Fasting is a divine practice to distinguish oneself from worldly concerns and seek God's intervention in one's life. It serves to consecrate and humble oneself before the Lord, to deepen fellowship with God, and to seek guidance and instruction, listening for what God is communicating.
to abstain from food and or liquids means you have given something up for God, you have made a commitment to offer your body as a living sacrifice unto the Lord.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
Biblical fasting is way for you to receive His guidance and to be filled with His Spirit. You can also fast from things that you do excessively like social media, watching TV, listening to certain types of music. etc. which can take your focus off of God and is considered as idolatry.
While fasting fill yourself with the things of God. Read and meditate on His word, read devotionals in the morning and before bed, worship and pray. God will honor your fast, if you mess up don't be discouraged just brush yourself off and continue.
If you do a fast more than 7 days depending on your health, it is suggested you seek medical advice from your doctor.
When fasting, it's advisable not to make a show of it. The Bible recounts how the Pharisees would publicize their fasting, believing it would elevate their standing and favor with God, making them appear more pious than others. Essentially, they were fasting for the sake of appearance.
Matthew 6:16-18 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Types of Fast
Complete Fast
* Complete Fast is when you consume nothing no food/ no water. This fast is extremely dangerous and needs to be under the supervision of your doctor, it should be done for a short period of time.
Normal Fast
* Normal Fast is when you abstain from food for 3, 7, 10 or 21 days, or how many days the Holy Spirit guides you to fast, it consists of drinking plenty of water, you might want to drink juices, broths it depends on how long you stay on this fast
Partial Fast (Daniel Fast)
*Partial Fast consists of 3, 7, 10 or 21 days, it also consists of a certain part of the day Ex: 6am to 6pm, and you can eat thinks like nuts, fruits and vegetables and don't forget plenty of water
Daniel Fast
The Daniel Fast comes from the Prophet Daniel according to scripture Daniel 1: 11-17, when Daniel asked the guard who was appointed over him, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah to just give them vegetables abstaining from the Royal Food for 10 days. At the end of the 10 days, they looked healthier than the men who ate the Royal Food. In accordance with Daniels fast from the Royal Food, God showed favor to him and his companions and gave them knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning, also Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.
List of foods you can eat during a Daniel Fast:
- Nuts and seeds (All types of these are allowed) No Salt
- Lentil and Beans (All types of these are allowed)
- Vegetables and Fruits (All types of these are allowed)
- Smoothies
- All whole grains
- Natural Fruit Juices
List of foods that you cannot eat during a Daniel Fast:
- NO MEAT of any kind
- No sugar, honey, syrup, butter, dairy products, cheeses, eggs, sodas,
Scriptures for Fasting:
When you want to seek Gods direction:
When your faith needs strengthening:
When you are being challenged by the enemy: