"The entrance of thy words giveth light (Psalm 119:130)."
Prayer & Fasting
"Most Christians accompany fasting with prayer. Many Christians view fasting as a way to intensify prayer and increase its effectiveness."1
"Essentially, fasting makes prayer more powerful, and can also help us hear God's voice more clearly."1
Start with the following Scripture:
"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}
"In the Bible, fasting occurs when there is a need for a spiritual breakthrough due to the burdens of life. Fasting is intentionally denying the flesh in order to gain a response from the spirit."2
Some issues can only be overcome through prayer and fasting.
You can pray about what kind of fast you should do, and how long it should last.
You can also experiment, and continue until you get the results you need.
Whenever you fast, you should have an objective in mind.
Prayer and fasting involves three elements:
- Denial of physical appetites.
- Focusing on the the things of God (Prayer, Bible, Sermons etc.).
- Avoiding things that distract you from focusing on God.
As you fast, pray, listen and wait on God. See what he does and says to you about your issues.
Pray, in faith, without doubting, about whatever you're trying to accomplish.
Look for answers in the Bible, sermons and Christian literature.
Expect spiritual warfare as you fast. Satan will oppose your efforts.
Fasting is an expression of humility, and a way of honoring God. You may get results sooner than you expect. Or, persistence may be necessary. God can deliver you whenever He chooses.
Fasting is no substitute for obedience. And you can't make God do anything.
Recommended fasts. Choose one of the following:
Complete Fast: No food, only water.
Daniel Fast: No meats, sweets, dairy. Only fruits, beans, nuts, vegetables and water.
Non-food fast: Abstain from TV, social media, caffeine, etc. RECOMMENDED for pregnant/nursing women, children, teens, and people on medication.
Hybrid fast: Combine elements of the fasts just mentioned or modify them. Examples: 1) Only vegetables and water for breakfast. 2) Re. non-food fast: also exclude junk food. This is safe for everyone.
Every fast should include focusing on the things of God and avoiding things that distract you from the things of God.
My advice in regard to complete fasts:
- Never restrict your intake of water.
- Avoid eating anything after dinner in the day prior to your fast.
- Never fast for more than one day unless you've consulted with a doctor and are sure you're healthy enough to handle it.
- Don't fast for more than one day on your first fast.
- Never fast for more than three days.
- Medically supervised fasts, supervised by a licensed physician, are excepted. These are usually done for health reasons.
- Discuss any medical concerns with your doctor, in advance.
- If you're taking medication, definitely consult with your doctor, in advance.
- Women who are pregnant or nursing should never do a complete fast.
- Women who may be pregnant should consult with their doctor, in advance.
- Children/teens should never do a complete fast without their doctor's prior approval.
- Eat a healthy diet, especially before doing a complete fast.
- Don't gorge on a lot of food right after an extended fast. This can be dangerous.
- Don't do complete fasts if this results in unavoidable constipation.
Some fasting duration options follow.
Partial day fast:
Midnight until 3pm:
- Adhere to rules of the fast you select.
- Focus on the things of God (Prayer, sermons, Bible etc.).
- Avoid things that distract you from focusing on God.
Full day fast:
- Select a 24 hour period.
- Adhere to rules of the fast you select.
- Focus on the things of God.
- Avoid things that distract you from focusing on God.
Multiple day fast:
- Select a time period.
- Adhere to rules of the fast you select.
- Focus on the things of God.
- Avoid things that distract you from focusing on God.
Continue with prayer and fasting until you get the results you need. Even if you don't see any immediate change. Even if you don't hear anything from God.
1) https://www.methodistprayer.org/wesleyfast
2) http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/151312/file-1489739828-pdf/ebooks/Fasting-eBook-printout.pdf Author: Dr. Tony Evans.
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