What the Bible Says About Fasting

Benefits Of Fasting

The benefits of fasting are innumerable. Here is just a partial list of the many benefits of this powerful spiritual discipline.

The Word of God comes alive
Addictions and strongholds are broken
We become more sensitive to God's presence
The physical body is purged of toxins
It becomes easier to trust and obey God
Faith increases
Doubts and fear vanish
God reveals to us our sinful attitudes
Decrease of self-indulgence
Decrease of self-righteousness

Practical Tips for Fasting

The early church gave themselves to fasting and prayer for a time. If they needed it then, we need it now! Every time you pray and fast for a certain amount of time, you are investing in a powerful Kingdom - the Kingdom of God.

Set a definite time for your fast so you know in advance how long you will be fasting. Keep in mind fasting changes your heart. A one-day or one-meal fast can be very powerful when submitted to God as a sacrifice of yourself.

Since you are denying your flesh and seeking the Lord, you may find yourself becoming irritable or unwilling to pray. Some of these feelings may be physically induced just because of a physical reaction. Plan beforehand to "pray through" the spiritual battle.

On longer fasts (2 or more days) the body is cleansing itself from physical impurities. Possible side effects from toxins include headache, nausea, hunger, weakness, and leg cramps. To help prevent these problems, abstain from caffeine, sugar, and junk food five days prior to your fast. Drink pure water (distilled if possible) throughout your fast, it helps with elimination of toxins. The cleaner your system, the less discomfort. The less waste that is stored in the body when you begin your fast, the fewer toxins will be released.

Try to rest if you feel weak and get some fresh air every day.

Spend time in prayer, worship, repentance, and read your Bible. Use the time you would normally spend eating or preparing food for "spiritual exercise". Many people have noticed that the Bible simply comes alive while they are fasting.

Have specific spiritual goals that you desire to obtain while praying and fasting. Without prayer and a set purpose, fasting is only a glorified diet.

Break your fast with grape juice, fresh fruits, and steamed vegetables, adding other foods in a day or two. Avoid meat, bread, and fats for several meals or days depending on the length of the fast. Keep in mind your stomach has been inactive and it takes a while to restore essential digestive enzymes and acids.

Some medical conditions are prohibitive to fasting. Get the advice of your physician if you have a medical condition. These conditions include diabetes, hypoglycemia, and heart disease. Pregnant and nursing mothers also should not fast because toxins will be passed on to the baby. Also, some medications need to be taken with food so use discretion. In these cases where you are unable to do a complete fast (water only) consider abstaining from a specific items (i.e. all types of media and Internet, all books other than the Bible, magazines, coffee, tea, chocolate, etc.).

Other types of fasts include:

Water, Honey and Lemon - This is considered a cleansing fast. Squeeze 1/2 lemon in a cup of hot water and add honey to taste. Drink water throughout the day. This can be used for an extended fast.

Juice Fast - This is self-explanatory. No food, coffee, soft drinks, etc. Juice only--fresh carrot juice is excellent.

Daniel Fast - Fruits, vegetables and water. This is a good fast for those who have physically demanding jobs.