Prayer + Fasting: What it is and how you can engage in this spiritual discipline
Pastor Kyle Veach
Whether you're new to the concept of fasting or you've been down this path before, we're thrilled to embark on this journey of prayer and fasting with you. This guide is here to help you discover how this spiritual discipline can bring you closer to God and lead to transformative breakthroughs in your life.
Why Do Christians Fast?
In the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 6:16), Jesus didn't say "if" you fast but rather "when" you fast, emphasizing the importance of fasting for His followers. This implies that fasting is not just an option but a spiritual discipline expected of every Christian. Throughout the Bible, fasting and prayer have been instrumental in deepening one's relationship with God and experiencing supernatural breakthroughs. If you desire a closer connection with God or seek divine intervention in a specific area of your life, fasting and prayer are powerful tools at your disposal.
Understanding Fasting
Fasting is a profound spiritual discipline that aligns our hearts with God's and empowers us to experience breakthroughs in various aspects of life. It involves voluntarily abstaining from food (or specific types of food) for a designated period, redirecting our focus, energy, and attention toward God. Fasting helps us gain spiritual strength and authority over the desires of our flesh.
How to Begin Your Fast
To start your fasting journey, it's crucial to plan ahead. Determine the duration and type of fast you'll undertake. Fasting can be done for any specific period, such as a one-day, three-day, seven-day, 21-day, or even a 40-day fast. Your choice depends on your experience level and guidance from the Holy Spirit. For newcomers, starting small, like a 1-day fast or a Daniel Fast, is recommended.
Types of Fasts
Fasting comes in various forms, categorized into three main types:
Complete Fast: This involves abstaining from all food and consuming only liquids for a specific time. If considering a prolonged complete fast, it's wise to consult a medical professional.
Partial Fast: During a partial fast, you abstain from food for specific parts of the day, such as fasting from sunrise to sunset and eating only in the evenings.
Selective Fast (e.g., The 'Daniel Fast'): A selective fast entails abstaining from specific types of foods, like the popular 'Daniel Fast' inspired by the book of Daniel (Daniel 10:3). This fast typically includes rice, beans, lentils, vegetables, and fruits while avoiding bread, meats, dairy, sugars, sweeteners, and alcohol.
Important Note: If you have a history of eating disorders or significant medical conditions, please consult a medical professional before fasting.
What About Fasting from Activities?
While the Bible encourages abstaining from certain activities to devote more time to God (1 Corinthians 7:5), fasting, as defined in Scripture, pertains specifically to food. However, choosing to abstain from specific activities (like social media or TV) while fasting can enhance your spiritual experience. Why not combine both approaches to draw closer to God?
Exploring the Daniel Fast
For those new to fasting, the 'Daniel Fast' is an excellent starting point. Named after the biblical figure Daniel (Daniel 10:3), this fast involves avoiding meats, sweets, and treats while consuming rice, beans, lentils, vegetables, and fruits. During this time, steer clear of bread, meats, dairy products, sugars, sweeteners, and alcoholic beverages. For a detailed list of acceptable and restricted foods during a Daniel Fast, check out the provided resources.
Conclusion
If you're new to fasting, remember that this is a spiritual discipline that grows with time and practice. Start small, perhaps with a 1-day fast or a Daniel Fast, and let God guide you on your fasting journey. Ask Him what He wants you to fast and for how long during this season, and take that step of faith. You've got this!
Further Reading
For those who want to delve deeper into understanding the spiritual discipline of fasting, consider these resources:
Book: Pray First: The Transformative Power of a Life Built on Prayer by Chris Hodges
Website + Links: Pastor Jentezen Franklin “Fasting”
Other Links
Want to hear a message on Fasting? Check out Pastor Kyle Veach’s message titled, "Better You Better Church: Fasting" from View Church. Watch it HERE.
For additional resources, including bible studies and insightful videos, visit our resources page.