Guidelines for Fasting & Prayer
Why Fast?
Jesus said, “When you fast…” with the expectation
that we would fast. He did not say, “If you fast…” He said, “When
you fast…” (Matt 6:16)
Why?
Fasting provides the means to deny our natural bodily appetite and to
direct our hunger toward God as we feed on His faithfulness.
The Result?
Direction: The early church became more sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s
leading as they fasted and received specific direction for the ministry as
a result (Acts 13:2, 3).
Power: Jesus indicated that certain demonic activity
could only be overcome by prayer and fasting (Mark 9:29).
Comfort and Vision: In the midst of imminent shipwreck, Paul received encouragement and vision
from God through fasting that brought comfort to the terrified
crew as well as answered prayer in saving the lives of all the passengers
(Acts
27: 21- 26).
What is Fasting?
Scripture provides examples of different types of fasts. They
range from long-term total abstinence from food, and in some cases, water
(Exodus 34:28; Daniel
9:3) to short- term partial fasts ( Daniel 1:12)
How Do You Fast?
For your fasting and prayer day, you may choose to have a
complete fast by drinking only water. Or, if you have work commitments, you
may choose
to
have partial
fast which would include juice, fruit, and vegetables and then spend
the rest of the day praying.
To achieve the best results, it is best to find a place to pray without
distractions. For example, schedule a day up at the Garden Valley
Prayer Retreat Cabin.
Another approach would be to include at least two hours in the prayer
room during your
prayer and fasting day.
Guidelines for Fasting & Prayer
Why Fast?
Jesus said, “When you fast…” with the expectation
that we would fast. He did not say, “If you fast…” He said, “When
you fast…” (Matt 6:16)
Why?
Fasting provides the means to deny our natural bodily appetite and to
direct our hunger toward God as we feed on His faithfulness.
The Result?
Direction: The early church became more sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s
leading as they fasted and received specific direction for the ministry as
a result (Acts 13:2, 3).
Power: Jesus indicated that certain demonic activity
could only be overcome by prayer and fasting (Mark 9:29).
Comfort and Vision: In the midst of imminent shipwreck, Paul received encouragement and vision
from God through fasting that brought comfort to the terrified
crew as well as answered prayer in saving the lives of all the passengers
(Acts
27: 21- 26).
What is Fasting?
Scripture provides examples of different types of fasts. They
range from long-term total abstinence from food, and in some cases, water
(Exodus 34:28; Daniel
9:3) to short- term partial fasts ( Daniel 1:12)
How Do You Fast?
For your fasting and prayer day, you may choose to have a
complete fast by drinking only water. Or, if you have work commitments, you
may choose
to
have partial
fast which would include juice, fruit, and vegetables and then spend
the rest of the day praying.
To achieve the best results, it is best to find a place to pray without
distractions. For example, schedule a day up at the Garden Valley
Prayer Retreat Cabin.
Another approach would be to include at least two hours in the prayer
room during your
prayer and fasting day.