Prayer & Fasting
The goal of fasting is to draw nearer to God. Biblical fasting always has to do with eliminating distractions for a spiritual purpose. By intentionally abstaining from something that comforts us for a period of time, typically food, we focus on expressing need for the only one who can truly comfort us, God. However, fasting without prayer is simply a diet. When coupled with prayer, fasting becomes a powerful discipline that nourishes our spirit and draws us closer to God. The focus of fasting is not the lack of food, but rather on what we are gaining, the revelation and presence of God.
•
Remember, your personal fast should present a level of challenge, but it is very important to know your body, your options, and most importantly, to seek God in prayer and follow what the Holy Spirit leads you to do.
TYPES OF FASTS
Your personal fast should present a level of challenge, but it is very important to know your body, your options, and most importantly, to seek God in prayer and follow what the Holy Spirit leads you to do.
COMPLETE FAST
In this type of fast, you drink only liquids, typically water with light juices as an option.
SELECTIVE FAST
This type of fast involves removing certain elements from your diet. One example of a selective fast is the Daniel Fast, during which you remove meat, sweets, and bread from your diet and consume water and juice for fluids and fruits and vegetables for food.
PARTIAL FAST
This fast is sometimes called the “Jewish Fast” and involves abstaining from eating any type of food in the morning and afternoon. This can either correlate to specific times of the day, such as 6:00 am to 3:00 pm, or from sunup to sundown.
SOUL FAST
This fast is a great option if you do not have much experience fasting food, have health issues that prevent you from fasting food, or if you wish to refocus certain areas of your life that are out of balance. For example, you might choose to stop using social media or watching television for the duration of the fast and then carefully bring that element back into your life in healthy doses at the conclusion of the fast.
STRUCTURING YOUR FAST
Whether you’re participating in our annual Church Wide Fast or fasting at certain times throughout the year, here are some steps that can help you make the most of this spiritual discipline.
Prayerfully consider the type and length of time for your fast. Set aside daily intentional time with God to pray, read the Word, worship Him, and listen to His leading. Your day could look like:
Morning
Wake up an hour earlier to give uninterrupted time to God. Attend morning prayer or watch online to begin your day focused on the fast theme. Use the Prayer Guide to journal what God is teaching and showing you.
Noon
Return to the Word of God. Use the YouVersion Bible app to complete a reading plan on Fasting.
EVENING
Take a prayer walk or turn on worship music and spend some time worshiping God.
RESOURCES ON FASTING
PRAYER+FASTING
Sermon by Pastor Justin Dailey
7 Basic Steps to Successful Fasting and Prayer
Article by Bill Bright
Guide to Fasting and Prayer
Article by Bill Bright