7 Basic Steps To Successful Fasting And Prayer
“Fasting helps to express, to deepen, and to confirm the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice anything -- to sacrifice ourselves -- to attain what we seek for the kingdom of God."
What is Fasting?
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that has its origins in the Old Testament. The first person who fasted in the Bible was Moses who, during a fast of 40 days, received the Law from God. (Exodus 34:27-28). Jesus fasted for 40 days in the desert (Matthew 4:1-11) in preparation for being tempted by the devil. We learn of the widow Anna who dedicated herself to prayer and fasting (Luke 2:36-37). After meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:9), Paul fasted for three days and later wrote (2 Corinthians 11) that he fasted often.
The Greek word for fasting is nesteia which simply means “not to eat.” What does “not eating” mean? Why did people in the Bible fast? In Leviticus 16:29 we learn that fasting is synonymous with “afflicting one’s soul.” Fasting is something the soul participates in. It requires the denial of the self, the body, and our wants because they are secondary to God. So, Biblical fasting is deliberately abstaining from food for a spiritual goal, purpose, or reason.
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that was practiced by Jesus, Moses, Paul, David, Hannah, Elijah, Esther, Daniel and the Christians of the early church, to name a few. Are you ready to begin?
How to Begin Your Fast
How you begin and conduct your fast will largely determine your success. By following these seven basic steps to fasting, you will make your time with the Lord more meaningful and spiritually rewarding.
STEP 1: Set Your Objective
Why are you fasting? What is your spiritual goal? Here are some of the most common objectives:
· Atonement for sins
· Spiritual renewal
· Reconciliation of relationships
· Guidance in life decisions
· Healing
· Resolution of problems
· Special grace to handle a difficult situation
Ask the Holy Spirit to clarify His leading and objectives for your time of prayer and fasting. 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, awaken our churches, and heal our land according to 2 Chronicles 7:14. Make this a priority in your fasting.
STEP 2: Make Your Commitment
Pray about the kind of fast you should undertake. 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.
Before you fast, decide the following up front:
· How long you will fast - one meal, one day, a week, several weeks, forty days (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
Making these commitments ahead of time will help you sustain your fast when physical temptations and life's pressures tempt you to abandon it.
STEP 3: Prepare Yourself Spiritually
The very foundation of fasting and prayer is repentance. Unconfessed sin will hinder your prayers. Here are several things you can do to prepare your heart:
· Ask God to help you make a comprehensive list of your sins.
· Confess every sin that the Holy Spirit calls to your remembrance and accept God's forgiveness(1 John 1:9).
· Seek forgiveness from all whom you have offended, and forgive all who have hurt you (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3,4).
· Make restitution as the Holy Spirit leads you.
· 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.
· Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Master; refuse to obey your worldly nature (Romans 12:1,2).
· Meditate on the attributes of God, His love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace, compassion, and others (Psalm 48:9,10; 103:1-8,11-13).
· Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart (Hebrews 11:6).
· Do not underestimate spiritual opposition. Satan sometimes intensifies the natural battle between body and spirit (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 persons should never fast without professional supervision. 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.
· Do not rush into your fast.
· Prepare your body. 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.
While You Fast
Your time of fasting and prayer has come. You are abstaining from all solid foods and have begun to seek the Lord. Here are some helpful suggestions to consider:
· Avoid drugs, even natural herbal drugs and homeopathic remedies.
· Medication should be withdrawn only with your physician's supervision.
· Limit your activity.
· Exercise only moderately. Walk one to three miles each day if convenient and comfortable.
· Rest as much as your schedule will permit.
· Prepare yourself for temporary mental discomforts, such as impatience, crankiness, and anxiety.
· Expect some physical discomforts, especially on the second day. You may have fleeting hunger pains, dizziness, or the "blahs." Withdrawal from caffeine and sugar may cause headaches. Physical annoyances may also include weakness, tiredness, or sleeplessness.
As you continue to fast, you will likely experience a sense of well-being both physically and spiritually. However, should you feel hunger pains, increase your liquid intake.
STEP 5: Put Yourself on a Schedule
For maximum spiritual benefit, set aside ample time to be alone with the Lord. Listen for His leading. The more time you spend with Him, the more meaningful your fast will be.
Morning
· Begin your day in praise and worship.
