Fasting 101

Scripture:  Isaiah 58, Matthew 6:1-18; 9:14-17, Acts 13:1-3
 
Types of Fasting (feel free to replace food with anything that will cost you comfort or pleasure):

• Normal – Going without food for a definite period of time and only taking in liquids (be careful – know your physical limits and health issues)
  
• Absolute – Going without any food or water (not recommended)
  
• Partial – Going without certain foods or is on a limited eating schedule. For example skipping lunch or only eating when it is dark.
  
• Rotational – Eating or omitting certain families of foods for designated periods. Like only eating grains every fourth day.

 
Biblical Examples of Fasting

• The Disciples Fast – Matthew 6:1-18; 9:14-17
• The Ezra Fast – Ezra 8:23
• The Samuel Fast – 1 Samuel 7:6
• The Elijah Fast – 1 Kings 19:4-8
• The Widow’s Fast – 1 Kings 17:16
• Paul’s Fast – Acts 9:9
• The Daniel Fast – Daniel 1:8
• John’s Fast – Luke 1:15
• The Esther Fast – Esther 4:16 – 5:2

 
Suggested Reading:

• “Fasting For Spiritual Break Through” – Elmer Towns
• “A Hunger For God” – John Piper

Will you commit to fasting between now and Easter Sunday?
 
Step 1 – Why Fast?
Why are you fasting? Is it for spiritual renewal? For guidance? For healing? For the resolution of problems? Ask the Holy Spirit to clarify what He wants you to take away from this time.
 
“One of the greatest spiritual benefits of fasting is becoming more attentive to God – becoming more aware of our own inadequacies and His adequacy, our own contingencies and His self-sufficiency – and listening to what He wants us to be and do.”  - Elmer Towns
 
Step 2 – Commit
How long will you fast?  What will you fast?
How will you increase your time with God?  How much time will you devote to pray and God’s Word?
 
Step 3 – Accountability
Who do you trust?  Tell them about your fast, not to brag, but so they can hold you accountable.  Give them permission to check in with you and see how the fast is going.
 
Your Fasting Plan
Write it down:

• Why are you fasting?
  
• What are you fasting?
  
• How long will you fast?
  
• Who will hold you accountable?