Fasting Guide
Ways to fast effectively
SIX STEP GUIDE TO YOUR FAST
How you begin and conduct your fast will largely determine your success. For some people, this might be the first time ever to follow a fast or having done one without having a proper understanding or meaning. We are hoping that following the six basic steps to fasting will make your time with the Lord more meaningful and spiritually rewarding.
STEP 1: Set Your Objective
Ask the Holy Spirit to clarify His leading and objectives for your prayer fast. This will enable you to pray more specifically and strategically.
STEP 2: Prepare Yourself Spiritually
The very foundation of fasting and prayer is repentance. Unconfessed sin will hinder your prayers. There are several things you can do to prepare your heart:
- Ask God to help you make a comprehensive list of your sins.
- Confess every sin that the Holy Spirit calls to your remembrance and accept God's forgiveness (1 John 1:9).
- Seek forgiveness from all whom you have offended, and forgive all who have hurt you (Mark 11:25).
- Make restitution as the Holy Spirit leads you.
- Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart (Hebrews 11:6).
STEP 3: Prepare Yourself Physically
Physical preparation makes the drastic change in your eating routine a little easier so that you can turn your full attention to the Lord in prayer.
- Do not rush into your fast.
- Prepare your body. Eat smaller meals before starting a fast. Avoid high-fat and sugary foods.
- Eat raw fruit and vegetables for two days before starting a fast.
While You Fast
Your time of fasting and prayer has come. You are abstaining from all solid foods and have begun to seek the Lord. Here are some helpful suggestions to consider:
- You may drink water during your fast. If necessary; for health reasons you may consume beverages such as tea or coffee.
- You may find it useful to take mints during the fast to freshen your breath.
- Prepare yourself for temporary mental discomforts such as impatience, crankiness, and anxiety.
- Expect some physical discomforts, especially on the second day.
- You may have fleeting hunger pains or dizziness.
- Withdrawal from caffeine and sugar may cause headaches.
- Physical annoyances may also include weakness, tiredness, or sleeplessness.
The first two or three days are usually the hardest. As you continue to fast, you will likely experience a sense of well-being both physically and spiritually. However, should you feel hunger pains, increase your liquid intake.
STEP 4: Put Yourself on a Schedule
For maximum spiritual benefit, set aside time to be alone with the Lord. Listen for His leading. The more time you spend with Him, the more meaningful your fast will be.
Morning
- Begin your day in praise and worship.
- Read and meditate on God's Word.
- Invite the Holy Spirit to work in you.
- Invite God to use you.
- Pray for His vision for your life and empowerment to do His will.
Afternoon
- Return to prayer and God's Word.
- Take a short prayer walk.
Evening
- When possible, begin and end each day on your knees for a brief time of praise and thanksgiving to God.
STEP 5: End Your Fast Gradually
Break Your Fast
First of all drink water; if possible warm water or beverage to help the digestive track to relax. After that, you should start off with something light to eat such as fruit; namely bananas or apples. Do not break your fast with fruits such as oranges due to their high acidic content. The fast for each day will end at 6pm.
STEP 6: Expect Results
If you sincerely humble yourself before the Lord, repent, pray, and seek God's face; if you consistently meditate on His Word, you will experience a heightened awareness of His presence (John 14:21). The Lord will give you fresh, new spiritual insights. Your confidence and faith in God will be strengthened. You will feel mentally, spiritually and physically refreshed.