Fasting 

(All scripture quotations are from the New King James Version) 

It is good practice to start the new year with a fast. 

What is fasting? 

Biblical fasting is refraining from something, usually food, for a spiritual purpose. It requires us to overcome the lust of the flesh for instant gratification of our desires whether that is for food, drink or worldly pleasures. God wants us to put to death our selfish desires and actions.   Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16) 

Why fast? 

Fasting has always been a normal part of a relationship with God. It is a constant means of renewing yourself spiritually. The discipline of fasting breaks you out of the world’s routine. It causes you to focus on those things that really matter. We have to make God’s priorities our priorities. When you fast you get God’s attention as someone who is willing to venture beyond the norms of religion. If you let it, your flesh will take over and rule your life. Fasting helps you establish dominion and authority over your flesh.  

God calls us to present our bodies to him as a living sacrifice and fasting is part of that sacrificial living He has called us to. God doesn’t want us to be different for the sake of being different. He wants us to make a difference in our world. 

Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:1) 

Fasting is one of the threefold cords of spiritual life. The other two are prayer and the Word of God 

Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:12) 

Who should fast? 

Fasting is for everyone. Jesus made it clear that It is not a matter of “if” but “when” 

But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face (Matthew 6;17) 

Then all the children of Israel, that is, all the people, went up and came to the house of God and wept. They sat there before the Lord and fasted that day until evening; (Judges 20:26) 

How should I fast?

Before you begin:  Prepare spiritually; Prepare physically and Decide what to fast. 

Types of fast:Full fast; Partial fast; Daniel fast  

When should I fast?

There is never a convenient time to fast. In our busy lives there is always something that creates a “bump in the road” so we talk ourselves out of beginning a fast. Best advice is to just jump in and do it and everything else will take care of itself. 

What does fasting achieve? 

Fasting prepares the way for God to do amazing things in your life. 

By fasting Moses received the Ten Commandments; Esther was used to save the entire Jewish nation; Hannah gave birth to the prophet Samuel and Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem.  

Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly (Matthew 6:16-18) 

Your faithfulness during this time of fasting and prayer will bring supernatural blessings and release the power of God to overcome any situation. 

Useful Websites 

https://www.compellingtruth.org/types-of-fasting.html 

The following link gives you a more comprehensive understanding of fasting and prayer. Bill Bright of Campus Crusade says, “I believe the power of fasting as it relates to prayer is the spiritual atomic bomb that our Lord has given us to destroy the strongholds of evil and usher in a great revival and spiritual harvest around the world.” 

https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/spiritual-growth/fasting/personal-guide-to-fasting.htm 

The following link is a good brief outline of types of fasts with a number of links at the top of the page. 

https://www.jentezenfranklin.org/fastingtypes 

Other websites: 

https://www.allaboutprayer.org/prayer-and-fasting.htm 

https://www.allaboutprayer.org/types-of-fasting-faq.htm 

https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/women/the-different-types-of-fasts-11626299.html