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.
Prepare 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). Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).
Decide What to Fast
The type of fasting you choose is up to you. Several types are listed below. Remember to replace that time with prayer and Bible study.
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.
Prepare 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). Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).
Decide What to Fast
The type of fasting you choose is up to you. Several types are listed below. Remember to replace that time with prayer and Bible study.
- FULL FOOD FAST. Drink only liquids – especially water. On this type of fast you may also take in clear broth and 100 percent fruit or vegetable juices in order to maintain your strength. You establish the number of days for your fast in your prayer time. Be sure to consult your doctor, especially if you have any medical conditions.
- PARTIAL FOOD FASTS (3 are listed below)
- DANIEL FAST. The most frequently used example of a partial fast, is found in Daniel, Chapter 10, The Daniel Fast is a fast from meats, sweets, breads and any drink, except water, for a specific time period (Daniel 10:2-3). The easiest way to think of this fast is you should eat vegetables, fruits and drink only water. Be sure to consult your doctor, especially if you have any medical conditions.
- Give up one item of food or drink such as coffee, soft drinks or sweets or give up one meal.
- Choose to fast from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. or from sun-up to sundown. When doing this type of fast, consider your work and sleep schedule. The hours that you sleep should not be considered part of your fasting period, so the timeframe for this type of fast may vary. Be sure to consult your doctor, especially if you have any medical conditions.
- SOUL FAST. This fast is common for those who do not have much experience fasting food, who have health issues that prevent them from fasting food, or who wish to refocus certain areas of their life that are out of balance. For instance, someone might select to abstain from using social media or watching television for the duration of the fast, and then choose to carefully bring that element back into their life in an orderly fashion at the conclusion of the fast.