasted before beginning His public ministry (Luke 4:1,2)
  • Nehemiah fasted to aid him in confessing his sins to God and turning away from them, as well as to ask God for favor in the eyes of the king of Persia in order to obtain permission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1:4)
  • And David fasted in order to petition God to intervene because of injustice (Psalm 68:1). (Psalm 35:13). Several biblical characters fasted, including Samuel in 2 Samuel 12:17 and 23, who asked for a miraculous healing, which God did not grant
  • Mordecai and the Jews fasted when they learned of Haman’s evil plot to exterminate them (Esther 4:3)
  • And the early church fasted while worshiping and committing their ministry to the Lord. When they nominated leaders, they also sought wisdom from the Lord via fasting (Acts 13:2
  • 14:23).

Fasting is not restricted to the Christians who are mentioned in the Bible. Many of the church’s most prominent leaders during a period in history known as the Protestant Reformation — including Martin Luther, John Calvin, and John Knox – fasted. Luther, Calvin, and Knox were among the leaders who fasted. During his time in exile, Knox fasted and prayed so intensely that Queen Mary declared that she dreaded his prayers more than all of Scotland’s forces. John Wesley, the well-known English preacher, missionary, and founder of Methodism, fasted twice a week from the time of sunrise till the time of sunset, according to tradition.

When Charles Finney, a revivalist in the 1800s, thought that his revival meetings were not properly exposing people to Jesus, he fasted on a regular basis each week and would frequently spend three days without eating. He died in 1898.

Why Do Christians Fast? What Does Biblical Fasting Accomplish?

Fasting according to biblical principles is not a hunger strike between you and God. For many people, fasting might be seen of as a method to give their prayers a little additional punch. However, biblical fasting is not so much about how God responds to your prayers as it is about how you bring your requests to Him in the first place. “God opposes the haughty, but favors the humble,” the Bible says (1 Peter 5:5, NIV; see 2 Samuel 22:28). When we fast, we are bringing ourselves closer to God in a humble manner.

Bill Bright, a co-founder of Cru, made it a point to fast and pray on a regular basis.

He enumerated various advantages he had acquired through fasting, including:

  • Fasting is a biblical practice that can help you completely humble yourself in God’s eyes. “Through fasting, I humbled myself,” King David declared (Psalm 35:13, New King James Version
  • See Ezra 8:21)
  • As a consequence of fasting, the Holy Spirit might expose your genuine spiritual state, resulting in brokenness, repentance, and a transformed life. Your confidence and faith in God will be reinforced as a result of your fasting. You will feel renewed on all levels: psychologically, spiritually, and physically.

Important to note is that fasting does not improve the answer to prayer in the way that many people believe. In contrast to this, authentic fasting is a way of encouraging a better (and more humble) attitude to prayer.

How to Do a Biblical Fast

Christian fasting may be divided into two categories: fasting from food and fasting from prayer. 1. A speed that is only partially observed. The book of Daniel contains a description of this. The prophet Daniel refrained from all foods save for “delicacies” such as meat and wine for three weeks during the time when Israel was in exile from Babylon (Daniel 10:3). 2. A total abstinence from food. When fasting for a lengthy period of time, a full fast includes simply consuming water or, in certain cases, juice.

If you are new to fasting, begin with little increments of time.

Starting with one meal a day, one day a week, or one week a month, you may gradually increase your fasting time.

Preparing for the Fast

In a typical fast, one refrains from eating or drinking anything other than water for a period of 24 hours, starting at dawn and ending at sunset. If you are fasting for the first time, you may find that you skip one or two meals in the beginning. Over time, you may work your way up to a whole day or perhaps longer. Begin by abstaining from solid food and instead consuming liquids. When it comes to beverages, water is the ideal choice because soft drinks are bad for the digestive system and coffee and tea stimulate the nervous system.

It is usual to feel headaches during the first few days of a multi-day fast, as the body adjusts to the absence of caffeine in the diet.

If you are planning an extended fast (more than 14 days), you should prepare mentally and physically by cutting back on your food intake one week before the actual fast and adopting a vegetarian diet to help control your food cravings.

Reduce your consumption of caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks as well. Make sure you drink lots of water. (This is always an excellent idea, regardless of whether you are fasting or not!)

During the Fast

It is customary to fast for 24 hours, from dawn to sunrise, and to refrain from eating or drinking anything other than water throughout that time period. Starting out by skipping a meal or two is common when fasting for the first time. You may work your way up to a whole day or even longer with practice. Drink plenty of fluids to begin with and avoid solid foods. Water is the ideal choice since soft drinks are bad for the digestive system, while coffee and tea stimulate the neurological system, making water the finest choice.

The withdrawal from caffeine might cause headaches during the first few days of a multi-day fast, which is normal at this period.

If you are planning an extended fast (more than 14 days), you should prepare psychologically and physically by cutting back on your food intake one week before the actual fast.

Ensure that you consume enough of fluids.

Ending the Fast

It is possible that breaking the fast will need as much discipline as starting it. During a fast, your stomach contracts, and your digestive and elimination systems take a break from their normal functions. The longer you fast, the more time your digestive organs will require to reawaken before they can work at maximum capacity. If you just want to fast for a day or two at a time, it is preferable to complete the fast with a small glass of fruit juice as your first meal after completing the fasting period.

You should continue to drink juices for a day or more if your fast is more than a few days, and only then should you begin to introduce more substantial items such as yogurt, soup, and fruit into your diet.

You should stop eating as soon as you see the first signs of fullness.

If you have worked up to and want to fast for a longer period of time, you should talk with your doctor and read a health book on fasting.

Fasting and Medical Safety

Fasting for a short period of time does no harm to healthy persons, according to “The Foods and Nutrition Encyclopedia.” The typical healthy individual can survive without meals for anywhere between 21 and 40 days or longer before the body begins to destroy essential tissue, depending on their health (starvation). Before commencing any fast that may last more than three days, consult with your doctor beforehand.

If you have underlying health concerns such as pregnancy, anemia, behavioral disorders, or other chronic health problems, you should never fast without first speaking with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

What If You Fail at Fasting?

In the words of Bill Bright, it takes time to develop your spiritual fasting muscles. Do not be disheartened if you are unable to complete your first fast successfully. It’s possible that you attempted to fast for an excessive amount of time the first time, or that you need to deepen your comprehension and commitment. Continue to attempt until you achieve success. God will reward you for your steadfastness in the end.

Conclusion

Fasting has been a method for God’s people to humble themselves before Him for over three thousand years! Jesus, David, and a large number of other followers of our God have sacrificed their meals for a short period of time in order to praise and pray to the one who provides for all our needs. God is praised as the one who hears and responds to our prayers!

Latest Stories inFasting

Fasting is significant in God’s eyes. His Word, on the other hand, has 92 verses that mention it. Many of our heroes of the faith, such as Moses, Elijah, Esther, Nehemiah, Daniel, and Paul, fasted at critical times in their lives, as did the Israelites.

Fasting

Learn what fasting is and how it might have an influence on your religious beliefs. Find out why abstaining from food and drink for a period of time can help you enhance your connection with the Almighty.

Fasting

Even though the Bible has little advice on how to fast, it does provide a large number of accounts of people who did fast. Learn about some of the most significant instances in the Bible when people and countries fasted. All Rights Reserved. 1994-2021 Cru. All Rights Reserved.

A Beginner’s Guide to Christian Fasting

“The primary objective of fasting is to answer the question: What am I yearning to be filled with?” says the author.

What is Fasting?

An abstention from something (typically food and/or drink) for an extended length of time is referred to as “fasting.” Fasting has been practiced for spiritual purposes by people of various faiths for hundreds of years. Christians have evolved their own methods of fasting, and there are certain days and seasons during which it is customary to fast on these days. In addition, fasting can be used for a variety of religious causes.

