FASTING

WHAT IS FASTING? Not eating for spiritual purposes

WHY? 1. Scriptures do not command it, but Jesus assumed it. “When you fast,” says Matthew 6:16. After Jesus left the earth, His disciples were to fast (Matt. 9:14-15). Jesus fasted (Matt. 4:2). Old Testament and New Testament believers fasted. Paul said he often fasted (2 Corinthians 11:27). Godly men and women throughout history have fasted.

2. Focus on spiritual – more time for mediation on the Word and prayer

3. The distraction of food and meal times is removed.

WHEN? ►Some people fast regularly, such as one day every week. ►Some fast when facing a need or when in need of guidance. ►Sometimes you may want to join with a group that is fasting and praying for specific reasons, such as deliverance, guidance, a national crisis, etc., following the example of Old Testament saints in Joel 2:15; Leviticus 23:37; 2 Chronicles 20:13; and Esther 4:16.

HOW? ► If you have a medical problem, such as diabetes, hypoglycemia, heart problems, etc., check with your doctor first. ►Start with a 24 hour fast. Do not eat a larger amount than usual for your last meal before a fast; fruits and vegetables are good to eat just before a fast. ► You may have to go about your normal activities, but use the times you normally spend eating to pray and study God’s Word. Try to schedule your fast during a time that will allow you to commit more time than usual in prayer and Bible study. ► You may experience some hunger pains, ignore them. You may experience some headaches, especially if you are a coffee or tea drinker. Do not fast from water. Drink water!

LONGER FASTS: Do some research before attempting a fast longer than three days. Juice can also be consumed during longer fasts. Nothing longer than forty days of fasting should be attempted because by then, you are literally starving.

Additional Reading: Bright, Bill: Seven Basic Steps to Successful Fasting and Prayer Foster, Richard: Celebration of Discipline, chapter on fasting, Harper Collins Publishing Wallis, Arthur: God’s Chosen Fast, Christian Literature Crusade

Max Barnett Baptist Student Union 435 W. Boyd; Norman, OK 73069 405-329-2810