Fasting & Prayer ME216 Prayer & Missions

Fasting is a spiritual discipline which helps us to seek God and to develop spiritually. “Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob.” --Psalm 24:3-6

Fasting is a personal, voluntary humbling of the heart before God that increases spiritual brokenness. “When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn; when I put on sackcloth, people make sport of me.” --Psalm 69:10

Fasting is a commitment to self-control that enables the believer to die to self. “Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting.” --Psalm 35:13 “…gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” --Galatians 5:23

Fasting is worship activity that increases spiritual receptivity by creating a climate for the Holy Spirit to speak. Fasting is concentrated spiritual preparation for Holy Spirit empowered service that increases the believer’s power. “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit…” -–Luke 4:1-2, 14

Fasting is a specialized service ministry that increases usefulness for the totally committed believer. “There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.” --Luke 2:36-37

Why do we fast? Following examples of believers & Jesus –Moses fasted 40 days without bread or water and God gave the Ten Commandments (Ex. 34:28) –Queen Esther (Esther 4:13-16) –Nehemiah (Nehemiah 9:1-2) –David (Psalm 35:13; 109:24) –Isaiah (Isaiah 62:6-7) –Daniel (Daniel 10:2-3) –The king & people of Ninevah (Jonah 4:11) –Jesus fasted 40 days and nights before his public ministry (Matt. 4:1-11) –Anna the prophetess (Matt. 9:14-15) –Elders were appointed with fasting (Acts 14:23; Acts 13:1-3) –Paul (2 Cor. 6:5)

Why do we fast? To seek God –Moses fasted 40 days without bread or water and God gave the Ten Commandments (Ex. 34:28) In Times of Trouble –Queen Esther (Esther 4:13-16) –Nehemiah (Nehemiah 9:1-2) –David (Psalm 35:13; 109:24) –Isaiah (Isaiah 62:6-7) –Daniel (Daniel 10:2-3) To break yokes of bondage –Isaiah 58:3-12 God’s chosen fast

Why do we fast? Seeking God’s forgiveness & as a demonstration of repentance and humility –The king & people of Ninevah (Jonah 4:11) Prior to public ministry –Jesus fasted 40 days and nights before his public ministry (Matt. 4:1-11) Watching for the fulfillment of prophesy –Anna the prophetess (Matt. 9:14-15) Seeking God’s will –Elders were appointed with fasting (Acts 14:23; Acts 13:1-3) For fruitfulness in ministry –Paul (2 Cor. 6:5) To come closer to God, know His will, and fulfill His desires –Zechariah 7:5

Why do we fast? To prepare for spiritual warfare –Luke 4:1, 14 –James 4:7-8 –Ephesians 6:12 –Matthew 12:28-29; 17:21; Mark 9:29 To strengthen our faith and build up our spirit man

What is fasting? Fasting is giving up things we have a right to for the sake of experiencing God’s pleasure. It is denying ourselves and submitting to God. Fasting is turning away from everything which distracts us from beholding God.

What do we fast from? Absolute fast Partial fast –Certain meals –Certain foods Media fast Things which distract us from God

Preparing to Fast Ask God what type of fast He is calling you to do, when you are to do it and for how long Pray for Him to strengthen you to be obedient to what He shows you

Preparing to Fast Recognize Repent Release Receive Recover Remember Rejoice

Preparing Yourself Physically REDUCE & ADJUST FOOD INTAKE –Eat smaller meals leading up to the fast. Avoid high-fat or sugary foods or junk foods. Gradually reduce from three meals to two then one just before beginning a juice fast. Ideally fresh fruits and vegetables should be your last meals before the fast. REMOVE CAFFEINE, CARBONATED DRINKS, & TELEVISION/MOVIES/READING AVOID DRUGS –Even natural herbal drugs and homeopathic remedies should be avoided. Consult with your physician regarding withdrawing from any medications. AVOID CHEWING GUM OR MINTS

During Your Time of Fasting Drinking fruit juice decreases hunger pains and gives natural sugar energy Vegetable broth in cold weather Herbal tea with a drop of honey (avoid black tea or caffeinated teas or coffee) Take short walks Prepare for some temporary mental discomforts such as impatience, crankiness, anxiety Expect some physical discomforts especially on the second day of the fast. Take power naps as able. Drink plenty of water

During Your Time of Fasting Separate yourself for quiet meditation and seeking God, worship & the Word Listen! Expect God to speak to you. Journal what you are sensing God saying Make notes on anything He is instructing you to do such as ask forgiveness, make restitution, etc. If He gives you dreams or visions or you sense Him speaking in a way you do not understand, ask questions and listen for His answers.

Breaking Your Fast Transition out of your fast with care It is recommended that you end an extended water fast with fruit such as watermelon. Juice fast should be ended with raw salad first day, then add baked or boiled potato without salt or butter, then third day add steamed vegetable to salad and potato. Then resume normal diet. Do not gorge on foods when resuming your normal diet. Thin vegetable broth and fresh fruits are good Avoid milk products at first.

Bridal Fast A Forty-day Fast over One Year Fast 3 days per month through the year Fast an extra 4 days, or a whole week toward the end of the year Keep a journal throughout this time of your dialogue with God “Come away my beloved…”