Fasting Guidelines Rev. Terrence Proctor, Senior Pastor PO Box 68545, Seattle, WA 98168 (206) 243-5024 office@cbsr.org www.cbsr.org Researched and Prepared by Pastor Terrence Proctor & Pastor Dennis W. Sawyer
Church By the Side of the Road A Declared Time of Fasting Therefore, I urge you, in view of God s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God this is your spiritual act of worship. (Romans 12:1) Some Thoughts and Guidelines The disciplines of prayer and fasting can be powerful tools in the spiritual arsenal of the believer. Christians today would do well to consider fasting as a means of drawing closer to God or gaining spiritual strength. It is not a command; it is a privilege. In times of great stress, it is a way of communicating with the LORD and, if it is sincere and dedicated to God, it will be regarded by Him. (Matthew 6:18) That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. 1
God-Honoring Fast Jesus, by His example and His teaching, demonstrates that prayer and fasting are important and integral ingredients in the lives of His followers. One purpose of prayer and fasting is to bring our hearts to a place of being filled with a sacrificial love that results in godly attitudes in our lives. True fasting will draw us closer to God and His purposes. God has chosen prayer and fasting as the gateway to supernatural power. Reading scripture, prayer, and fasting are the ways believers humble themselves in the sight of the Lord. When we humble ourselves, He promises to exalt and lift us up at the appointed time (I Peter 5:6; James 4:10). God also indicates that He will give grace to the humble (James 4:6). Again, II Chronicles 7:14 indicates the importance of humbling ourselves before God. Fasting brings a sharp focus to the dramatic difference between our physical and spiritual natures. Eating is one of the most fundamental things we do as physical beings. One of the most natural desires is for food. Without proper nourishment we die. By exercising our wills and depriving ourselves of food for spiritual purposes, we acknowledge our spiritual nature and honor our Creator-Father. 2
When we deny the natural for the purpose of calling upon God to do the supernatural, He will enable and empower us to experience the supernatural. Through fasting, we confirm the words uttered by Jesus in the face of temptation during His forty-day fast, "Man does not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). Through prayer and fasting, we forsake our own physical needs and the creature comforts of this world and call upon God as the Originator, Giver, Source, and Sustainer of all life, especially our own. We exalt Him as our hope and salvation. True spiritual fasting will result in submission and devotion to God. The Bible is filled with references to the prayers and fasting of His people. In Matthew 6, Jesus placed fasting on the same level as praying and giving. He said, "When you fast When you pray and When you give " Like other spiritual disciplines, they can also be misused. We don t fast so as to appear spiritual or to figuratively twist the arm of God in order to receive answers to prayer. Nor are they physical tests or exercises in mental discipline. True prayer and fasting are attitudes of the heart and cries of the soul. God s Word encourages fasting and prayer when accompanied with proper reasons and motives. 3
God Blesses When Our Fasts... focus on Him and honor Him: (Although you will receive spiritual blessings, these are not proper motives for fasting. Fasting is about focusing on Him not you) have spiritual purposes: (Although you may realize certain physical benefits, these are not proper motives for spiritual fasting, e.g. for weightloss purposes.) cause individuals to humble themselves and submit to the authority of God and His Word. cause individuals to acknowledge and repent of sin. deprive our natural desires and lusts to focus on the spiritual. A Practical Guide One of the primary functions of prayer and fasting is to help us discover what His ordained purposes and will are for our lives. Instead of shopping, preparing food and eating we can focus on God. We can seek Him for direction and guidance. We can pause and listen as He talks to our spirit. Even when we honor God by praying and fasting, this does not mean that our heavenly Father will grant everything on our wish-and-whim list. God will only work and bless in ways that are consistent and in harmony with His will and purpose. I have included some practical helps and hints that are rooted in my own experienceguidelines that I follow as I fast and pray. 4
Types of Fasts Choose any one of the following fasts. Take into consideration your health status and consult your doctor before beginning your fast. Make adjustments based on your health (e.g. diabetic dietary needs). FULL FAST (Commit to a set number of days. If this is your first time fasting, you may start with 2 3 days each week over the course of the 40 days (not including the six Sundays). Gradually increase the number of days as you develop discipline. One day constitutes a minimum of 24 hours (e.g. 12am Tues until 12am Wed = 1 day). Drink only liquids (no soda, no alcohol, no luxury beverages, e.g. lattes) *Avoid juices with high-fructose corn syrup *Drink more water than juice THE DANIEL FAST Eat no meat, no sweets and no bread. Drink water and juice. Eat fruits and vegetables. Eat whole grains (e.g. brown rice, rolled/steel-cut oats), seeds (e.g. quinoa), nuts (raw & unflavored) and sprouts. *Avoid juices with high-fructose corn syrup *Drink more water than juice 5
PARTIAL FAST No food from 6:00am to 6:00pm or from sun-up to sundown. Drink only liquids during the fasting hours (no soda, no alcohol, no luxury beverages, e.g. lattes) *Drink more water than juice MODIFIED FAST BREAKFAST Eat stove top oatmeal (no microwave oatmeal) or one to two egg whites (no egg yolks). Drink water, fresh juices and teas - more water than juice. *May add a little bit of fruit to your oatmeal (no canned/sweetened fruit) *May use a little bit of milk *May use a little bit of honey or agave (no refined sugar) LUNCH Eat grilled or boiled chicken, turkey, or fish (tilapia/salmon) with broth, and steamed or raw vegetables/fruit. If eating sliced deli meat, may eat one to two slices of oven roasted meat. Go heavy on the vegetables, light on the meat. (Meat portion should be no bigger than the size of your fist). Drink water, fresh juices and teas - more water than juice. DINNER - Eat grilled or boiled chicken, turkey, or fish (tilapia/salmon) with broth, and steamed or raw vegetables/fruit. If eating sliced deli meat, may eat one to two slices of oven roasted meat. Go heavy on the vegetables, light on the meat. (Meat portion should be no bigger than the size of your fist). Drink water, fresh juices and teas - more water than juice. 6
FOODS TO AVOID ON THE MODIFIED FAST *No fried/battered foods - Very light use of olive oil for grilling *No beef, pork, shell fish or bottom feeders (e.g. halibut, flounder, plaice, sole, eels, ling cod, haddock, bass, grouper, bream, snapper and catfish) *No sauces, gravy or creamy salad dressings (for salads use lemon juice or a light drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette) *No rice, pasta, potatoes, grits, breads, cakes or pastries *No dairy products (may use a little bit of milk for your oatmeal in the morning, but no milk the rest of the day) *No junk food; no sweet treats (e.g. ice cream, jello, pudding, etc.) *No soda, no alcohol, no luxury beverages (e.g. mochas, lattes, cappuccinos, frappuccinos, etc.) Tips for Fasting How to Begin: Start with a clear goal. Be specific. Why are you fasting? Do you need direction, healing, restoration of marriage or family issues? Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Pray and read the Bible daily. Preparing Spiritually: Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness. Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3-4). Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2). 7
Deciding What to Fast: The type of fasting you choose is up to you. You could go on a full fast in which you only drink liquids, or you may desire to fast like Daniel, who abstained from sweets and meats, and the only liquid he drank was water. Remember to replace that time with prayer and Bible study. Deciding How Long: You may fast as long as you like. Most can easily fast from one to three days, but you may feel the grace to go longer, even as much as 21 to 40 days. Use wisdom and pray for guidance. Beginners are advised to start slow. What to Expect: When you fast your body detoxifies, eliminating toxins from your system. This can cause mild discomfort such as headaches and irritability during withdrawal from caffeine and sugars. And naturally, you will have hunger pains. Limit your activity and exercise moderately. Take time to rest. Fasting brings about miraculous results. You are following Jesus' example when you fast. Spend time listening to praise and worship. Pray as often as you can throughout the day. Get away from the normal distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and mind set on seeking God's face. How to End: Don't overeat when the time comes to end your fast. Begin eating solid foods gradually; eat small portions or snacks. (Fasting Tips Borrowed in part from Sources: DMBC, FCWC, Gainesville GA) Spiritual Suggestions 1. Determine in advance the minimum length of the fast and the type of fast God is calling you to 8
undertake. Then, while spending time with Him be willing to lengthen the time of fasting as God enables. 2. If God calls you to a fast, He has specific reasons and purposes in mind. For we are God s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Eph 2:10. Cooperate & Congregational Prayer: Let us Pray Together! Pastor invites prayer for the following prayer points: 1. The power of God! 2. Awareness of the presence of God! 3. A hunger and thirst for the Word of God! 4. Prayer for love and unity among believers! 5. Conviction of sin! 6. That we grow in our care for lost souls! 7. Pray for a spirit of expectancy! 8. Pray for strength, courage, wisdom, and discipline to engage in spiritual warfare! Under each of these major headings there could be several sub points about what you are trusting God for in each of these areas. (e.g. Church finances, etc) 3. Identify, confess, and repent of all revealed sin before and during your fast. Continue to ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any concealed area where you feel separated from 9
God. Unconfessed sin and disobedience will hinder your prayer and fasting. 4. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's prompting in all areas of your life, since God will often require you to seek reconciliation or restoration in broken relationships. 5. Pray fervently and continually, especially during those times when you would normally be preparing food or eating. 6. Absorb large quantities of scripture into your life through hearing, reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating on God's Word. Ask God to reveal what He wants you to read and study in His Word. 7. Keep a journal of your purposes for the fast. This should contain specific prayer requests, written prayer, devotional thoughts, and spiritual insights you are gaining during your fast. For example, I hand write many of my prayers to God. I also document whatever I feel God is teaching me, even though they may seem insignificant at the time. I include the specific day and time in the journal entry. These daily writings have been a consistent source of encouragement, strength, and insight long after the fast has ended, reminding me, often months later, of God's direction and calling for my life. 8. Always reserve time to be still and quiet before the Lord. 9. Skipping meals alone will not result in a spiritually meaningful fast although you will still reap the physical benefits of fasting. To reap the spiritual 10
