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fasting

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Posted by: flowerchild

Hi! (second time trying to post these questions)

As a "baby Christian I would like to have a few opinions about fasting:

Is it okay to fast from lunch to lunch so that the only meal I am having daily is lunch with the exception of water?

Also, is it okay (and even effective) if I fast for just one or two days or does it have to be an entire week or three consecutive days, etc?

I understand that fasting weakens the flesh and strengthens the spirit. But, why does God want us to do it, because it is a sacrifice offered to Him? Is it very important to fast? What is the main purpose of fasting?

Thank you! Any and all suggestions and answers are greatly appreciated. God bless you!


Posted by: cgirl

Howdy,

I've done 40, 30, 20, 10, 7, 5, 3 and 1 day fasts.
You can fast anyway you feel lead to. Some people can't fast, so there is a Daniel fast (read in the book of Daniel) where you don't eat sweets or soft drinks and such.

Check with your doc first to see if you can fast. Drink plenty of water when you do fast. You also can fast other things such as watching no tv, no internet or some other activity that you enjoy. But fasting without prayer is just starving yourself which doesn't benefit you at all, remember to pray when you fast.


Posted by: Stratocaster

Quote:
Originally Posted by flowerchild
Hi! (second time trying to post these questions)

As a "baby Christian I would like to have a few opinions about fasting:

Is it okay to fast from lunch to lunch so that the only meal I am having daily is lunch with the exception of water?

Also, is it okay (and even effective) if I fast for just one or two days or does it have to be an entire week or three consecutive days, etc?

I understand that fasting weakens the flesh and strengthens the spirit. But, why does God want us to do it, because it is a sacrifice offered to Him? Is it very important to fast? What is the main purpose of fasting?

Thank you! Any and all suggestions and answers are greatly appreciated. God bless you!


I have also fasted but not as much as Cgirl, but I have used the juice fast approach. Went out and bought a juicer and did nothing but juice and veggies for 5 days. Results: lost 8 pounds and cleaned out my insides.
You can drink as much juice as you want. It bypasses the digestive sytem as a juicer eliminates pulp, so your digestive system shuts down until you activate it again. This is not harmful. Cgirl is right, drink lots of water. You will be somewhat weakened, but with juices, you are getting nutrition rather than water only which will leave you very weak for the first 5-10 days. Cgirl is also correct in advising prayer, Jesus fasted and prayed because they go together. Granted, fasting is a quick way to lose weight, but when you enhance it with prayer, it changes your life, you will sense to be very close to God. Let's face it, when you cleanse your body of impurities and your mind by focusing on God, how can you go wrong.
Before you start your fast, there are a great deal of Christian books and pamphlets that can guide you through safe fasting, simply type Christian fasting into a search engine and then be prepared to see lots of hits.
When I get home tonight I will post a message to you on this board to let you know the favorite two books that I used, don't remember them right now.
Have a Blessed day in The Lord!


Posted by: Ericsmom

Several (a very long time ago) years ago, when people fasted they didn't eat or drink. Recently, people do drink water and juices.

You can fast about any thing - not just food. For example, Kenneth Copeland said he use to read everything in the newspaper daily; however, years ago he felt he should spend that time in prayer. Now that we're in Lent many people give up something during this period of time. Some people think if they fast and pray that whatever they're praying for will definitely come to pass immediately but our time table isn't God's.


Posted by: Stratocaster

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ericsmom
Several (a very long time ago) years ago, when people fasted they didn't eat or drink. Recently, people do drink water and juices.

You can fast about any thing - not just food. For example, Kenneth Copeland said he use to read everything in the newspaper daily; however, years ago he felt he should spend that time in prayer. Now that we're in Lent many people give up something during this period of time. Some people think if they fast and pray that whatever they're praying for will definitely come to pass immediately but our time table isn't God's.


It's true that you can fast in many ways, as always, any physical or Spiritual results are in God's time not ours. Just because we fast doesn't mean that God will speed up the results. Be assured however that God hears ALL prayers and answers ALL prayers, we as humans because we think we know what's best for us must be patient and let The One who really knows what's best for us reveal His plan for us.
Be assured also that fasting is a method which while cleansing physically, compliments our focus abilities in prayer. If that were not so, Jesus would not have taught us that through His example.
My personal advice is to start fasting with a realistic target, don't try to fast too long the first time, people who don't succeed generally feel a sense of failure, don't go there. You can always try again. Start with a day by day fast, that way whenever you stop, you have already succeeded. Don't set your goal beyond reality.
Whether water only, juice, or any other item, moderation is the key.