· Read and meditate on God's Word, preferably on your knees.
· Invite the Holy Spirit to work in you to will and to do His good pleasure according to Philippians 2:13.
· Invite God to use you. Ask Him to show you how to influence your world, your family, your church, your community, your country, and beyond.
· Pray for His vision for your life and empowerment to do His will.
Noon
· Return to prayer and God's Word.
· Take a short prayer walk.
· Spend time in intercessory prayer for your community's and our nation's leaders, for the world's unreached millions, for your family or special needs.
Evening
· Get alone for an unhurried time of "seeking His face."
· If others are fasting with you, meet together for prayer.
· Avoid television or any other distraction that may dampen your spiritual focus.
When possible, begin and end each day on your knees, with your family if possible, for a brief time of praise and thanksgiving to God. Longer periods of time with our Lord in prayer and study of His Word are often better spent alone.
STEP 6: End Your Fast Gradually
When your designated time for fasting is finished, you will begin to eat again. But how you break your fast is extremely important for your physical and spiritual well-being.
Begin eating gradually. Do not eat solid foods immediately after your fast. Suddenly reintroducing solid food to your stomach and digestive tract will likely have negative, even dangerous, consequences. Try several smaller meals or snacks each day. If you end your fast gradually, the beneficial physical and spiritual effects will result in continued good health.
STEP 7: Expect Results
If you sincerely humble yourself before the Lord, repent, pray, and seek God's face; if you consistently meditate on His Word:
· You will experience a heightened awareness of His presence (John 4:21).
· The Lord will give you fresh, new spiritual insights.
· Your confidence and faith in God will be strengthened. You will feel mentally, spiritually, and physically refreshed.
· You will see answers to your prayers.
A single fast, however, is not a spiritual cure-all. Just as we need fresh infillings of the Holy Spirit daily, we also need new times of fasting before God. A 24-hour fast each week has been greatly rewarding to many Christians. It takes time to build your spiritual fasting muscles. If you fail to make it through your first fast, do not be discouraged.
You may have tried to fast too long the first time out, or you may need to strengthen your understanding and resolve. As soon as possible, undertake another fast until you do succeed. God will honor you for your faithfulness.
Adapted from “Your Personal Guide to Fasting & Prayer” by Dr. Bill Bright - Campus Crusade for Christ
TYPES OF FASTS
Scripture References for Fasting: Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-15, Luke 18:9-14
Relation to Prayer and Reading of the Word: 1 Samuel 1:6-8, 17-18, Nehemiah 1:4, Daniel 9:3, 20, Joel 2:12, Luke 2:37, Acts 10:30, Acts 13:2
Corporate Fasting: 1 Samuel 7:5-6, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 9:1-3, Joel 2:15-16, Jonah 3:5-10, Acts 27:33-37
Remember that it is the attitude of a heart sincerely seeking Him to which God responds with a blessing (Isaiah 58, Jeremiah 14:12, 1 Corinthians 8:8). May God greatly bless you as you fast!
FASTING AND YOUR HEALTH
If you are in poor health or have concerns about your physical ability to fast, please consult a physician before beginning your first fast. There are different types of fasts recommended on these pages. Your doctor can provide advice on how you can participate on this First Fruits Fast in a way that is healthy for you.
DANIEL FOOD GUIDELINES
Foods to include in your diet during the Daniel Fast
All fruits: These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Fruits include but are not limited to apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon
All vegetables: These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Vegetables include but are not limited to artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you are not allergic to soy.
All whole grains: including but not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn.
All nuts and seeds: including but not limited to sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including peanut butter.
All legumes: These can be canned or dried. Legumes include but are not limited to dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans.
All quality oils including but not limited to olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame.
Beverages: spring water, distilled water or other pure waters.
Other: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices.
Foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast
All meat and animal products including but not limited to beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish.
All dairy products including but not limited to milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs.
All sweeteners including but not limited to sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, and cane juice.
All leavened bread including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) and baked goods.
All refined and processed food products including but not limited to artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives.
All deep fried foods including but not limited to potato chips, French fries, corn chips.
All solid fats including shortening, margarine, lard and foods high in fat.
Beverages including but not limited to coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol.
What is Fasting?