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Why Fast? Emptying and Dependence

Fasting has been a spiritual practice of mine for the most of my adult life. My fasting experiences have ranged from one meal to up to a week during the course of my career. Fasting was introduced to me by a religious healer named Edmund John in Tanzania, where I first encountered it in 1976. This healer had a three-day method, with the second day always consisting of a full day fast. To put it another way, you fast for a day before having hands placed on you for healing. There was a fundamental lesson in this: you must empty your stomach of food before you can be filled with the Holy Spirit and with healing power.

We could consider Philippians 2:7, which says that Jesus “emptied himself” (NRSV, ESV) in order to become man.

When I fast, I find myself more responsive to a deeper connection with God, as well as more open to being filled with the Holy Spirit, which is a blessing.

Fasting, in conjunction with this, necessitates a trusting and dependent mindset. One must rely on God to fill the voids that have been created by man. This is likely the most concise description of faith: a reliance on the creator to fill and provide what is lacking or unavailable.

How to Fast

Determine Your Reason/Purpose for Fasting: The first stage in any fast is determining your reason/purpose for fasting. Are you fasting in order to purge yourself? Do you want to improve your connection with God? Are you fasting in order to show your support for the poor? Also, what about for a holy day like Ash Wednesday or Good Friday? It is vital that you understand the objective of your fast. It helps to put your experience into context. Make a commitment to a certain time frame: If you are just starting out, fasting for one meal is an excellent way to get your bearings.

  1. Another alternative is to fast from Saturday evening to Sunday morning, with your fast being broken by receiving Holy Communion on Sunday morning.
  2. Some people fast from Palm Sunday until Good Friday during Holy Week.
  3. On Good Friday, you can consider breaking your fast with some light fare about 3 p.m., the hour when Jesus breathed his last on the cross.
  4. Of course, there’s water.
  5. Other possibilities include vegetable broth or herbal tea, both of which should be consumed without sugar and diluted with water.
  6. You may, however, want to consume only a modest amount of coffee or tea if you are concerned about getting a caffeine headache.

Tips for Fasting

It is best to avoid watching television: We are often startled by how extensively food is displayed on television, particularly in ads. If you do decide to watch television, keep this in mind. You may, on the other side, use your fast as an opportunity to abstain from media, technology, and noise altogether. Exercise:I urge that you keep up with your regular exercise program as much as possible. I once had a student who worked as an aerobics instructor, and she was debating whether or not she should cancel lessons during her fast.

  • Again, fasting necessitates a reliance on God, who will supply you with the energy and stamina you require.
  • It may be appropriate at this time to express sympathy with individuals who are food insecure.
  • You can pray something like this: “Dear God, please provide me with energy that is more than my current physical state at this time.” In essence, this is a definition of grace in its purest form.
  • However, we do it gracefully, appealing to a strength that comes from without rather than within.
  • Other activities can be used to fill the time between meals.
  • During a fast, all of that time is made available.
  • You can spend time in prayer, meditation, or spiritual reading if you so want.

Pray, for example, for those who are hungry. You may organize a charitable gesture, such as volunteering at a food pantry or a homeless shelter. Once again, we return to the notion of filling a void that has been created – in this case, the void of time.

The Blessings of Fasting

It is extremely recommended that you have a goal for your fast. Make a conscious decision to accomplish something and plan ahead of time. As a result, your fasting activities will be more in line with the overall goal of the fast. This means that the more goal you have prior to fasting, the more rewarding your experience will be throughout the fast. Without intending to do so, it is possible to succumb to the temptation of sitting about feeling sorry for oneself. If you are fasting, you could wonder, “I’m meant to feel horrible, am I right?” But no, feeling horrible is not the goal of fasting; it is just a side effect that occurs when your body becomes accustomed to it during the process.

I am frequently taken aback by the fact that I have so much energy while I am fasting.

In addition, I have been startled by a sense of tranquility that I have experienced when fasting.

This essay is based on an interview with Jacques Hadler conducted by Matthew Kozlowski in 2016.

How to fast like Jesus ~ The Bible Speaks to You

These days, I hear a lot of Christians preaching about how vital it is to fast according to the Bible. After that, they go on and on about how long you should go without food or drink, or what kinds of things you should avoid eating or drinking altogether. Everyone appears to have their own interpretation of what constitutes a truly spiritual fast. But what does it truly mean to fast imply in practice? Is it simply a matter of not eating or drinking? No, I don’t believe so. It is not possible to become more spiritual or closer to God just by abstaining from food and drink for a period of time.

  • During your fast, are you utilizing the opportunity to seek God’s will?
  • It’s possible to accomplish this whether or not you’re fasting from eating.
  • In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus also stressed the value of fasting in one’s personal life.
  • They wanted to demonstrate to the rest of the world how holy they were.
  • He advised that we fast in such a way that no one would be aware of our actions.

There are a “few” Christians who, in today’s world, should heed Jesus’ words. They share all of the specifics of their fast with their friends and followers on Facebook, and they express their gratitude to God for his blessings. This method has previously been criticized by Jesus.

How to fast like Jesus

Jesus fasted in the wilderness for forty days, although he did not get hungry throughout that time. Throughout the entire process, he was eating on the Word of God. When Satan offered him the opportunity to change stones into bread, he responded with his famous answer, “It is written, Man shall not live by food alone, but by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4 King James Version) Jesus was consuming the spiritual food that came directly from the mouth of God.

  1. Once, his followers approached him and pleaded with him to eat.
  2. They assumed he had been provided some food, but he clarifies his true intention by saying, “My meat is to execute the will of him who sent me, and to complete his mission.” (See also John 4:32-34) The only genuine food we should consume is the fulfillment of God’s desire.
  3. Is it expected that we abstain from food for 40 days in order to follow Jesus’ example?
  4. Try it for 40 days and see how it goes.
  5. It is possible to achieve success by just going for five minutes without declaring your own will.

Prayer and fasting

Jesus was once requested to treat a little child who was suffering from epilepsy. His followers had attempted to heal him, but had been unsuccessful. Jesus reprimanded them for their lack of trust. It wasn’t that they lacked faith; rather, they lacked a stronger sense of conviction. When they confronted Jesus in private about why they hadn’t been able to treat the patient, he clarified that this type of condition could only be healed “by prayer and fasting,” (Mark 9:29), and not only via prayer alone.

  • No.
  • (See Mark 2:18–19 for further information.) Fasting was approached in a more spiritual manner by Jesus.
  • Jesus was aware with this chapter from Isaiah, Chapter 58, verses 1-8, which discusses the type of fast that is acceptable to God and what constitutes a good fast.
  • They are carrying spiritual teachings in their wombs.
  • ‘How come we have fasted and you do not notice?
  • “Behold, you fast just in order to argue and brawl and to attack with a cruel fist,” says the prophet.
  • Is it necessary for him to lower his head as if he were a reed and lay sackcloth and ashes under him?
  • Isn’t it my goal to loosen the chains of wickedness, remove the yoke’s straps, release the oppressed, and break every yoke?

“Then your light will break forth like the morning, and your healing will spring up quickly; your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will serve as your rear guard.” (Isaiah 58:1-8, English Standard Version) Giving up selfish, nasty, and scared thoughts as quickly as possible is what the genuine fast entails.

How many times have we fasted and prayed for what we desire instead of humbly surrendering to God’s plan for our lives? When we do this, do we even recognize that we’re doing it?

True fasting and prayer

True fasting is not about depriving oneself of what one requires, but rather about giving up what one does not require. Jesus did not abandon God’s Word when he was in the desert. He refused to eat the bread of selfish ambition, power, and glory, and he was imprisoned as a result. God did not instruct Isaiah to urge the people to abstain from eating, but rather to share their bread with those in need. In other words, genuine fasting, as described by God Himself, consists in abstaining from the bread of selfishness, the intoxicating drink of indifference to and lack of awareness of the needs of others, and the bread of indifference to and lack of awareness of the needs of others.

  1. However, just because you are assisting a fellow human being does not imply that you are genuinely fasting.
  2. Is this the speed at which God has decided to work?
  3. Is there anything in there that reminds you of what Jesus said?
  4. (See Matthew 25:31-46 for further information.) Jesus makes the point that both the sheep and the goats saw Jesus as their Lord and savior in this passage.
  5. Those who had fed the poor, visited the ill and inmates in jail, clothed the naked, and provided assistance to those who were homeless, in other words, those who had followed Jesus’ example, were deemed virtuous by the community.
  6. It’s basically exactly the same phrasing as before.
  7. Going without food or drink does not make Him feel good about yourself.

According to this more spiritual meaning, Jesus was truly fasting all of the time during his earthly ministry.

He didn’t have a personal agenda.

His mission is marked by the declaration: “I seek not my own will, but the will of the Father who has sent me.” (John 5:30 a.m.) Furthermore, “I came down from heaven, not to fulfill my own will, but to execute the will of him who sent me,” says the angel.

It’s also included in the Lord’s Prayer.

Fasting in the genuine meaning means to submit to God’s will while also providing for those in need.

And don’t be astonished if God heals the sick and reforms the sinner as a result of your prayers and fasting.

It is now necessary to fast.

As always, I’d appreciate it if you could share your views about fasting from your own desires and praying with Jesus, “Not my will, but Thine be done.” Please leave a remark in the space below. Thanks. Blessings, James

Two Instructions from Jesus on Fasting

And while you fast, avoid looking depressed, as hypocrites do, who disfigure their features in order to demonstrate to others that they are fasting from something. They have, I swear to you, gotten their just compensation. While fasting, apply oil to your head and wash your face so that your fasting will be noticed not by others but by your Father who sees everything in secret. Your Father who sees everything in secret will reward you for your fasting. Matthew 6:16 (KJV) Giving, prayer, and fasting were the three most important religious acts practiced by Jews throughout history.

  • Jesus opens with the phrase “Whenever you fast,” implying that he expected his disciples to fast, despite the fact that neither he nor any of the New Testament writers demand it.
  • Many people who fasted made a point of dressing in ragged clothes, wiping their heads with ashes, and stumbling around as if they were bearing a heavy load, according to reports.
  • First and foremost, during fasting, maintain a normal—and cheerful—appearance.
  • massage oil into your scalp and cleanse your face.
  • That’s exactly what folks did before heading out to eat or drink.
  • 61:3, since oil was associated with joy, one should appear not only normal but also pleasant!
  • in order that your fasting may not be seen by others, but by your Father who is in secret,” according to the Bible.
  • Its primary motivation is a desire to be in connection with God.
See also:  Who Was The Roman Emperor During Jesus Life

My memories of the experience are threefold: (1) how simple it was to pack for a youth retreat without food, (2) how difficult it was to fill the time that would otherwise be devoted to meal preparation, consumption, and cleanup, and (3) how much I despised going without food for two and a half days.

  1. For me, being exposed to the inside chorus of spoilt, whiny, enticing voices that persistently want to bully me back into my selfish, self-indulgent, self-absorbed nature has been a humbling and illuminating experience.
  2. 4:1-11).
  3. It has educated me about the pleasures of eating as well as the need of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
  4. Fasting is usually uncomfortable for me, so memorizing numerous portions of scripture to “feed on” when my stomach grumbles has proven to be really beneficial.
  5. As a result, I have gazed at you in the temple, awestruck by your might and splendor.
  6. As a result, I will bless you for as long as I live; I will raise my hands and scream out your name to the universe.
  7. What was your experience like?
  8. What do you take away from your experience with God?
  9. When I think of you on my bed, and ponder on you in the wee hours of the morning, my soul is pleased as if it had eaten a plentiful feast, and my tongue praises you with joyous lips; for you have been my aid, and under the shadow of your wings I sing for pleasure.
  10. (Psalm 63:5–8).
  11. E.

He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota. He is the author of the book Receiving and Giving: Unleashing the Bless Challenge in Your Life, which is available on Amazon. Dave and his wife, Terri, have four adult children and four grandchildren. Send a note to Dave.

