<p> FASTING</p><p>WHAT IS FASTING? Not eating for spiritual purposes</p><p>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.</p><p>2. Focus on spiritual – more time for mediation on the Word and prayer </p><p>3. The distraction of food and meal times is removed. </p><p>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.</p><p>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!</p><p>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.</p><p>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</p><p>Max Barnett Baptist Student Union 435 W. Boyd; Norman, OK 73069 405-329-2810</p>