the why
Join us as we seek God’s face in prayer and fasting for divine intervention, spiritual growth, and breakthroughs.
fasting 101
Fasting is not just “not eating”. It is not feeding our physical body for a limited amount of time WHILE we feed our spirit (our inner person) and connect with God.
Prayer during fasting is what truly makes it a spiritual exercise.
We gain spiritual authority because we are putting our body 2nd so that our Spirit and the Holy Spirit in us can be first
Basically, there are 3 seats of power in us. Body (our flesh), soul, spirit; however, the right flow of authority should be from the spirit to the soul, to the body (flesh). Fasting is an exercise that resets and establishes the correct flow of authority
Remember that when your body screams for food over a skipped meal, it is not because it cannot find nutrient resources within your body. It's just that it is used to getting food at a certain time and it is used to getting a certain "type" of food. The “feeling” of hunger that we often have, is mostly hormonal. (More on the body’s reaction to fasting below.)
Fasting is a powerful tool to affect things spiritually that are affecting us physically and it is a core Biblical principle.
One of the stories that reflect this, is a fascinating story in Mark Chapter 9, Verses 14-29 where Jesus heals a boy and explains that the only way that was possible was by prayer and fasting.
Another popular story is that of Daniel in Daniel chapter 1. Basically, Daniel challenged his hosts and said they should give him fruits and vegetables for 10 days and compare his skin and overall health to others eating royal meals and at the end of that period, he looked better nourished than the others.
Keeping things spiritual
While all this is happening, it is important to pray, read your Bible and spend time with God. This is what takes this exercise from a mere physical thing, to a spiritually fulfilling exercise. As your body thinks about food reflect on God, read / meditate on Scripture. In this way, fasting is feasting on God’s sustaining presence.
LISTEN
Listen spiritually: The Holy Spirit will be speaking to you.
Listen physically: Your body will be speaking to you
About your addictions - Yea….sugar, carbs etc
About your rhythm while you fast. Obey it. Feel like napping? Take a nap. Feeling energetic, take a walk.
Articulate why you are personally fasting/seeking God’s face.
Remember that there are people in scripture who found great success because of fasting
Jesus was strengthened after fasting (Luke 4:14)
Esther and her nation were delivered after fasting (Esther 3)
Jehoshaphat got victory after fasting (2 Chronicles 20:1-5)
Daniel experienced supernatural and physiological things after fasting (Daniel 1)
Ezra received direction and safe favor from God after fasting (Ezra 8:21-23)
Nehemiah received strength after fasting (Nehemiah 1)
How to fast
These are the things to consider when you are fasting that will help put you in the right frame of mind (and body) to get the best out of this fast.
Step 1: choosing your mode
Before we get into the how-to and the plan, let's establish some things:
1. There are typically two modes of fasting:
“Dry fasting”: The name can be confusing but it is basically a “water only” based fasting for the entire period of the day
“Normal fasting”: This is when you fast for the beginning of the day, but then you “break your fast/eat” at the end of each day, usually at 6pm.
2. Fasting from things vs Fasting from food
Fasting from “things” (social media, TV etc.) is good, but what we are talking about specifically is fasting from food. This is the ideal spiritual fast we are aiming for.
3. Please contact and adhere to your medical doctor's advice for any health concerns prior to starting the fast.
Step 2: Prepare
Prepare your body. Recommendations:
At least a few days before your fast, double up on water - really hydrate
At least a few days before your fast, start to eat as clean as possible
At least a few days before your fast, reduce your portions
Option 1: The Daniel fast
This entails being in a whole foods, plant-based diet, with an emphasis on consumption of foods in their least processed form. You can do some research on that and make a plan that fits your fasting experience level.
Option 2: Time based (If you can do this, this is the recommended true fast)
This entails skipping (ideally two) meals in the day and breaking the fast in the evening.
More experienced people (or those that have been able to prepare the body for a few days before starting) can go straight to skipping 2 meals.
People new to fasting might want to consider ramping up to a time where you can skip at least breakfast for a couple of days, then start skipping breakfast and lunch for a couple of days, then ultimately where you are breaking the fast at dinner.
Step 3: Best Practices
Throughout the fast:
Maybe create an accountability group of one or two friends who are also fasting or who will at least be clear about your goals and support you.
The fasting period is NOT the time to constantly put yourself around people who will not get it, or people who constantly put you in “situations” or sin.
Drink LOTS of water all day, everyday!!! (Warm water is better for you!)
Cut off all processed food as you are ramping.
Pay attention to your body but realize your body is trained to want what it has always gotten - not necessarily what it needs.
Eat Alkaline foods (NOT Acidic foods) as much as possible (See list of foods in resources in the sample plan section).
Do your absolute best to eat mainly alkaline forming food.
Journal your journey: A simple google doc will do.
How was your first 3 hrs of the day each day?
How did you feel in general?
How were your thoughts and emotions through the day?
What Bible passage did you meditate on throughout the day?
What are you noticing about your body...internally, externally
How do you feel about your accomplishment so far?
What changes do you need to make to make the fasting continue to be effective?