Our pastor has challenged us to fast and pray for seven days. We are to take that time to pray for an unsaved loved one.
I was meditating on this idea and was really thinking through what I believed about fasting. Here are some of my thoughts on the discipline of fasting.
- Fasting is discussed in both the Old and New Testaments. Moses fasted at least two different times for 40 days. Jesus fasted for 40 days. Jesus also reminded his disciples to fast. His words were “When you fast …” not if you fast. (Matthew 6:16)
- Fasting and prayer can renew your passion for the Lord.
- Fasting is a biblical way to truly humble yourself in the sight of God. (Psalm 35:13, Ezra 8:21)
- Fasting coupled with prayer allows the Holy Spirit to reveal your true spiritual condition. Therefore resulting in repentance and a changed life.
- The Holy Spirit will quicken the Word of God in your heart.
- Fasting will make your prayer life richer.
- Fasting and prayer are the only disciplines that fulfill the requirements of 2 Chronicles 7:14.
“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
I would recommend that if you are going to fast to make sure that you don’t have any medical conditions that would make fasting unsafe for you. If you have any questions, discuss this with your doctor.
I would also recommend starting slowly. First try a meal a day for a week, then perhaps a whole day a week, then gradually move up to a week. I would not recommend starting with a whole week.
There are a couple of different kinds of fasts. What kind of fast you choose is between you, your doctor, and God.
Daniel 10:3 “I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.”
From what I know about this kind of fast, you eat mostly vegetables and fruits.
Then there are liquid fasts. You can have fruit juice, vegetable juice, or even broth. This will keep your energy levels up. Be sure to drink lots of water, too.
There are absolute fasts where all you have is water. Be careful if you start this kind of a fast.
Focus on why you are fasting. Perhaps to seek something specific from God. And always to worship and praise the Lord.
Next you need to think about how you are going to prepare yourself for your fast. This is to be a special spiritual time. Search your heart and see if there are any unconfessed sins in your life. The Bible says that God requires his people to repent of their sins before He will hear their prayers.
“Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me. I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer.
Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!“
In your prayer time, think through not just sins that you’ve committed but also sins of omission – things you should have done but you didn’t. Have you always put the Lord first in your life? Have you been self-centered? Have you been worldly minded? Have you been spiritually indifferent? Have you neglected to share Christ with those around you? Have you neglected your time in God’s Word? Have you been impatient with your spouse or your children? Have you always looked out for the interests of others? (Ouch!)
While fasting is a spiritual discipline, there are also some physical preparations that you can make. If you plan on fasting for several days, you might find it helpful to start eating smaller meals before you completely abstain. This will help shrink your stomach and make fasting easier. If you are addicted to caffeine or sugar, it is best to ease yourself off of these items a little at a time.
How can I accomplish a fast with my work schedule? The kind of work you do can affect the kind of fast you complete and the length of your fast. If your job requires strenuous physical labor then you need to consider that when determining your fast. You may need to only fast one day a week or one meal a day, Or perhaps you need to plan your fasts for the weekend. Think about the calendar before you start. Fasting over major holidays is sometimes difficult because of family gatherings.
Be aware that throughout your fast you may feel somewhat weaker than normal. You may feel tired or irritable. Cutting down on strenuous exercise would be a good idea to maintain your health.
Fasting is not just denying yourself food. It is allowing your spiritual needs to take priority over your physical needs. It allows for extended prayer time.and Bible study. It is intended to give you a more intimate time with God. Do not neglect the purpose of the fast or you will find yourself discouraged and frustrated with your fast instead of uplifted and blessed. In fact, the more time you spend in worship, prayer, meditation, and studying the Word of God, the more meaningful your fast will be.
Do I tell others that I am fasting or should it be a secret?
Matthew 6:16 – 18 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, 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 men 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.”
These verses say that you are not to draw attention to yourself. A fast isn’t about you and it isn’t about being deprived. It is fine to tell some of your Christian friends that you are fasting if you are asking them to pray for you during your fast. You are vulnerable to the temptations of the enemy during a fast. Prayer support from others would be beneficial.
What if someone asks me why I am not eating? If it is a non-believer, simply reply that you have other plans for lunch today. (Your other plans should be prayer.) If a Christian asks, it is OK to simply say that you are fasting today.
Fasting requires commitment, dedication, and discipline. Arranging a special time each day with God is crucial. You want this time to be an intimate time with your heavenly Father. You must devote yourself to seeking God during this time. Read His Word and pray during what were mealtimes. Meditate on Him when you are awake at night. Sing praises whenever you need encouragement. Practice the presence of God in your life. Pray without ceasing.
Know that as you enter into this time that Satan will do everything he can to pull you away from your prayer time and your Bible reading. When you feel the enemy trying to discourage you, immediately start to pray and ask for God’s strength.
The devil makes you a target because he knows that fasting is a time when you enter into deep communion with the Father. He knows that God has something special for you as you wait upon Him and seek His face. Satan doesn’t want you to grow in your faith. He will do anything to disrupt this time. Remember that your only offensive weapon is the sword of the Spirit. Be ready to wield it.
During this time of fasting and prayer, pray for your own needs but be sure to bring others before the Lord. Pray for your church, family, friends, your nation, and the unsaved. However, don’t get so caught up in your requests that you forget about simply worshipping God. The real purpose of fasting should be to put our focus on God.
What can I expect from my fasting? You can expect a renewed spirit. You should feel closer to God. You should have a heightened sense of spiritual things. God will honor your commitment. Your motive in fasting must be to glorify God, not to have an “experience” and not to attain certain things for yourself. When your motives are right, God will honor your heart’s desires and bless your time with Him in a special way.
Note: My thoughts on this subject have been influenced by my years of service on the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ. Bill Bright was an example to us all on fasting and prayer.
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