Tithing

Should Christians (or Christian-owned companies) give tithes to the church? What much of money should I distribute? Is it God’s will for me to take a vow of poverty and give away everything I possess? Is it possible that God will punish me if I don’t tithe? How can I strike a balance between my financial needs and desires and the biblical requirement to give? If you’ve ever wondered what tithing is and how it pertains to you, you’re not alone in wanting to know the answers to these and other questions.

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How to Fast and Pray In A Way that Pleases God

When you think about fasting and prayer, what images spring to mind for you? Let’s take a deep breath and assess the situation. My initial thoughts are, ‘There’s no way I’m going to go all day without food.’ Is it possible for me to be more honest? The first time I felt God nudging me to look into how to fast and pray, I panicked out a little. I assumed that fasting would be difficult and that the Bible would be full of rules and restrictions that I would be unable to adhere to. So you can imagine my surprise when I began searching the Bible for all of the regulations about how to fast – and discovered grace.

How to Fast and Pray for a Breakthrough – God’s Way

We began this series by examining five of the most compelling reasons to fast, as well as the possibility of success. In the next section, we learned that God has a lot to say on how not to fast. To be really honest, I started there because God began there. What I was expecting was a list of appropriate techniques for fasting and praying – perhaps from the book of Leviticus – that I could read and try out. In reality, the majority of the internet is fascinated with the mechanics of fasting.

  1. The only hard and fast rule for fasting was established by Jesus himself.
  2. But He doesn’t say to abstain from eating meat or all food, or refrain from doing certain things.
  3. Fasting is about lowering our hearts in the presence of God.
  4. and allowing God to bring you happiness.

What is the purpose of a fast?

Fasting is about lowering our hearts in the presence of God.

Fasting and prayer are about letting go of the things that bring you pleasure in order to come closer to God. and allowing God to satisfy your desires through them. This prayer book contains a variety of scriptural prayers that may be spoken during fasting.

What does the Bible Say About Fasting?

It is “I have something to eat that you are not aware of.” (John 4:32 New American Standard Bible) The majority of Biblical fasting is related to food. Think about it: food provides us with fuel and energy to go through the day, and it may help us attain a state of contentment for the majority of us. In biblical times, people would have spent a significant amount of time preparing meals for their families. With our current way of life, we don’t have such luxury. We can prepare a dinner in 5 minutes in the microwave that would have taken them hours to prepare.

That would have taken up a significant amount of time for all of their meal preparation and consumption.

For a period of time, if you were alive at the time and were learning how to fast and pray, you would have abstained from eating.

Why Look at the Types of Fasting in the Bible

In the Bible, there are many different sorts of fasting, or different types of spiritual fasting. Where the Bible does not provide specific guidelines for fasting, it does provide examples of various sorts of fasting throughout the Bible (spiritual fasting). In addition, please keep in mind that God valued any form of fast (as long as one’s heart was in the right place), thus I see Grace in a fast that is pleasing to God. Furthermore, when individuals were just following the “rules” they had established for a period of Fasting (and their hearts were not in the right place), God did not recognize it.

How to Fast and Pray in Today’s Culture

A fast that pleases God — a fast that is God’s will – prioritizes the heart over the laws. When you are preparing a time to investigate the power of prayer and fasting, make a note of the reason for your fast.

  • Do you think you’ll need to fast and pray in order to see a breakthrough? Make a note of it. If you want assistance, please see these 5 Reasons to Fast for more information. Following that, you must evaluate which sort of spiritual fasting will be most effective for you. In the end, choose a day to begin your fast and commit to it.

How do you begin fasting?

It is possible to find dozens of fasting and prayer texts, however the following are five key examples that you may use as a fasting and prayer guide. Please be aware of the following: It is advisable to consult with your doctor about the practical aspects of your plans to fast and pray. If you have a medical issue, you should consider going on a non-food fasting diet.

  • Jesus and Moses, for example, were both known for taking things to the extreme. For 40 days, there will be no food or water. (2 Corinthians 5:21
  • Exodus 34:28)

The Complete fast, which might last anywhere from a few hours to an entire day to several days or weeks, is a religious practice.

  • This was the most popular type of question in the Bible, so I’ll simply provide a few examples. In the following passages: (Esther 4:16, Joel 2:12, Ezra 8:21-23, Jonah 3:5-9)

A Partial Fast (also known as a three-day spiritual fast): In one case, we observe that they ate fruit, vegetables, and water for a total of ten days.

  • While in captivity, Daniel and the three companions observed a fast in order to honor God. (See Daniel 1:12)

The Daniel Fast consists of abstaining from meat, delicious bread, wine, and oils for his skin for 21 days (Daniel 10:3; Daniel 9:3)

  • These would have been things that Daniel would have enjoyed, such as nice food and relief from dry skin (Daniel was older by then and lived in a hot, arid environment)
  • According to 1 Corinthians 7:5, a husband and wife might decide jointly to give up sex for a period of time and for a specific purpose.
  • The prophet Daniel serves as a model for us as well (Daniel 10:3
  • Daniel 9:3).

A fast from things that make you feel good or that entertain you.

  • In modern times, this might include television, social media, spending money, and other activities.

To begin fasting, simply pick a fast and follow the instructions provided.

What Biblical Fasting is Not

Biblical fasting is not just about abstaining from food! The subject of food is not always the focus of a Biblical fast or a spiritual fast in the Bible. After reading the past two instances, I’ve come to the conclusion that fasting and praying are essentially about replacing things that satisfy us physically with God for a specified period of time and for a specific reason. In the past, I have fasted from eating and found it to be quite effective in drawing me closer to God. The bodily reminder of hunger serves as a catalyst for prayer, worship, and a desire to get closer to God.

There have also been instances when I choose to abstain from social media — that was eye-opening! An additional occasion, I fasted and prayed without access to my phone for a whole day — boy, was that an eye-opening and humbling experience!

Pray Powerful Prayers During Fasting

When we incorporate scripture into our prayer plan, we may create a strong prayer strategy for fasting. By using scripture in our prayers, we may make them more strategic and effective! If you need additional evidence, consider these 65 Bible texts concerning prayer for motivation.

Beware A Common Danger

Fasting and prayer are about maintaining a healthy heart position, not about losing weight. It is my tendency of turning a fast into a diet that has led me to choose to fast and pray instead of eating a meal during my list time. This is not the proper heart posture. If your heart is in the right place – and you are sincerely desiring to come near to God with a purpose — fasting in any form will stimulate your spirit in preparation for Him. Fasting is about giving up my own satisfaction in order to allow God to fill me.

Tiffany Montgomery’s book, A Beginners Guide to Pray and Fast: Taking Spiritual Warfare to the Next Level, is a great resource.

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Will You Learn How to Fast and Pray Today?

Do you have a profound need for breakthrough and spiritual nourishment in your life? Do you have a pressing desire for God to respond or intervene fast in your life? Join me on this quest to get more intimate with our Savior. Fasting and praying may be learned in a much shorter period of time than most Christians understand. This spiritual practice has been lost, yet it still has power. You simply need to make the decision to begin in order to harness that power.

  • Choose what you will give up during your fasting period. Choose a day when you want to start
  • Choose a topic or a scripture to concentrate on in prayer and then pray about it. Don’t be disheartened if your first fast isn’t flawless
  • It’s only the first time. Continue to practice until you discover the appropriate beat and God responds to your prayers.

Please leave a comment below. When I say “I’m in,” I mean it, and I’ll pray for you as we respond to the call to Fast and Pray together! Tiffany of Hope Joy in Christ encourages Christian women to develop in their faith, live out Biblical Marriage Principles, and raise godly children via her ministry, In Him. Join the Wives Only Facebook Group by clicking here, or follow her on Pinterest by clicking here. If you loved this post, you might also appreciate these other posts:

  • Methods for Effectively Praying Proverbs 31 and Making a Difference in Your Life
  • 40-Days of being still and getting to know God better
  • A Christian Couple’s Intimacy: How to Make It More Intimate
  • There are several types of fasting that can be used for spiritual breakthrough.

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