I know that fasting is abstaining from something. What are the different ways of fasting? Would anyone who fasts and reads this post tell me how you fast?

Hi Monty,

When I fast, I make a decision not to eat food for a period of time (anywhere between 24 hours and a few days). I do drink water or some kind of fruit juice to keep me hydrated.

Then somewhere during that period of time, I pray for knowledge, wisdom, discernment and guidance. then I lift up the specific thing I what to lay down at God's feet.

Hope that helps. Bless you.

S&C

<small>[ August 11, 2003, 09:23 PM: Message edited by: steadfast and committed ]</small>

Monty, I would like to talk to you about fasting. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> But I don't have time right now, but am posting so this will be on top of the forum so I will remember to write back on it!

There is a verse in Isaiah on fasting and it's power... how it brings healing quickly and what its' purpose is, etc. Esther fasted to gain favor with the Lord (before she boldly confronted the king about something very serious), others in the Bible have fasted for various reasons.

In the Bible, it is usually the abstaining from food and/or drink. It is a sombering of one's self in which you are praying so fervantly and seriously for something, that you are giving up earthly pleasures (food). In our modern times, you could also fast from other things that distract you from time with the Lord (things they didn't have in Bible times).... like television or you could fast from the computer if it takes alot of your time, etc.

I have done reading on fasting. There are some excellent books on it. There is a book by a wonderful pastor, John Piper, on fasting and there is also a small booklet by Tony Evans, also a great pastor. I will try to remember to share some verses with you and see if I can find some of their stuff online.

I belong to a marriage restoration site (called Restore Ministries www.restorem.org) in which we are urged to pray and fast every Tues/Th which is powerful because we are standing together in prayer and fasting. Before my divorce, I had a Christian friend fighting with me for my marriage and she fasted with me, which meant so much to me. My husband still divorced me, but I don't believe the prayers and fasting were in vain. I simply believe that I have yet to see the glory of the Lord and that He did hear my prayers but allowed the divorce for whatever reason.

Anyways, fasting is not easy for me. Whenever I make a conscious decision that I am going to fast, the temptation for food is so strong!

I think fasting also puts us in a humble and reverent frame of mind because we focus on God and our dependence on Him and how He sustains us and He meets our needs, etc.

Also, the lady at the ministry I mentioned, says that it is good when you fast, because you are too weak to argue with your spouse! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> I think that's true in ways. Fasting quiets me... it causes me to sort of quiet my soul before the Lord esp. because it is something you do not do to boast of to others or make a big deal of... like the Pharisees did. They fasted and wanted others to know it so they would be seen as super spiritual. Paul says in the New Testament to not look miserable when you are fasting and to not even let people know... don't boast of it or broadcast it in other words.

Well, I ended up saying alot! That verse in Isaiah is very good though. See if you can find it. If not, I'll look up the exact reference tomorrow. I think it is Isaiah 56 or 57 but not sure offhand.

God bless.

Oh, you can also fast for various things. Like do a fast specifically for wisdom on your marriage or for healing or for the nation or for your children, etc. Anytime you feel you want to pray very fervently and seriously about something, beyond just prayer... in which you are saying "Lord, I beg... I beseech... I am desparate for you to hear this prayer and help me/us in our time of need", you can fast.

It's amazing how much food (or t.v., computer, etc) controls us and how difficult it can be to give those things up! Fasting can help you see your dependence on those things.

One last thought... fasting is considered to be a spiritual discipline and in the Bible, it doesn't ever say "IF you fast..." but "WHEN you fast." It is something though that not many people really do anymore. But then, not many people are studying the Bible anymore, or praying anymore, or attending church anymore, etc.

Hope that helps!

Oh, have you heard of Bill Bright? He recently died, but he began Campus Crusade and he began a 40 day fast one year and continued to do that 40 day fast every year and I believe called others to fast with him.

Also, Jesus fasted for 40 days when he was in the dessert. It gave him the strength to resist Satan's temptations because He was relying on God and God alone... not food or anything else.

Here is a link on fasting, with verses and testimonies also, at the marriage restoration site.
http://www.restoreministries.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi?page=fasting

Thanks to all who responded. I am ready to try a fast for a few days now because of what you have related.

Your topic caught my eye, and it is something a Christian counselor had recommended to me and my ex-husband when we were working on reconciliation. Our reconciliation has not worked but something I still long for and pray about. Thanks for your question regarding this matter, as I too am going to fast and pray for guidance and knowledge.