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that has its origins in the Old Testament. The first person who fasted in the Bible was Moses who, during a fast of 40 days, received the Law from God. (Exodus 34:27-28). Jesus fasted for 40 days in the desert (Matthew 4:1-11) in preparation for being tempted by the devil. We learn of the widow Anna who dedicated herself to prayer and fasting (Luke 2:36-37). After meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:9), Paul fasted for three days and later wrote (2 Corinthians 11) that he fasted often.
The Greek word for fasting is nesteia which simply means “not to eat.” What does “not eating” mean? Why did people in the Bible fast? In Leviticus 16:29 we learn that fasting is synonymous with “afflicting one’s soul.” Fasting is something the soul participates in. It requires the denial of the self, the body, and our wants because they are secondary to God. So, Biblical fasting is deliberately abstaining from food for a spiritual goal, purpose, or reason.
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that was practiced by Jesus, Moses, Paul, David, Hannah, Elijah, Esther, Daniel and the Christians of the early church, to name a few. Are you ready to begin?
How to Begin Your Fast
How you begin and conduct your fast will largely determine your success. By following these seven basic steps to fasting, you will make your time with the Lord more meaningful and spiritually rewarding.
STEP 1: Set Your Objective
Why are you fasting? What is your spiritual goal? Here are some of the most common objectives:
· Atonement for sins
· Spiritual renewal
· Reconciliation of relationships
· Guidance in life decisions
· Healing
· Resolution of problems
· Special grace to handle a difficult situation
Ask the Holy Spirit to clarify His leading and objectives for your time of prayer and fasting. 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, awaken our churches, and heal our land according to 2 Chronicles 7:14. Make this a priority in your fasting.
STEP 2: Make Your Commitment
Pray about the kind of fast you should undertake. 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.
Before you fast, decide the following up front:
· How long you will fast - one meal, one day, a week, several weeks, forty days (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
Making these commitments ahead of time will help you sustain your fast when physical temptations and life's pressures tempt you to abandon it.
STEP 3: Prepare Yourself Spiritually
The very foundation of fasting and prayer is repentance. Unconfessed sin will hinder your prayers. Here are several things you can do to prepare your heart:
· Ask God to help you make a comprehensive list of your sins.
· Confess every sin that the Holy Spirit calls to your remembrance and accept God's forgiveness(1 John 1:9).
· Seek forgiveness from all whom you have offended, and forgive all who have hurt you (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3,4).
· Make restitution as the Holy Spirit leads you.
· 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.
· Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Master; refuse to obey your worldly nature (Romans 12:1,2).
· Meditate on the attributes of God, His love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace, compassion, and others (Psalm 48:9,10; 103:1-8,11-13).
· Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart (Hebrews 11:6).
· Do not underestimate spiritual opposition. Satan sometimes intensifies the natural battle between body and spirit (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 persons should never fast without professional supervision. 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.
· Do not rush into your fast.
· Prepare your body. 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.
While You Fast
Your time of fasting and prayer has come. You are abstaining from all solid foods and have begun to seek the Lord. Here are some helpful suggestions to consider:
· Avoid drugs, even natural herbal drugs and homeopathic remedies.
· Medication should be withdrawn only with your physician's supervision.
· Limit your activity.
· Exercise only moderately. Walk one to three miles each day if convenient and comfortable.
· Rest as much as your schedule will permit.
· Prepare yourself for temporary mental discomforts, such as impatience, crankiness, and anxiety.
· Expect some physical discomforts, especially on the second day. You may have fleeting hunger pains, dizziness, or the "blahs." Withdrawal from caffeine and sugar may cause headaches. Physical annoyances may also include weakness, tiredness, or sleeplessness.
As you continue to fast, you will likely experience a sense of well-being both physically and spiritually. However, should you feel hunger pains, increase your liquid intake.
STEP 5: Put Yourself on a Schedule
For maximum spiritual benefit, set aside ample time to be alone with the Lord. Listen for His leading. The more time you spend with Him, the more meaningful your fast will be.
Morning
· Begin your day in praise and worship.
· Read and meditate on God's Word, preferably on your knees.
· Invite the Holy Spirit to work in you to will and to do His good pleasure according to Philippians 2:13.
· Invite God to use you. Ask Him to show you how to influence your world, your family, your church, your community, your country, and beyond.
