“Turn to me with all your heart,” that is goal of fasting is to draw nearer to God. We are so distracted by life in general and a Biblical fast is a way to eliminate distractions for spiritual growth.
We all need a reset button, maybe we have gotten off track, our thoughts are consumed and we just need to slow down, focus on our soul, seeking to be renewed from the inside out.
Fasting is a revelation of celebration, it awakens our eyes to the goodness and mercy of God and it prepares us for the good things God wants to bless us with.
It’s important to remember that your personal fast whatever it is should have a level of challenge, but keep in mind your body limits to play it safe.
Most important is to seek God in prayer and through is word, asking God to speak into you life. Fasting should be planed so maybe today is not the day, but today is a day to seek God’s guidance and commit to a day to be focus on God.
Types of Fast to Choose from:
COMPLETE FAST: In this type of fast, you drink only liquids, typically water with light juices as an option.
SELECTIVE FAST: This type of fast involves removing certain elements from your diet. One example of a selective fast is the Daniel Fast, during which you remove meat, sweets, rich food, and bread from your diet and consume water and juice for fluids and fruits and vegetables for food.
SOUL FAST: Maybe you new to fasting or have health issues that prevent you from withholding food. Soul fast is a fast to bring back balance in your life, to help you refocus. For example, you might choose to stop using social media or watching tel-vision, or re-framing from negative thoughts and words for a certain amount of time.
How to Begin Spiritually: We want to start with clarity of mind what your personal goals and in addition to any corporate goals. Be specific. Why are you fasting? Are you seeking direction, healing, restoration of marriage or family issues? Are you facing financial difficulties? Spend time asking the Holy Spirit for guidance.
Here are some helpful tips:
1. Fast with friends (Matthew 18:19).
2. Fast with a purpose (not casually).
3. Fast unselfishly (Isaiah 58:1-11).
4. Spend time in God’s Word - Read CAREFULLY, PRAYERFULLY, and EXPECTANTLY.
5. Most important is to spend time with God - fasting does not work if you do not pray!
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES FOR FASTING: Matthew 6:16-18, 9:14-15, Luke 18:9-14
RELATION TO PRAYER AND READING OF THE WORD: Nehemiah 1:4, Daniel 9:3, Joel 2:12, Luke 2:37, Acts 13:2
CORPORATE FASTING: I Samuel 7:5-6, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 9:1-3, Joel 2:15-16, Jonah 3:5-10, Acts 27:33-37
Ask: God how are we doing, I’m I focus on you, or I’m I distracted? I want to be a healthy Christian and grow, so please be with me as I fast. I ask that you speak to me through your word and that your Spirit as I fast. May my mind be clear from all the distractions, including cloudy foods that are rich in fat and sugar.
Thanksgiving: God I thank you for the tools of fasting and prayer to reboot my walk with you. Thank you for spending time with me in prayer and as I focus on my relationship with you.
Contemplate on the words of this song: Fill my cup Lord song by Hope Montana
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