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PURPOSE

The Bible teaches us to fast and pray, as seen throughout Scripture of people who sought God wholeheartedly and experienced His guidance, provision, and powerful results. Even our Lord Jesus Christ Himself fasted and prayed, and so did His disciples after His resurrection:

  • "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry." (Matthew 4:1-2)

  • "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off." (Acts 13:2-3)

  • "Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust." (Acts 14:23)

We do not fast and pray to earn God’s love or approval, as Apostle Paul wrote in his letters to the Ephesians and Romans:

  • "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

  • “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

Rather, fasting and prayer help us humble ourselves before God, sharpen our hearing of His voice, remove distractions, grow spiritually, and be more sensitive to the yearnings and the small still voice of the Spirit of Truth - the Holy Spirit:

  • "Come near to God and he will come near to you." (James 4:8)

  • "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." (Galatians 5:24)

  • "Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, 'The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously'?" (James 4:5)

Through fasting and prayer, we align our hearts with God's perfect will, draw closer to Him, and experience His transformative power. Remember, when you fast and pray with a sincere heart, God moves in ways beyond what you can imagine. Stay connected, stay encouraged and press in. He is faithful!

THREE COMMON BIBLICAL REASONS FOR FASTING

Healing
Spiritual renewal, direction and/or revelation
Deliverance

PREPARATION

  • Write down your personal prayer points. Fasting is always accompanied with prayer.

  • Pray about the kind of fast you should undertake and make a commitment to do it. God’s grace empowers us as we commit to obey Him in prayer and fasting.

    Types of Fasting

    The following types of fast are commonly found in the Bible:

    • Sunrise to Sunset fast (Judges 20:26)

    • 3-Day Fasting of both food and water (Esther 4:16, Acts 9:9)

    • Water fast, no food (1 Sam. 31:13, Acts 27:33-34)

    • Daniel fast --- Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and water ONLY (Daniel 10:3) OR vegetables and water only (Daniel 1:12)

    Committing ahead will help you sustain your fast when physical temptations and pressures tempt you to abandon it.

  • The very foundation of prayer and fasting is repentance. Unconfessed sin will hinder your prayers. So how do we prepare spiritually?

    • Confess every sin and accept God’s forgiveness and cleansing. 1 John 1:9

    • Seek forgiveness from those you have offended and forgive all who have hurt you. Luke 17:3-4

    • Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit according to His command and Promise. Eph.5:18

    • Meditate on God’s attributes and allow the Father’s love to increase in you while refraining from worldly pleasures. 1 John 2:15

    • Begin your time of prayer and fasting with an expectant heart. Hebrews 11:6

    • Do not underestimate the spiritual opposition you will face as you pray and fast. Luke 4:1-13

  • Although fasting is primarily a spiritual discipline, it begins in the physical realm. You should NOT fast without specific physical preparation. So how do we prepare and sustain our bodies to go on a fast?

    1. Consult your healthcare providers before committing to fast if you have pre-existing conditions.

    2. Gradually ease into your fast by eating smaller meals days before you start.

    3. Avoid fatty and sugary foods.

    4. Eat raw fruit and vegetables at least two (2) days before a fast.

    5. Rest as much as your schedule permits during your fast.

    6. Drink lots of water. Avoid strong stimulants (i.e. caffeine) and sugary foods during your fast. Soy protein drinks have also been known to cause health issues during a fast.

    What physical effects should you expect?

    1. Hunger Pangs: These are usually greatest during the fast's first three days.

    2. Headaches or stomach aches may be a result of salt, sugar, or caffeine withdrawal. They can also be detoxification symptoms as our body detoxifies during a fast.

  • To get the most spiritual benefits from your time of prayer and fasting, make sure to set a definite time alone with the Lord.

    Make it your “appointment with God” where you can meditate on His word, receive from His heart, and pray for all your personal and our church’s prayer points. Use the scripture references as your guide in praying. For example, when praying for our Corporate Prayer Point #1, you can use 1Peter 4:8 as your prayer. It would go like, “Father, help me and my parents to show deep love for each other. Help me to love my parents the way You love --- covering a multitude of sins. Help me to forget all the wrong things they did against me…”

  • Praying and fasting in the spirit and attitude of humility and brokenness will heighten your awareness of God’s presence and cause you to gain fresh spiritual insights from His word.

COMPLETION

  • Just as it is medically wise to gradually ease into the start of your fast, you must also gradually end your fast.

    Tip # 1: Avoid feasting right after an extended fast (3 days or more)

    Tip # 2: Take smaller meals as you gradually ease back into your regular eating routine/patterns

    Tip # 3: Break extended water fasts by starting with low-acidic fruits or fruit juices and steamed vegetables

  • Keep a prayer journal as you pray and fast. Expect to hear from God through His Word, dreams, and visions.

    Write down these impressions as well as any answered prayers or testimonies.

    Keep an eye out for any specific instructions or direction the Lord is showing you and share them with your spiritual leader(s) for accountability.

REFERENCES/SOURCES

Much of the information in this guide can be found on various online resources: