Prayer & Fasting
“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
“We fast because it helps to give us balance in life. It makes us more keenly sensitive to the whole of life so that we’re not so obsessed by our consumer mentality.”
Richard J. Foster
Preparing to Fast with Purpose
How Should I Fast?
We recognize there are a variety of factors that impact our physical and mental ability to fast, that is why there are many ways to participate in these 21 days. Ultimately, what is most important are our motives. Not that we went hungry, that we attended prayer meetings or that we “did it” – our motivations are to follow Jesus in his example and pursue the transforming presence of God. Below are examples of how you can participate in fasting;
1 Day per Week Committing to setting aside one day (24hrs) per week where fast from all food except water
1 Meal per Day Committing to fast from all food except water, eating only one meal per day,
6 Days per Week Committing to fast from all food except water, eating on only one day per week
21 Days of Fasting Committing to fast from all food except water for 21 days (its is recommend that you consult with a physician prior to committing to 21 days of complete fasting)
“Daniel” Fast (Daniel 1:8-20) Committing to fast from meats, breads and sweets for 21 days, only consuming water, fruits and vegetables.