Excerpts taken from Bill Bright’s, “7 Basic Steps to Successful Fasting & Prayer”
And “Spiritual Fasting & Prayer” by S.E. Ray
When we fast, we our humbling ourselves and seeking God’s will, allowing the Holy Spirit to stir our hearts. Jesus implied that all of His followers should fast (Matt 6:16-18, 9:14-15). Once you determine the purpose of your fast, you need to determine:
- How long will you fast? One meal, one day, one day a week, etc
- What type of fast you will do? Water only, water and juices? What kinds of juices will you drink, & how often will you drink?
- Will you restrict any activities? Walk 1-3 miles at most. Rest as much as possible*
It is important to make these commitments in advance because it will help you maintain your fast. Satan also knows of your commitment, and he wants you to break it (Gal 5:16-17).
We want to prepare our selves both spiritually and physically for the fast. In Scripture, God has always had His people repent of their sins before He heard their prayers. To spiritually prepare to fast:
• Ask God to reveal your sins
• Confess your sins, repent, and accept forgiveness (1 John 1:8-9, Ps 69:10)
• Claim victory over sin (1 Cor 10:13, 1 John 5:4-6)
• Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18, 1John 5:14-15)
• Surrender your life to Christ; refuse to obey your worldly nature (Rom 12:1-2)1
Fasting does require some precautions. It is important to consult your physician before undergoing a fast, especially if you are taking prescription medications. If you fast more than one day, ready your mind and body to more easily focus on prayer rather than the absence of food. To physically prepare to fast:
• Eat smaller meals before starting a fast. Avoid high-fat, high sugar foods.
• Eat raw fruit and vegetables for two days before starting a fast.
• Expect some physical discomforts, such as headaches from caffeine withdrawal
• Expect some mental discomforts, such as crankiness 1
I Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to “Pray without ceasing.” During the time of fasting, set aside several times during the day to pray. Since you are not eating, mealtimes may be a particularly good time to choose to pray. It is a set time, and it will keep you from thinking about food.
Pray in faith because God will answer our prayers. “Let him ask in faith, nothing wavering” (James 1:6, Matt 7:7). Bill Bright suggests putting yourself on a schedule, such as the following:
- Begin your day in praise and worship. One of the best ways to worship God is to think about His greatness and power. Consider God’s attributes. Thank Him for His work in your life.
- Read/meditate on God’s Word
- Invite the Holy Spirit to work in you (Phil 2:13)1
For a more complete schedule and how to break your fast, go to “The 7 Basic Steps to Successful Fasting and Prayer.”
*Bright, Bill. “7 Steps to Successful Fasting and Prayer.” www.ccci.org/growth/growing-closer-to-god/7-steps-to-fasting-and-prayer/index.aspx
Other references:
Bright, Bill. “How to Begin and Conduct your Fast.” www.maranathachapel.org/spiritual_help/images/How_to_Fast.pdf
Ray, S.E. “Spiritual Fasting and Prayer.” www.eternalpath.com/fasting.html