Monty,
S&C says it well. Read Isaiah 58. There are 4 guarentees when you fast. Can you find them. Also fasting gives an extra boost to your praying. Daniel finally got his answer after 21 days of fasting. A demon had been holding up the answers. but God sent the Archangel Michael when Daniel fasted to wrestle the demon off of the answers so they could get to Daniel. Actually the New Testament COMMANDS all believers to fast, pray, and tithe.
God Bless
singleguy

Singleguy, what you said is very wise and reminded me of Malachi. In Malachi, the people are crying out to God because he is not hearing their prayers or accepting thier offerings. One reason is because they are divorcing thier wives! Another reason it says is that they are "robbing God" by not tithing. And He is angry with them for these things!

We truly need to obey God in ALL things. I have been reading the Old Testament... I have finished Genesis, Exodus, and Leviticus. Woa! I FEAR God! In a healthy way, but honestly... we are called to obey. It says in Genesis, when God is talking to Cain because Cain is angry, that "sin is crouching at your door. It desires to master you." And He says that Cain must not give into it. But Cain does... the result... he murders his brother!

Sin desires to master us. That is why we must obey. To love God is to obey Him (New Test.). Fasting is a way of mourning, a way of seeking God with more fervency, etc. The Isaiah verses are powerful. Esther fasted 3 days for favor! I pray that often, "Lord, please find favor with me and please give me favor in my husband's eyes." God can do these things! He has done these things for many godly, obedient people in the Bible.

Anyways... I found out my husband was engaged. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="images/icons/frown.gif" /> I wept and cried and immediately fasted for 7 days. I have NEVER fasted that long before but first of all, I felt deep grief and I also felt such a seriousness that I knew I HAD to seriously pray. Eating is often something connected with celebration or happiness.. and I think to not eat is a show of a serious state of heart... a somberness before the Lord... and it is a state of self-denial. I would tell myself, I don't need food right now... I only need the Lord.

Well, God bless. God's Word.

Verses on Fasting (found at www.biblegateway.com):

Ezra 8:21
There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions.

Ezra 8:23
So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.

Nehemiah 1:4
When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.

(By the way, God helped and used Nehemiah to REBUILD the broken down walls! Kinda like God rebuilds broken down marriages?)

Esther 4:16
"Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."

2 Samuel 1:12
They mourned and wept and fasted till evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the army of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.

Isaiah 58:3-14
"Why have we fasted," they say, "and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?"

"...on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high. Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for a man to humble himself? Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed and for lying on sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD?

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry, and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter-- when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood [including your spouse!]? Then your light will break forth like the dawn AND YOUR HEALING WILL QUICKLY APPEAR; THEN YOUR RIGHTESOUSNESS WILL GO BEFORE YOU AND THE GLORY OF THE LORD WILL BE YOUR REAR GUARD. THEN YOU WILL CALL, AND THE LORD WILL ANSWER; YOU WILL CRY FOR HELP, AND HE WILL SAY 'HERE AM I.'

If you do away with the yoke of oppressions, with the pointing finger and malicious talk [don't talk bad about or blame spouse!], and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry [including spiritually hungry] and satisfy the needs of the oppressed [including spiritually oppressed], then your light will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins [rebuild marriage ruins?] and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

Thanks SG and LMX,
Those were great posts, with a lot more to inspire to fasting. With the references you have provided I have a much better understanding of fasting and the reason for it.

hey LMX,
Your words are filled with passion and inspiration combined. I am glad to hear you have fasted. I have fasted with The Kingdom Connection church. The pastor is Jentezen Franklin. They fast every January for 21 days, although I know the pastor usually goes 40 days. I went 14 days and then caved in. It wasn't that I was hungry, but that I was tempted and ate. I regret that so much now. But I will try again. A person doesn't need as much food as we are told. If we can concentrate on that, it helps. Even Jesus got his [ power ] from God thru praying and fasting. He walked on the water because He did those two things. But those two things are available to us too. Prayer and fasting builds faith, which to me is trust.
God Bless You LMX
singleguy

Thanks all for your info.
I used to fast every Holy Week from Holy Thursday to after Easter Sunday Mass. Eight years ago i did the same as usual and ended up in the hospital for 24 hours + for dehydration.
I have just started fasting again, being part of the MB weekly prayer. A couple of times I have forgotten on Wed to do that, I did pray, so I fasted on Thur. And I have followed the "not looking like I'm fasting" attitude.
Now that I understand fasting better, thank you all and God for putting you in my lives, I will start to extend these fasts to two days and further.

