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"When
you pray...
and when you fast...
do it to God alone." 1
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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.
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"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
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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.
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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.
- Recommended reading:
- Recommended resources:
- Other information:
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