Posted by: Stratocaster

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stratocaster
It's true that you can fast in many ways, as always, any physical or Spiritual results are in God's time not ours. Just because we fast doesn't mean that God will speed up the results. Be assured however that God hears ALL prayers and answers ALL prayers, we as humans because we think we know what's best for us must be patient and let The One who really knows what's best for us reveal His plan for us.
Be assured also that fasting is a method which while cleansing physically, compliments our focus abilities in prayer. If that were not so, Jesus would not have taught us that through His example.
My personal advice is to start fasting with a realistic target, don't try to fast too long the first time, people who don't succeed generally feel a sense of failure, don't go there. You can always try again. Start with a day by day fast, that way whenever you stop, you have already succeeded. Don't set your goal beyond reality.
Whether water only, juice, or any other item, moderation is the key.


As promised, here is the name of the book for safe fasting:
"Fasting to Freedom" by Ron Lagerquist and Tom McGregor
I ordered this at Amazon.com and downloaded it, but you can get it at any Christian bookseller or the internet.
There is a very good section on Juice fasting of which I am obviously a proponent.


Posted by: flowerchild

Thank you all so much! However, I still do not know WHY we should fast. I understand the principles of practicing self-control, self-disciplines, etc. But, why would God grant me a prayer request "if" I fast? My works are not enough to get anything from God. He grants me his blessings because He loves me and is an awesome God, not because of my works. Please explain this to me. Maybe I do not understand!

God bless you all and thank you for all the information provided! :-)


Posted by: kasi64

Quote:
Originally Posted by flowerchild
Thank you all so much! However, I still do not know WHY we should fast. I understand the principles of practicing self-control, self-disciplines, etc. But, why would God grant me a prayer request "if" I fast? My works are not enough to get anything from God. He grants me his blessings because He loves me and is an awesome God, not because of my works. Please explain this to me. Maybe I do not understand!

God bless you all and thank you for all the information provided! :-)



hi flowerchild, i am doing lent not because i expect anything from GOD but because i want to more disiplined and because i want to give GOD something no strings attached.dieing to self,
repentance and obedience time for me. i think the catholics do it for repentance too. i am not sure. i like the ideal of selfless giving to GOD HE gives so freely to me!! right now my "fast" consist of no snacking in between meals and no caffiene. when i am hungry or board and want a snack it reminds of my commitment to GOD and draws into prayer with him and i am hoping that this will become a habit for me after my fast. no coffee in the morning ugh!!!! but i am surviving. i want so much to even have a closer relationship with him!! i love him so much for saving me and for his incredible blessings he has given me. so this is one of the ways i can do it. hope this helps shed a little light on why at least i do it.


Posted by: Ericsmom

NIV:

humble my soul Psalm 35:12-14

This kind can only come by fasting and praying Mark 9:28-30

when the bridegroom is away Luke 5:32-35
*****************
All About Lent
by James Akin

"Since Lent if a period of prayer and fasting, it is fitting for Christians to imitate their Lord ...

Is the denying of pleasure an end in itself?

A: No. It is a only a means to an end. By training ourselves to resist temptations when they are not sinful, we train ourselves to reject temptations when they are sinful. We also express our sorrow over having failed to resist sinful temptations in the past.

Is there a biblical basis for abstaining ... as a sign of repentance?

A: Yes. The book of Daniel states:

"In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia . . . 'I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.'" (Daniel 10:1-3)

****
unityinchrist.com
The first step is to set a specific objective. Why are you fasting? Is it for spiritual renewal, for guidance, for healing, for the resolution of problems, for special grace to handle a difficult situation? Keeping your goal in focus will help you sustain your fast when physical desires and life's pressures tempt you to abandon it.

The second step is to prepare yourself spiritually. The very foundation of fasting and prayer is repentance. Unconfessed sin will hinder your prayers. In Scripture, God always requires His people to repent of their sins before He will hear their prayers.

***********************
Additionally,
Of course, you have to consider your physical condition before fasting. Many recommend getting your doctor's approval prior to fasting.








I understand that fasting weakens the flesh and strengthens the spirit. But, why does God want us to do it, because it is a sacrifice offered to Him? Is it very important to fast? What is the main purpose of fasting?


Posted by: Stratocaster

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ericsmom
NIV:

humble my soul Psalm 35:12-14

This kind can only come by fasting and praying Mark 9:28-30

when the bridegroom is away Luke 5:32-35
*****************
All About Lent
by James Akin

"Since Lent if a period of prayer and fasting, it is fitting for Christians to imitate their Lord ...

Is the denying of pleasure an end in itself?

A: No. It is a only a means to an end. By training ourselves to resist temptations when they are not sinful, we train ourselves to reject temptations when they are sinful. We also express our sorrow over having failed to resist sinful temptations in the past.

Is there a biblical basis for abstaining ... as a sign of repentance?

A: Yes. The book of Daniel states:

"In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia . . . 'I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.'" (Daniel 10:1-3)

****
unityinchrist.com
The first step is to set a specific objective. Why are you fasting? Is it for spiritual renewal, for guidance, for healing, for the resolution of problems, for special grace to handle a difficult situation? Keeping your goal in focus will help you sustain your fast when physical desires and life's pressures tempt you to abandon it.

