The Chosen Fast

"When you pray...
and when you fast...
do it to God alone." ₁

Prayer with fasting is the denial of 'self' for higher purposes than mere abstinence from food, or to impress others, or as a means to an end. ₃ It is vital therefore, to check our motives and heart attitudes and establish them with God, before we contract to pray with fasting.

There is no compulsion involved, because God does not violate our will. We are free to eat or not to eat. but if we choose to fast before God, as a Sacrifice of Thanksgiving, then our fast should be as our Father directs.

Richard Foster, author of Celebration of Discipline : The Path to Spiritual Growth , which is one of the most compelling and readable visions of Christian spirituality published in the past few decades, begins with a simple observation--"Superficiality is the curse of our age.... The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people"--Foster's book moves to explain the disciplines people must cultivate in order to achieve spiritual depth.

In this book, he says that there has not been a major work on fasting for a hundred years. He suggests that some Christians are turned off to fasting because of the way a few monks and ascetics in the past fasted.

While fasting is not mandatory for believers, the discipline of fasting is available to strengthen us spiritually and to help us overcome barriers that might keep us from a closer walk.

If you are serious enough about the personal and social tasks before you as a Christian to take up the discipline of fasting, you can expect resistance, interference and opposition. Plan for it. Do not be caught unawares. Remember you are directly confronting the enemy of our God and your spirit to gain a closer relationship with The Eternal. That necessitates taking your authority in Jesus Christ seriously, and taking ground away from the enemy--and no great movement of the Holy Spirit goes unchallenged by the enemy.

"This is the fast which I have chosen...to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke; to set the oppressed free and break every yoke." ₂

Why pray with fasting?

Jesus Christ gave us an example to follow. ₄
As an offering to God the Father to give Him pleasure. ₅
Defines and increases spiritual and physical discipline. ₆
Manifests concern for: ₇

Family
Church
Community
Nation
Heart of God

Prayer with fasting adds a 'cutting edge' to the intercessory prayer life.

What are the benefits of fasting?

Strengthens and implements prayer: your sacrifice becomes an instrument that moves eternity. ₈
The blessing of obedience "your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly." ₉
Humility through repentence and sincerity of heart. ₁₀
The Holy Spirit of God teaches your spirit His ways and will on a deeper level.
Daniel's intercession illustrates this principle. ₁₁
Authority in prayer and in spiritual warfare: "but this kind does not go out except by [a life of] prayer and fasting." _{12
see note}

Fasting is simply a tool that may be used to glorify God and realize answers to prayer. It is not a magic key. It does, however, greatly assist you in focusing your mind and soul and spirit on His heart and desires.

"Fasting is one of the means God has provided for us to come into a closer relationship with Him. Spiritual discernment is one of several benefits when fasting. Fasting sharpens our ability to discern the kingdom of light, and the kingdom of darkness. Discernment enhances our ability to see God's perspective in a given situation." Alice Smith, Power Praying: Instruction on Prayer & Fasting.

How?

Voluntary abstinence from food.

24 Hour:
Sunset to sunset fast.
Abstain from solids. Drink fluids ONLY.
Partial:
(sometimes called a Daniel Fast) ₁₃
Abstain from 'pleasant' foods.
Partake of cereals (pulse), soups, fruit juices, OR substitute one meal a day (during the allotted fast period) for prayer.
3 Day:
(sometimes called a Esther Fast.) ₁₄
Total abstinence. "neither food nor drink."
Extended Fast: ₁₅
It is necessary to prepare your body in advance.
Omit tea/coffee from diet for about a week before the fast. Avoid rich foods.
Persevere with the fast. Do not let a preliminary headache deter you; (this is often a symptom of 'dropping' caffein).
The Total Fast excludes the eating of food, but does include the drinking of water. A total fast should be broken slowly: only diluted juices for a day or two; then blended fruit/vegetables; soup. Proceed gradually. Do not eat heavy meals.
Non-total Fast includes diluted fruit juices in small quantities. Orange, tomato, and pineapple are recommended; hot drinks prepared without milk; water.

When?

As and When directed by God the Holy Spirit ₁₆ and/or according to your disciplined prayer life. ₁₇

If you are on medication, consult your physician before commencing a fast.
Always use the fast period to the maximum, praying often, alone or with others.
Fasting is not an endurance test, an optional extra, nor a religious ritual.
Neither is it a substitute for obedience.
God always responds to humility and faith.
Fasting is a powerful tool for intercessory prayer.
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