Importance Of Fasting

Fasting and Prayer

“Faith needs prayer for his full growth and development, prayer and fasting is required for the same reason.” (Finis Jennings Dake)

Definition: Biblical fasting is the voluntary abstinence from food for a specific spiritual purpose.

Introduction

A Biblical fasting period always results in very positive spiritual results. Below are some tips about fasting – how, when, how long etc. Fasting is difficult for the human body – but if done correctly it is a wonderful experience for the serious Christian and bring with it wonderful results. The idea is solitude with God – no TV or anything that distracts one from attending to the Word and prayer.

Important: If you are suffering from a medical condition (e.g. diabetes),

A diet or hunger strike – it is a very specific spiritual practice with profound spiritual implications!

2. An opportunity to brag about your spirituality – when you fast, the Bible teaches us to do so privately and as unobtrusively as possible. Matthew 6:16-18

3. Read Isaiah 58 where God Himself explains what He considers to be true fasting. Matthew 6:1-8, 14-21 is also important.

4. FASTING and PRAYER ALWAYS go together!

Blessings of Fasting

1. Fasting brings fresh revelation of God’s will – Dan. 9:2, 3, 20-22, 10:1-3; Acts 27:21-24, 10:9-11

2. Fasting humbles us – Psalm 69:10

3. Fasting can be part of spiritual warfare, and according to Isaiah 58:6 free the oppressed

4. Fasting may avert God’s judgment – Jonah 3:5, 9-10

5. Fasting helps you to show your body who is boss – 1 Cor. 9:27, 6:13-20

Various methods of biblical fasting

1. Normal fasting – abstaining from all food (i.e. solid and liquid foods) – but NOT from water – Matt. 4:2

2. Total fasting – no eating or drinking at all – Acts 9:9 (maximum period: 3 days!)

3. Partial fasting – “Delicious food, I have not eaten meat or wine entered my mouth come …” – Daniel 10:3 (Some Christians call this a fruit and /or vegetables fast or a Daniel