Why we fast?

PRAYER AND STUDY 

Your goal in fasting is to develop a closer relationship with God by denying your flesh. Fasting is a time of consecration from the things of the world to the things of God. First, fasting allows you to improve your communication with God through prayer and as your communication improves your relationship with God is strengthened. Thus, to effectively communicate with God you must have a strong prayer life. It is critical to increase your prayer time during a fast. 

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In addition to prayer, a second and powerful way to develop a closer relationship with God is to read and study his word. When the fast is over, you should be spiritually renewed and strengthened because you have controlled your flesh and intensified your commitment to God through prayer and reading his word. 

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A fast drastically restricts normal food intake by cutting away many of the foods you commonly eat to satisfy your appetite (flesh). Please consult with your physician if you are on medication and/or strict dietary needs.

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BIBLICAL MODEL 

We are praying and believing God as a corporate body that “the bands of wickedness are loosed, that heavy burdens are undone, and that the oppressed go free and break every yoke,” Isaiah 58:6. We believe God to be totally free because where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty. “Then shall we call on him and the Lord shall answer; we shall cry out and He will say,” Here I am.” Isaiah 58:9

 

MOST COMMON BIBLICAL REASONS FOR FASTING 

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1. To strengthen our ability to turn our attention to the Lord. 

Daniel 9:1-3 provides an example of how to engage God through prayer and supplication.

 

2. When facing a great challenge or obstacle. 

Simply stated, when you don’t know what to do, seek God. (In 2 Chronicles 20:1:4; similarly in Ezra 8:21-23). 

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3. To be receptive to direction and wisdom from God. 

Consider your role in listening for God’s direction. When you want Him to reveal something in your life - big or small - you must first place yourself in a posture to hear from Him. 

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4. To bring our flesh under submission and to combat temptation and spiritual opposition. 

Christians are constantly under attack. We are only able to withstand these temptations and entanglements by prayer and fasting. (Mark 9:29, Matthew 4:1-3).

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5. To be obedient to God and be free.

God defined an effective fast that loosed the bands of wickedness, that caused heavy burdens to be undone, and that freed the oppressed and broke every yoke. (Isaiah 58:6.)

 

6. We want God to answer when we call. 

We want God to answer when we call and be there for us when we cry. (Isaiah 58:9)

 

ACCOUNTABILITY

Accountability is a powerful tool for success. You will probably be most successful with this fast if you make yourself accountable to at least one other person during this fast. Encourage one another. If someone falls and eats the wrong foods, do not condemn them. Help them start again. Walk with love, GRACE, and mercy. During this period, as you continue to deny your flesh, you will find opportunities to grow more spiritually and reflect the character of God in your daily walk.

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Limit television, social media, and entertainment.