RESOURCES
-WHAT IS FASTING?
SIMPLY STATED, BIBLICAL FASTING IS REFRAINING FROM FOOD FOR A SPIRITUAL PURPOSE.
According to the Bible, there are three duties of every Christian: give, pray and fast. Biblical fasting takes a lot of discipline and strength—strength which you can only receive from God. Your private discipline will bring you rewards in Heaven, says Matthew 6.
-WHY SHOULD I FAST?
Are you in need of healing or a miracle?
Do you need the tender touch of God in your life?
Is there a dream inside you that only He can make possible?
Are you in need of a fresh encounter?
Do you desire a deeper, more intimate, and powerful relationship with the Lord?
Are you ready to have heightened sensitivity to the desires of God?
Do you need to break away from bondages that have been holding you hostage?
Is there a friend or loved one that needs Salvation?
Do you desire to know God’s will for your life?
-SCRIPTURE REFERENCES FOR FASTING:
Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-15, Luke 18:9-14
-RELATION TO PRAYER AND READING OF THE WORD:
1 Samuel 1:6-8, 17-18, Nehemiah 1:4, Daniel 9:3, 20, Joel 2:12, Luke 2:37, Acts 10:30, Acts 13:2
-CORPORATE FASTING:
1 Samuel 7:5-6, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 9:1-3, Joel 2:15-16, Jonah 3:5-10, Acts 27:33-37
Remember that it is the attitude of a heart sincerely seeking Him to which God responds with a blessing!
TYPES OF FASTINGS
There are several types of fasting. The one you choose is between you and God. He will honor your best sacrifice.
(Click below to check out the types!)
Drink only liquids (you establish the number of days).
Eat no meat, no sweets, and no bread. Drink water and juice. Eat fruits and vegetables.
This fast can be a Full Fast, Daniel Fast, or give up at least one item of food.
A partial fast is from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or from sun up to sundown. You can select from three types of fasting —a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.
TIPS FOR FASTING
-How to Begin
Start with a clear goal. Be specific. Why are you fasting? Do you need direction, healing, restoration of marriage or family issues? Are you facing financial difficulties? Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Pray daily and read the Bible.
-Preparing Spiritually
Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness. Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3-4).
-What to Expect
When you fast your body detoxifies, eliminating toxins from your system. This can cause mild discomfort such as headaches and irritability during withdrawal from caffeine and sugars. And naturally, you will have hunger pains. Limit your activity and exercise moderately. Take time to rest. Fasting brings about miraculous results. You are following Jesus’ example when you fast. Spend time listening to praise and worship. Pray as often as you can throughout the day. Get away from the normal distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and mindset on seeking God’s face.
-How to End
Don’t overeat when the time comes to end your fast. Begin eating solid food gradually; eat small portions or snacks.
9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."
7 DAYS OF PRAYER & FASTING
Each day, begin by reading the full Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13 NIV), then reflect on that day’s specific focus. Use this guide to help you align your heart with God’s as you fast and pray. Click through below to see the prayer points for each of the 7 days!
Day 1: Our Father in Heaven
- Focus on God’s fatherly love and care for you.
- Reflect on His role as your provider and protector.
- Pray for a deeper understanding of His love and presence in your life.
Day 2: Hallowed be Your Name
- Praise God for His holiness, goodness, and power.
- Consider His attributes and how they apply to your life.
- Pray for God’s name to be honored and revered in your life and the world.
Day 3: Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done
- Pray for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.
- Ask for God’s kingdom to be established in your heart, your family, your church, and the world.
- Seek guidance to align your life with God’s purpose.
Day 4: Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread
- Pray for your physical, spiritual, and emotional needs.
- Acknowledge your dependence on God for everything.
- Thank God for His provision and provision for the day.
Day 5: Forgive Us Our Debts
- Confess your sins and ask for forgiveness.
- Examine your heart and ask God to reveal any areas of unconfessed sin.
- Pray for the grace to forgive others as you have been forgiven.
Day 6: Lead Us Not Into Temptation
- Pray for God’s guidance and protection from temptation.
- Seek His strength to resist temptation and overcome challenges.
- Ask for His wisdom in making choices that honor Him.
Day 7: Deliver Us From Evil
- Pray for deliverance from evil and protection from harm.
- Ask God to guard your heart and mind against the schemes of the enemy.
- Declare His victory over evil and His power in your life.
PRAYER NIGHTS
Click below for more information!