· Pray for His vision for your life and empowerment to do His will.
Noon
· Return to prayer and God's Word.
· Take a short prayer walk.
· Spend time in intercessory prayer for your community's and our nation's leaders, for the world's unreached millions, for your family or special needs.
Evening
· Get alone for an unhurried time of "seeking His face."
· If others are fasting with you, meet together for prayer.
· Avoid television or any other distraction that may dampen your spiritual focus.
When possible, begin and end each day on your knees, with your family if possible, for a brief time of praise and thanksgiving to God. Longer periods of time with our Lord in prayer and study of His Word are often better spent alone.
STEP 6: End Your Fast Gradually
When your designated time for fasting is finished, you will begin to eat again. But how you break your fast is extremely important for your physical and spiritual well-being.
Begin eating gradually. Do not eat solid foods immediately after your fast. Suddenly reintroducing solid food to your stomach and digestive tract will likely have negative, even dangerous, consequences. Try several smaller meals or snacks each day. If you end your fast gradually, the beneficial physical and spiritual effects will result in continued good health.
STEP 7: Expect Results
If you sincerely humble yourself before the Lord, repent, pray, and seek God's face; if you consistently meditate on His Word:
· You will experience a heightened awareness of His presence (John 4:21).
· The Lord will give you fresh, new spiritual insights.
· Your confidence and faith in God will be strengthened. You will feel mentally, spiritually, and physically refreshed.
· You will see answers to your prayers.
A single fast, however, is not a spiritual cure-all. Just as we need fresh infillings of the Holy Spirit daily, we also need new times of fasting before God. A 24-hour fast each week has been greatly rewarding to many Christians. It takes time to build your spiritual fasting muscles. If you fail to make it through your first fast, do not be discouraged.
You may have tried to fast too long the first time out, or you may need to strengthen your understanding and resolve. As soon as possible, undertake another fast until you do succeed. God will honor you for your faithfulness.
Adapted from “Your Personal Guide to Fasting & Prayer” by Dr. Bill Bright - Campus Crusade for Christ
TYPES OF FASTS
- Full Fast Drink only liquids (you establish the number of days).
- The Daniel Fast Eat no meat, no sweets and no bread. Drink water and juice. Eat fruits and vegetables.
- 3-Day Fast This fast can be a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.
- Partial Fast A partial fast is from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or from sun up to sundown. You can select from three types of fasting —a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.
Scripture References for Fasting: Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-15, Luke 18:9-14
Relation to Prayer and Reading of the Word: 1 Samuel 1:6-8, 17-18, Nehemiah 1:4, Daniel 9:3, 20, Joel 2:12, Luke 2:37, Acts 10:30, Acts 13:2
Corporate Fasting: 1 Samuel 7:5-6, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 9:1-3, Joel 2:15-16, Jonah 3:5-10, Acts 27:33-37
Remember that it is the attitude of a heart sincerely seeking Him to which God responds with a blessing (Isaiah 58, Jeremiah 14:12, 1 Corinthians 8:8). May God greatly bless you as you fast!
FASTING AND YOUR HEALTH
If you are in poor health or have concerns about your physical ability to fast, please consult a physician before beginning your first fast. There are different types of fasts recommended on these pages. Your doctor can provide advice on how you can participate on this First Fruits Fast in a way that is healthy for you.
DANIEL FOOD GUIDELINES
Foods to include in your diet during the Daniel Fast
All fruits: These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Fruits include but are not limited to apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon
All vegetables: These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Vegetables include but are not limited to artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you are not allergic to soy.
All whole grains: including but not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn.
All nuts and seeds: including but not limited to sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including peanut butter.
All legumes: These can be canned or dried. Legumes include but are not limited to dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans.
All quality oils including but not limited to olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame.
Beverages: spring water, distilled water or other pure waters.
Other: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices.
Foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast
All meat and animal products including but not limited to beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish.
All dairy products including but not limited to milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs.
All sweeteners including but not limited to sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, and cane juice.
All leavened bread including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) and baked goods.
All refined and processed food products including but not limited to artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives.
All deep fried foods including but not limited to potato chips, French fries, corn chips.
All solid fats including shortening, margarine, lard and foods high in fat.
Beverages including but not limited to coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol.