Full Gospel Church / Wayne Parks Ministries

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Question:

What is fasting? How do I fast? And for how long?

I want to give you an answer to your question on fasting. These are short statements, but putting them together should help you get a feel for the heart of fasting, and how to do it. Go over these statements from time to time, and they will help you have successful fasts. You will also see yourself growing stronger in the Lord over time, and stronger in the ability to fast. Remember to pray. Fasting is a tool meant to support prayer and to help you become more spiritual.

  • Fasting is accepted by God according to one's attitude of heart. If it is for selfish reasons such as greed or having something bad happen to somebody, then fasting does not please God. But if the fasting is to help you grow in spiritual things or for God to provide a miracle in a needy situation for you or for someone else, then God is very pleased and able to use the fasting to answer prayer. In short, spiritual attitudes make fasting work.

  • Some people have a divine calling to fast. But whatever is the case with you, it is good to train yourself on good fasting practices to be sure of success and not make yourself ill or frustrated. And it is okay to begin slowly.

  • If you feel the Holy Spirit is dealing with you to fast, then fast.

  • If the Holy Spirit has not directly led you to fast but you desire to fast for spiritual reasons, then fast.

  • Fasting is always voluntary in God's eyes; however, if the Holy Spirit is directing you to fast, it is important to follow His lead--there is a reward or victory or breakthrough of some kind waiting at the end of a Spirit-led fast.

  • If you have any health issues that can cause problems when you fast, then first consult with your doctor to see what may be the best schedule of fasting for you. Seriously ill people probably should NOT fast--but the doctor can give a final answer on that.

  • For beginner's, it is best to start with easy goals of fasting. As you practice fasting, with time you will probably be able to fast longer.

  • A fast can be short or long. It can be from one meal to several days, either as you desire or as the Holy Spirit directs.

  • A "complete fast" means that you only drink water. This is especially good when doing short fasts such as one meal or one whole day. A long-term "complete fast" of a week or more should be started slowly over two or three days; your doctor or some book on fasting may be able to provide good advice on the matter.

  • A "partial fast" means that you omit only certain foods and drink. This is very flexible and totally up to you and the Holy Spirit's leading, and can be almost a complete fast, or just a minor fasting of certain foods and drink. For example, you may want to fast sugar foods for three months. Or you may want to fast a week with only juices and small amounts of bread or toast. It is totally up to you.

  • The length of a fast is also up to you. You can skip one meal. Or one meal a day. Or one or more days. Or switch around. Some advanced fasters can go one to two weeks straight, sometimes longer. But remember, do NOT push yourself to hurt your body. The idea is to cause your flesh to be weakened and your spirit man strengthened. You are NOT trying to make your body sick.

Fasting is an integral part of spiritual warfare. Experienced prayer intercessors know the value of fasting with prayer and can give testimony to the results of intercessory prayer coupled with fasting. Intercessory prayer mixed with fasting is truly a powerful force.

May God richly bless you in your endeavor to fast. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Rev. Pat Reynolds
Wayne Parks Ministries

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