What Is Fasting?

Fasting has been a regular practice for centuries, fuelled by the desire to seek God and know Him more. It usually means that we go without food for a time to focus our attention and prayer on God. Some people are unable to fast food, so chose to go without something they love.

People have seen enormous breakthrough in their own lives and the lives of others for whom they have prayed and fasted.

Why should we fast?

Because Jesus taught us to. Jesus did not say, “If you fast,” but “When you fast” (Matt 6:16-18). Fasting is to be a normal and regular part of the Christian life.

To humble ourselves before God, moving from independence to dependence on Him.

To confess our sin and repent. When the people of God confessed their sin, repented and cried out to God for forgiveness, they often fasted as well (Dan 9:3-4).

As an expression of grief. God’s people fasted after defeat in battle or other times, such as after Saul’s death when they mourned with sackcloth and ashes (2 Sam 1:11-12).

To secure the guidance and help of the Lord. This is the most common reason for fasting. Prayer and fasting is often mentioned in the Bible as God’s people seek to know His will. When people need a major breakthrough in their lives, they fast (2 Chron 20:3). See also Exod 34:28, Deut 9:9, 2 Sam 12:16-23, 2 Chron 20:3-4, Ezra 8:21-23.

How do I fast?

If you’ve never fasted before, or you have just fasted for a meal or a day or so, you may be wondering how to go about it.

Different ways to fast

• One meal per day (drink plenty of water or juice instead).
  Two meals per day (drinking water or juice instead).
  All meals one day per week (drink juice or other fluids).
  All meals for two or more days per week (drinking fluids/juices instead).
  A longer period drinking only fluids (e.g. vegetable and fruit juice)
  Eating only fruit & vegetables (this would not be a fast for vegetarians)
  All days on fluids (juices and soups) or vegetables only.
  Or another way that you have decided between you and God.

Physical effects and medical conditions

If you have any serious medical conditions, consult your doctor and ask if you can fast.

If you have an eating disorder, it does not automatically mean you cannot fast. Consult your doctor to decide what type of fast is appropriate for you do.

If you are on the juice/fluids fast, you may feel a little light headed at times. It may be that you are not getting enough sugar. Have some more fruit or vegetable juice. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

If you drink caffeine normally you may have headaches for about three days. You may feel a little (or a lot) irritable from the caffeine withdrawal – that too will pass. If not, consult a counsellor.

If your work requires physical exertion, make sure you regulate your fast so that you have enough energy to do your job. This is also applicable if you have sporting commitments.

Pray and meditate on the Word of God

During the fast, make time daily. Spend time in praise and thanksgiving to the Lord. This daily habit of prayer will build you up and draw you closer to the Lord and will sustain you. Otherwise you might just be on a diet. Persevere until it becomes a habit and you actually want to do it. If you don’t get up in the morning wanting to come before the Lord in prayer then you have some growing to do. Persevere until that hunger in your stomach for food becomes a hunger in your spirit for the Lord.

Read and meditate on the Word daily. Ask the Lord to speak to you through the Word.

Make yourself accountable to someone.

If you have need in your life for a major breakthrough, spend this time of prayer and fasting full of faith and expectancy that the Lord will meet with you during this time.