The second step is to prepare yourself spiritually. The very foundation of fasting and prayer is repentance. Unconfessed sin will hinder your prayers. In Scripture, God always requires His people to repent of their sins before He will hear their prayers.

***********************
Additionally,
Of course, you have to consider your physical condition before fasting. Many recommend getting your doctor's approval prior to fasting.








I understand that fasting weakens the flesh and strengthens the spirit. But, why does God want us to do it, because it is a sacrifice offered to Him? Is it very important to fast? What is the main purpose of fasting?



Fasting is not a means to have your prayers answered by God, remember that I stated earlier that God already hears and answers ALL prayers.
When you eat, certain foods (most if not all), they affect our bodies and minds. Our moods change and our bodies react. You've already seen with your own eyes what overeating does to people, obesity, sickness, and a ton of other problems. Fasting is a means to cleanse your body and mind. When you do this, it becomes easier to focus in prayer.
Flowerchild, stop looking for the hidden meaning, fasting is good for your body, mind and spirit, isn't that enough? Don't keep confusing fasting with getting something from God. Just as you said, God does not save us because of our deeds, He saves us because we accept His free gift of eternal life through His Son Jesus. Jesus knew that abstaining from food would cleanse His body and mind thereby facilitating His communication with the Father.
Fasting isn't for everyone, it doesn't get you more points with God, it is simply a cleansing process. On long fasts, people experience mood swings, some good swings and some bad.
When I fast, abstaining from food (which I think of constantly) reminds me that I am trying to do this to clean up my total act and that my weaknesses can be overcome through God, so...I tend to pray more.
I don't get brilliant revelations or see angels, I simply realize my total dependence on God. My focus is stronger, noises that I normally hear in the background seem to be quelled.
There's no magic formula to fasting, it's a matter of what level you want to go to (as far as abstainence).
Remember, use the experience to cleanse, prayer is good with or without fasting. God will not listen to you more if you fast, but He will be easier to focus on with all of the impurities out of the way.


Posted by: cgirl

Quote:
Originally Posted by flowerchild
Thank you all so much! However, I still do not know WHY we should fast. I understand the principles of practicing self-control, self-disciplines, etc. But, why would God grant me a prayer request "if" I fast? My works are not enough to get anything from God. He grants me his blessings because He loves me and is an awesome God, not because of my works. Please explain this to me. Maybe I do not understand!

God bless you all and thank you for all the information provided! :-)

It's not so much about "works". It's about obedience.


Posted by: shalu

I found this on a website a couple months ago when I did a little research on fasting as I too had many questions......I do not know, however, which one it was. So sorry I cannot give a reference, but it is all scripture....

Fasts Proclaimed:

1 Kings 21:9 - In those letters she wrote: 'Proclaim a day of fasting....'

2 Chronicles 20:3 - Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.

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.

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.

Jeremiah 36:9 - In the ninth month of the fifth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, a time of fasting before the Lord was proclaimed for all the people in Jerusalem and those who had come from the towns of Judah.

Jonah 3:5 - The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.

Duty of Fasting:

Joel 1:14 - Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord.

Joel 2:12 - "Even now," declares the Lord, "return to Me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning."

Matthew 6:17-18 - But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Matthew 17:21 - But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.

General References to Fasting:

Psalm 35:13 - Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting.

Psalm 69:10 - When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn.

Isaiah 58:6 - Is not this the kind of fast 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?

Matthew 9:15 - "... The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast."

Examples of Fasting:

Moses - Exodus 34:28 - Moses was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant - the Ten Commandments.

Moses - Deuteronomy 9:18 - Then once again I fell prostrate before the Lord for forty days and forty nights; I ate no bread and drank no water, because of all the sin you had committed, doing what was evil in the Lord's sight and so provoking Him to anger.

Israel - 1 Samuel 7:6 - When they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the Lord. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, "We have sinned against the Lord."

Elijah - 1 Kings 19:8 - So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.

Ezra - Ezra 10:6 - Then Ezra withdrew from before the house of God and went to the room of Jehohanan son of Eliashib. While he was there, he ate no food and drank no water, because he continued to mourn over the unfaithfulness of the exiles.

Daniel - Daniel 10:3 - I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.

Jesus - Luke 4:1-2 - Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days He was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them He was hungry.

Paul - Acts 9:9 - For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.

Church Leaders - Acts 13:2-3 - While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabus 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.

Paul & Barnabus - Acts 14:23 - Paul and Barnabus appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord in whom they had put their trust.

Here are a few websites that I found beneficial to me that explained fasting.

http://www.biblelife.co.uk/family/fast.php
http://www.morningstarministries.com/fasting.html
http://www.theanswer*****/pastor/fasting.htm