A day of Fasting and Prayer is a voluntary activity, and it is always appropriate for God's people to commit an event, family members and problems to the Lord on a particular day that you set aside. If you are unfamiliar with the practice of fasting and feel uncertain about participating in that aspect, we ask that you read on to learn more, and then decide whether or not you want to fast while you pray!
What is fasting?
Fasting can be defined as a Christian's voluntary abstinence from food for spiritual purposes, but an even more broad view of fasting that is widely accepted by most Christians is given by Richard Foster in his book Celebration of Discipline. Fasting, according to Foster, is "the voluntary denial of a normal function for the sake of intense spiritual activity."
What can I fast?
We can choose to fast from any activity that might get in the way of our spending quality time with God in prayer. So, don't shy away from fasting because you feel you will have a really hard time "not eating" or because for medical reasons you cannot go without food. Consider fasting from this more broad perspective and "give up" whatever it is that might distract you from having a quality, rich, deep prayer time with the Lord! Here are some ideas of what you can fast:
- food
- food except fruit or juice
- meat
- sweets
- caffeine
- watching TV
- listening to the radio
- reading the paper
- talking on the telephone
- sleeping
How long shall I fast?
If you choose a food fast, you might decide to fast for 24 hours, beginning the fast after dinner on one day and ending the fast with dinner on the next day. If you do this, you will want to drink plenty of water (and you might consider including other beverages like juice or milk in order to get some nourishment during this time period). Please realize there is nothing more "spiritual" about embarking upon a more severe fast than a less severe one — the point is not to torture yourself, but rather to abstain from something that might normally "fill" you or satisfy you instead of God's presence.
Fast with someone else.
Consider pairing up with a support/accountability partner — someone who will pray with you on that day, and who will fast alongside you. This may help you to increase your diligence in praying and fasting.
