March 2016

Types of Fasts

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There are different types of fasts in the Bible. Three basic types are described below:

  1. Absolute – This involves abstaining from food and water, as was done by the Apostle Paul, Mordecai and other Jews. Normally this fast should not last more than 3 days. Examples: “For three days Paul was blind, and did not eat or drink anything” (Acts 9:8, 9), Moses (Deuteronomy 9:9), Israel (Ezra 10:6), Israel (Esther 4:16).
  1. Normal – This involves abstaining from food, solid or liquid, but not water. Example: Jesus “ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them was hungry” (Luke 4:2).
  2. Partial – A partial fast is a restriction of diet of certain foods or a meal a day and filling that space up with prayer. It can be from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or from sun up to sundown (6:00am to 6:00pm). Examples: Daniel “so the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead” (Daniel 1:16; Daniel 10:3). This is also called the ‘Daniel Fast.’ Like Daniel did, you can decide to eat only vegetables and fruits; drink water and juice; but no other food.

    FASTING AND YOUR HEALTH

    We recommend that you always consult your physician prior to beginning any type of fast. If you have concerns about your physical ability to fast or have poor health, we especially urge you to consult a physician before beginning your fast. There are different types of fasts recommended  and explained in this page. Your doctor can provide advice on how you can fast in a way that is healthy for you. Biblical fasting should never be done to impress anyone. True fasting is between you and God.

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UNDERSTANDING FASTING

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Biblical fasting simply means abstaining from food for  the purpose of seeking the face of God to intervene in your life. Fasting requires discipline, determination, purpose and strength. In order to properly fast, you must discipline yourself by abstaining from food and be determined to seek the face of God. The purpose why you fast should be presented to the throne of God by fervent prayers. Fasting is different from starving. Starving is when you abstain from food but not for spiritual purpose. You need strength to do fasting. You can only receive strength from God. Fasting is one of the four main duties of a true Christian: evangelism, give, fast and pray. Matthew 6: 1-18, Mark 16:15.

God always bless those who give to Him the first place in their lives. When you give God the first, He will give you the rest. When you give God your first through fasting, prayer and giving at the beginning of the year, He will release His blessings upon your life throughout the year.

There are different types of fasting. You can choose which one is best for you.

Why should I fast?

There are several reasons why you should fast:

  • You desire a deeper, more intimate and powerful relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • You need God’s divine intervention in any area of  your life.
  • You have a strong desire to know God’s will for your life.
  • You need the wonder-working hand of God to touch and transform your life.
  • You are in need of a miracle or healing.
  • You need a fresh touch, a new encounter or a revival in your life.
  • You have a dream, an aspiration or a goal and you want God to bring it to pass for you.
  • You need deliverance from any bondage or attacks determined to stop the fulfillment of your destiny.
  • You have a family member, friend or loved one that needs salvation.
  • You are prepared to receive greater sensitivity to the desires of God.

If you have any or some of the above, then you need to fast.

BIBLICAL FASTING FOCUS
Biblical fasting, as earlier stated, means abstaining from food for spiritual purpose(s). Your reason may be one of the above or something else. As long as it is spiritual, and you need to fast, then you must do it well. Your focus should be on prayer. Be determined to achieve results in your fasting. I always tell people “seek God until you see Him in action“. Some passages that are worthwhile reading are: Isaiah 58:6-12, Romans 12: 1, Matthew 6: 16-18; 17:21, 1 Timothy 2:1-2,

We encourage you to seek the Lord in prayer. Let your decisions about your biblical fasting come from Him. Ask the Him to show you areas  of your life to target during your time of fasting and prayer. We believe that, as we pray and seek God and give Him our first and best at the beginning of the year, He will bless our entire year (Matthew 6:33).

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