rewards, you must set aside time to pray and seek spiritual insights. Dedicate at least as much time as you would normally spend in food preparation and eating for prayer and the study of God's word. 10. Consider praying audibly; at times, try kneeling or getting on your face before God. This may help foster an attitude of humility in prayer and keep you focused on your purposes. 11. Praise God verbally and in song for who He is and what He has done: Worship Him. 12. Use scriptural prayers during some of your prayer time. 13. Ask God with whom, when and how you may want to share your fasting experience when it has come to an end. If God so allows it, your testimony can challenge, inspire, and help increase the faith of others. Always give God the glory for what He has done in your life. 11
Physical Suggestions 1. If you have had any health problems, it is wise to check with your doctor before beginning your first fast. 2. Eat mainly raw foods and drink plenty of water for a few meals before you begin your fast. 3. Decrease the size and frequency of meals before beginning your fast, especially a prolonged fast. 4. Go off of all caffeine and sugar in the weeks before you begin your fast. (This eliminates having to deal with withdrawal headaches while you deal with the initial hunger pangs.) 5. Determine in advance what kind of fast you will undertake, e.g., total abstinence, water only, water and juice, etc. I recommend water-and-pure juice fasts. By fasting solid food, you accomplish the spiritual and physical purposes of the fast, while at the same time the juices help you to maintain your energy level. I prefer a water-only fast however, most people choose a water and juice fast. 6. Days two through four of the fast are often the most challenging. On day two you experience hunger and on days three and four you experience fatigue as your body goes into a cleansing mode. If you can arrange your schedule to include naps on days three and four it is very helpful. 12
7. Avoid chewing gum during the fast. Chewing activates the digestive processes therefore sparking hunger pangs. 8. When drinking juice on a fast, unsweetened and non-acidic juices seem best. Tomato and orange juices are hard on the stomach, unless greatly diluted. 9. If you (a) undertake a water-only fast, (b) plan an extended fast, (c) have a medical condition, or (d) are taking medication, you should consult a medical doctor familiar with fasting before you begin your fast. 10. Consult other resources on fasting. There are good articles on the Internet and good books in the Christian bookstores. 11. You may need to restrict some of your physical activity during the fast, especially rigorous exercise. 12. Sudden movements, especially standing up quickly, may cause temporary dizziness or lightheadedness, especially during the second and third days. 13. Expect some physical, mental and perhaps, even some emotional discomfort especially if you didn t go off of caffeine and sugar prior to beginning your fast. Headaches, sleeplessness, and irritability often accompany a fast, but don't allow the fast to become an excuse for improper actions and attitudes. 13
14. You will likely experience some weight loss during a fast, but the weight usually returns quickly once the fast is broken; although, with a little discipline regarding portion sizes, some of your weight loss can be long-term. 15. It's important always to consider the feelings of others, particularly family members, when planning a fast. Ask God for wisdom regarding the type of fast you should undertake and the manner in which you conduct your fast. 16. Some people, even those with good intentions, may try to keep you from fasting; others may encourage you to end your fast before the appointed time. You should anticipate this and be prepared with a kind, yet resolved, response that is in accordance with how God is leading you. 17. End the fast, especially an extended one, gradually. Ronnie W. Floyd says, After my prolonged fasts, I eat only soft foods for at least a couple of days (baked potato, soup, yogurt, etc.). I begin with small portions and gradually increase my intake. I then move to other foods that are more easily digested. I often wait five or more days before returning to a full meal. When you return to normal eating patterns too quickly after a fast, you may cause serious medical problems, and may also minimize some of the physical benefits of the fast. Some of the above was quoted from The Power of Prayer and Fasting by Ronnie W. Floyd. Pages 197-204. Broadman & Holman Publishers. Copyright 1997. 14
My Personal Reasons for this Particular Season of Fasting 15
My Journal of Impressions, Thoughts and Words From God, During this Season of Fasting 16
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Researched and Prepared by Pastor Terrence Proctor & Pastor Dennis W. Sawyer 21
Rev. Terrence Proctor, Senior Pastor PO Box 68545, Seattle, WA 98168 (206)243-5024 office@cbsr.org www.cbsr.org