Fasting & Prayer

When you fast…

What is fasting?  fasting is a Biblical form of discipline and worship in which we honor God and humble ourselves before him by denying our flesh.  The most common type of fast is one in which you deny food for a time and spend that time seeking the face of God in prayer and Bible reading. In doing so, we “do not mind the things of the flesh, but mind the things of the spirit.”  Romans 8:5  When we literally take time to deny our flesh the craving of food to find out what God wants, there becomes a clarity that is not there when we are continually feeding on the things we so enjoy.  Fasting is a Spiritual discipline that was practiced in the old and new testaments.  In Jesus’ reference in Matthew 6:16, “when you fast” there was no indication that this was something you would not do, but the point was when you did it.

Now let’s talk for a moment about “when you fast.”  There are personal fasts and corporate fasts.  Jesus was giving direction in Matthew 6:16 talking about public behavior when you fast.  His direction was this, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth; they have received their reward in full.”  He was referring to pharisaical leaders who wanted to be seen for their “level of spirituality” Fasting does not make you more “spiritual” than another person, nor does not fasting make you less. It is a time unto the Lord and not an opportunity to brag as these Jewish leaders did that Jesus was warning about.  I also need to mention, there is no shame in letting a few personal friends know when you are on a fast.  If you don’t they may think you are ill for not eating and push food at you.  If you let them know, you are not going against what Jesus said, only if you talk excessively about your fast.  Isaiah 58 – the entire chapter is one of the best examples of attitude and reason for fasting.  It also gives the amazing reply of what God does when we enter into fasting with a right heart.

We must not go into a fast with our own personal agenda, but to seek the face of God, asking Lord, what do you want? Many have thought they would go into a fast to “make” God respond.  They are sadly mistaken.  he is not a cosmic puppet to our commands.  However, when we come to Him with the right heart, he will often extend his scepter to us and answer our prayer.  He is looking more at our heart motive and loves to give us good things when we ask out of humbleness and faith.  Fasting does not change God. It changes us.

A personal fast:  May be done any time you feel the Lord is calling you to fast, or may be done on a regular basis.  For instance, the day set aside for prayer and fasting in the Assembly of God churches is Wednesdays.  You may decide to fast every Wednesday knowing there are brothers and sisters of same precious faith sharing in that discipline in many places other than you local church. 

A Corporate fast:  This is when the pastor or Spiritual leader calls a people to a fast.  This was practiced in the old testament and is still practiced today.  This is the kind of fast we have on the first week of January in our church.  To deny our flesh and seek the face of God for his direction for the new year.  It is important that the priority here is to seek him.  To enter into that place of intimacy with him so we can hear his voice.  Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Our hearts are often so full of junk that we do not have room for Him.  We msut first empty of ourselves so that we can hear his direction in our prayer time and be led by his word.  It is a time of dropping our agenda behind, and asking him what His will is.

In a corporate fast, you will know others are joining with you.

I would like to give you some examples to look up in the Bible of times when corporate fasts were called sometimes, as in these fasts; there may be specific direction for the prayer.

CORPORATE FASTS:

2 Chronicles 20:3 when going into battle.  This was a literal battle, but certainly even if we are not in war times, there is a continual spiritual battle.

Nehemiah 9:1 & 2 for repenting of sins of themselves and their forefathers.

Ezra 8:21-23 for safe journey.

Joel 2:13 & 14 for repentance. v.15 “Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly. Gather the people.”

INDIVIDUAL FASTS:

Exodus 34:28 Moses received the ten commandments and direction for the church.

Daniel 9:3-19 (This was private prayer in which Daniel interceded for the sins of the people.)

Note that all of these times of prayer and fastings included repentance and/or worship. As we pray, we MUST worship.  We cannot enter the presence of a Holy God without first honoring and acknowledging Him in praise and worship.

When you fast:  You must determine ahead of time what length and type of fast the Lord has called you to.  If you do not have a plan, you will not complete it.

Types of fasts:

1) Water only    This is generally a 3-5 day fast.  Do not go longer than 7 days on a water only fast.  You will receive much from the Lord should you decide to truly seek Him during this type of fast.  All impurities are burnt out, both physically and spiritually. And you open up to Him.

2) Water only with partaking of Holy Communion – This will make you keenly aware of the blood and body of Christ as you take communion once a day. Read Matthew 26:28; Luke 22:17-21, John 6:25-58, John 6 will speak to your heart in a new way!

3) You may be new at this and wish to fast for only one day, or one meal.  If you have never fasted that is a good starting point.

4) If you extend your fast beyond 5-7 days, you will need a slight amount of nourishments, This can be done by taking in juices and broths or vegetables or bread only, there again, listen to the voice of the Lord as He directs you.

5) If you are not able to fast food for a physical reason, there are other things that you can fast, such as TV, reading books, or anything that is not a necessity.  The important thing is you spend that time with God.  If you are in question about whether or not you are able to go on a food fast, please talk to Pastor Kathy.

The day before your fast, eat light and healthy.  Going off of your fast, soups, juices, and vegetable for a least the first day are recommended. Do not “tank up” before or after your fast.  Remember that the most important things are:

To seek the face of God,

To begin in worship and honoring Him

When it seems you are hungry, turn to the One who can truly satisfy (Jesus) instead of the food

Enjoy the sweet presence of the Lord and always have your Bible and notebook handy to jot down the good things He will reveal to your during this time!

As we seek him in the kind of fast he desire, “Then you light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you and the flory of the Lord will be your rear guard.  Then you will call and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and He will say: Here am I” Isaiah 58:8-9