FASTING
The goal of fasting is to draw closer to God
When we do, we experience a reset in our soul and a genuine renewal from the inside out. Fasting prepares us to celebrate God’s goodness and mercy. It prepares our hearts for all the good things God desires to bring into our lives.
Once you decide to fast, we encourage you to seek God in prayer and follow what the Holy Spirit leads you to do.
Verses about fasting:
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
(Matthew 6:16-18 NIV)
“On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth and putting dust on their heads. Those of Israelite descent had separated themselves from all foreigners. They stood in their places and confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors. They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the Lord their God.”
(Nehemiah 9:1-3 NIV)
KINDS OF FASTING
Daniel’s Fast / Selective Fasting
This fast is about removing certain elements from your diet. All the meats, sweets, and bread are removed from your diet during this fast. You can consume water, natural juices, fruits and vegetables.
Partial Fast
This fast is also known as the «Jewish fast» and is about abstaining from eating any kind of food in the morning and in the afternoon. One example is fasting from when you wake up until 3 pm, another option is fasting from when you wake up until 6 pm.
Full Fast
During this fast, you generally only drink liquids, such as water and healthy juices.
Fasting of the Soul
This is a great option for those who do not have experience fasting, or who may have health problems that prevent them from fasting. You can try this fast if you want to re-focus on certain areas of your life that are out of balance.
For example, you can abstain from social media and TV shows during the fast. Once you’re done, you can re-integrate it healthily.
The length of the fast is not as important as your determination to focus on God during the fast.
We encourage you to join us for our 21-day fast during the first month of the year (January), as it is our season of Prayer and Fasting.
You can also fast during other times throughout the year for your spiritual growth. It is common to fast for a meal, a whole day, and up to 3 days.
7 BASIC STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL FASTING AND PRAYER (DR. BILL BRIGHT)
YOUR PERSONAL GUIDE TO FASTING AND PRAYER (DR. BILL BRIGHT)
