Remember, the fasting doesn’t begin until the praying begins!
Why Fast? | Forms of Fasting | General Information | Quotes
Why should we fast?
Jesus fasted: “After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.” (Matthew 4:2)
Jesus assumed His disciples would fast: “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.” (Matthew 6:17-18)
Jesus assumed we would fast: “Then John's disciples came and asked him, ‘How is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?’ Jesus answered, ‘How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.’” (Matthew 9:14-15)
The early church fasted: “Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.” (Acts 14:23)
Food is one of the powers and principalities of this world. Eating disorders, over eating, poor eating habits and addictions hold sway over many people. Doing without food for a time reminds us “We do not live by bread alone…”
(Matthew 4:4)There are some health reasons to fast. Some MDs recommend fasting as a form of bodily cleansing. During autolysis the body feeds on itself when it lacks food, and toxins can be burned from the body.
Self-denial and delayed gratification are maturing disciplines. Those who went through the depression can attest that waiting is good for the soul.
It is radically counter-cultural. When was the last time you saw an advertisement saying “You don’t really need to indulge yourself”?
Because there are over 100 Biblical examples of fasting!
General Info on FastingThe pure fast—water only:
The most obvious form is to refrain from all food for a period of time. It is a very rare and extreme fast that avoids water, and is not recommended. This form of fasting should not be used by anyone who has significant manual labor to do, or by pregnant women. Many other medical conditions can preclude us from the pure fast. If you have any concerns, please check with your doctor.
The next level—the juice fast:
The next level of fasting is to refrain from all food, but take some nourishment through fruit juices, perhaps diluted with water, or broth. Be aware of what is in the juice (avoid fruit juices that are heavy on corn sweeteners and caffeine drinks, for instance.) This form is helpful for those who want a high level of fasting, but cannot go on water only. Again, if you have concerns with this or the water only fast, please consult your doctor.
The next level—plain food only fast:
On this form of fasting, one eats plainly, as most of the rest of the world’s population might. Foods could include soup, plain bread, nuts, and some fruit. This form usually avoids meats, foods heavy in fat, and desserts.
Another level—giving up a favorite food:
If the more restrictive levels of fasting are unavailable to you, then practicing self-denial through giving up a favorite food or group of foods may also instill a sense of self-sacrifice. Consider giving up desserts, candy, a beverage, or whatever one might use as a “comfort food.”
When could a person fast? During…...
- a season of prayer
- a special church season (Lent, Advent)
- times of repentance
- times of interceding for others
- seeking a vision or direction from God
- preparation for receiving communion
When should a person NOT fast? During….
- vacation (especially on a cruise!)
- pregnancy
- many medical conditions (check with your doctor)
- a prayer retreat (except for conditions above)
- Sundays--they are celebration days
- times of thanksgiving
- a diet, or establishing new eating patterns to lose weight.
- intense times at work.
How long does a fast last?
24 hours is a common period. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, would fast from sundown to sundown, eating the evening meal, then fasting until the evening meal of the next day. Sometimes he practiced abstinence from certain foods for this period.
Three-day fasts are common, especially for a time of gaining focus, prayer and discernment.
Forty-day fasts are very rare, and are not recommended. However, a forty-day period of abstinence from favorite foods is manageable.
Things to avoid during a fast:
- watching TV. It’s the commercials…….
- restaurants (and lead us not into temptation….)
- church carry-in dinners
- alcohol of any kind
- caffeine
Drink plenty of water during a fast!
What should replace eating during a fast?
- reading and praying Psalms and scripture
- listening to scripture (tapes, etc)
- listening to praise and worship music
- accountability discussions with a spiritual friend
- nap
- moderate exercise or a quiet walk
Plan wisely to end your fast.
Do not overeat. Eat low fat foods such as vegetables, fruits, soups, etc. Avoid high fat meals, such as pizza. Add meat the second meal after breaking a fast.
A note for those in addiction:
Overcoming the bondage of addiction to alcohol, tobacco, prescription and/or street drugs is related to fasting--seeking the will and direction of God, cleansing, and growing in holiness. We encourage any believer so in bondage to seek all available help in living as God wants us to.
“Those who feast are empty and famished, whereas those who fast
become inebriated by their possession of God.”
(The early church fathers)
“Often I do not benefit spiritually during a fast.
But I do following a fast.”
(Pastor Ted Haggard)
“I gave up chocolate because it was running my life,
and was detrimental to my health.”
(Pastor Jack Hayford)
“The Wesleyan tradition serves us well in restoring
fasting to a place of significance in the spiritual life, all the while avoiding
unnecessary and excessive practices. A mature spirituality will still do well
to look for those occasions when we can lay aside attention to the body in
order to give more attention to God.”
(author Steve Harper)