God Bless us all and Thy Will Be Done.
TTSMM

Singleguy, thanks. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> I struggle being disciplined with fasting. I have heard before how Jesus never said, "IF" you fast but always said, "WHEN" you fast. It is like prayer, study of the Word, church, etc... one of many "spiritual disciplines." The more "disciplined" we are spiritually, the better. There is a Proverb that says a person lacking self-control is like a city with broken down walls! Whenever I fast, I see how "weak" I am spiritually. It always shows me that... you know, I go without two meals and think I'm just dying and can't possibly put off a third one! How pitiful! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> It really does show me though my weakness.

God bless you also.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Originally posted by singleguy:
<strong>I have fasted with The Kingdom Connection church. The pastor is Jentezen Franklin. They fast every January for 21 days, although I know the pastor usually goes 40 days. I went 14 days and then caved in. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Singleguy,
Was anything thing consumed on these long fasts, like water, juice, coffee???

Yes, I consumed good water and I juiced carrots and apples. Coffee is bad for you at any time, but should absolutely be avoided during fasts. Coffee is acyually a duretic, which means it will cause you to dehydrate. Go to a health store and get organic juices if you don't want to actually juice. Anything that is pastuerized has been heated to 140 degrees which kills everything, good and bad, and then they add back in synthetic minerals and vitamins which the body does not respond to like natural vitamins and minerals.
Hope this helps
singleguy

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Originally posted by singleguy:
<strong>Yes, I consumed good water and I juiced carrots and apples. Coffee is bad for you at any time, but should absolutely be avoided during fasts. Coffee is acyually a duretic, which means it will cause you to dehydrate. Go to a health store and get organic juices if you don't want to actually juice. Anything that is pastuerized has been heated to 140 degrees which kills everything, good and bad, and then they add back in synthetic minerals and vitamins which the body does not respond to like natural vitamins and minerals.
Hope this helps
singleguy</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Hope you don't mind, but how much juice do you consume a day? I do want to try this but I don't want to violate the fast by too much juice. I imagine if you drank enough juice you could easily get a full calorie count for a day <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

Monty,
A good rule of thumb is to drink 2 quarts of water a day and one quart of some kind of juice.It doesn't have to be all the same kind of juice either. Be sure to space them out over the day. Don't drink a lot of high sugar juices like grape juice. Maybe one or even a half during the day. Carrot juice is almost the perfect food if you can handle it. I like it, but not everyone does. You could live on just carrots a long time. One purpose of fasting is to deny yourself of nourishment to the flesh, but not to damage yourself either. As a note of info, we eat too much food, and bad food, and drink too little water. Four quarts of water a day anyday will do amazing things for your health. Oxygen is the greatest anti-oxident there is. What is water? H2[O!!] You also need to drink water to adequately wash waste from the cells. What if you took a shower, but the water amount was limited to a coffee can full? How clean would you be? Same for our cells. They need a bath too. Coffee is as hard on the liver as alcohol and diet pop is one of the worst things you can put in your body. Drink God's drink, water.
Hope this helps
singleguy

<small>[ September 22, 2003, 08:15 AM: Message edited by: singleguy ]</small>

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Originally posted by singleguy:
<strong>Carrot juice is almost the perfect food if you can handle it. I like it, but not everyone does. You could live on just carrots a long time. One purpose of fasting is to deny yourself of nourishment to the flesh, but not to damage yourself either. ................ Coffee is as hard on the liver as alcohol and diet pop is one of the worst things you can put in your body. Drink God's drink, water.
Hope this helps
singleguy</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Originally posted by singleguy:
<strong>Carrot juice is almost the perfect food if you can handle it. I like it, but not everyone does. You could live on just carrots a long time. One purpose of fasting is to deny yourself of nourishment to the flesh, but not to damage yourself either. ................ Coffee is as hard on the liver as alcohol and diet pop is one of the worst things you can put in your body. Drink God's drink, water.
Hope this helps
singleguy</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Oops! sorry for the double post. Thanks Singleguy. I have finally found a use for the "Juice Tiger" that I bought from an infomercial. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" /> Tried to juice a few "green things" Did the worst things to my system. Thanks again.