Guide to Fasting & Prayer

Guide to Fasting and Prayer

As a church family, we have set aside March 4 through April 12 to pray and fast, asking God to move like He never has in the history of FBCT. We desperately need the Holy Spirit to fill this place, reveal our sins, and help us grow spiritually. We are fasting with the hope that God will use FBCT to reach the next generation, our community, and the world with the Gospel. We are begging God to provide the finances we need to accomplish the vision He has given us. We need Him to do more than we could ever ask or imagine.

Extended Fasting: How-To

  1. Define why you are fasting.
    • Biblical fasting about drawing closer to God, not just abstaining from food. Are you...
      • Seeking direction
      • Need to repent
      • Need breakthrough
      • Deeper intimacy with God
    • Study and meditate on the following passages about fasting…
      • Matthew 6:16-18
      • Isaiah 58:6-11
      • Matthew 4:1-11
  2. Decide which type of fast aligns with your spiritual goals and physical needs.
    • Water-Only Fast - You only drink water. (Make sure God is calling you to do this.
    • Liquids-Only Fast - You do not eat any food but can use broths, juices, and herbal teas for energy.
    • Daniel Fast - You can eat fruits and vegetables and drink water.
    • Partial Fast - Fast for certain hours (ex. Sunrise to sunset) or avoiding certain foods.
  3. Before you start the fast…
    • Pray asking God to help you stay committed to the fast and help you hear Him speaking to you.
    • Consult your medical doctor before starting an extended fast.
    • Gradually reduce food intake. Start cutting out processed foods, caffeine, and sugar to avoid the symptoms of withdrawal.
    • Schedule time to pray and read the Bible during meal times.
  4. Remember fasting is a spiritual discipline.
    • Read the Bible and pray when you feel hungry.
    • Worship God.
    • Journal what God is teaching you.
    • Avoid distractions. Limit social media and entertainment that will distract you from hearing God’s voice.
  5. Listen to your body.
    • Be ready for some physical, mental, and possibly some emotional discomfort.
      • Fatigue
      • Headaches
      • Dizziness
      • Moody
    • Stay hydrated. Drink lots of water. Non-acidic and unsweetened juices, broth, and herbal teas can provide nourishment.
    • Take a daily vitamin.
    • When you feel weak, rest and adjust your physical activity.
    • Rather than stopping completely, consider a modified fast, if necessary.
  6. Be ready to overcome the challenges.
    • Spiritual - Be ready for temptations and distractions. Use Scripture and prayer when you are tested.
    • Physical - When you feel hungry, use that moment to pray and focus on God.
    • Social - When invited to meals, have a plan to politely decline.
  7. Breaking the fast.
    • Return gradually to your normal diet.
      • Start with light foods (broth, fruit, steamed vegetables)
      • Avoid processed, heavy, or greasy foods for several days.
    • Take time to reflect on how you connected with God and what you learned from this experience.

Fasting and Prayer Resources

Fasting

Prayer