Why Fast? New Testament fasting is a discipline to build character and faith. According to 2 Chronicles 7:14, through fasting and prayer we humble ourselves before God so the Holy Spirit will stir our souls, awaken our churches, and heal our land. In order to fast successfully, we must prepare ourselves both spiritually and physically. (Matthew 9:14 -15)
1. We fast to become closer to God (Acts 8:37).
2. We fast to know God (Psalm 42:1).
3. We fast to wait on God (Isaiah 40:31).
4. We fast to listen to God (1Samuel 3:9).
5. We fast to open heaven (Mal 3:10).
6. We fast to worship God (Psalm 100:2).
Spiritual Preparation: The foundation of fasting and prayer is repentance. Unconfessed sin hinders your prayers.
How to prepare your heart:
- Confess every sin that the Holy Spirit calls to your remembrance and except God’s forgiveness (1 John 1: 9).
- Seek forgiveness from all you have offended, and forgive all who have hurt you (Mark 11:25, Luke 11:4).
- Meditate on the attributes of God (Psalm 48:9, 10; 103:1-8, 11-13).
- Do not underestimate spiritual opposition. Satan sometime intensifies the natural battle between body and spirit (Galatians 5:16, 17).
Suggested Scriptures: Dan 9:3, Dan 10:2.3, Neh 9:1,2 , Deut 9:18, Matt 4:2, Matt 4:2, Luke 2: 37
Physical Preparation: Consult your physician/take precautions, especially if you take prescription medication or have chronic ailments. Do not rush into your fast.
- Start early. Eat smaller meals.
- Avoid high-fat and sugary foods.
- Eat raw fruit and vegetables for two days before starting a fast.
Consider these things before starting your fast:
Plan your fast: Ask someone to fast with you so that you can pray together and hold each other accountable.
Begin journaling now: Write down any fears you might have about fasting, what do you think fasting will do for you spiritually, who do you plan to take along with you on this journey, anything God reveals or impresses upon you while fasting etc.
GUIDELINES FOR DANIEL FAST (Foods We May Eat)
- Whole Grains: Brown Rice, Oats, Barley
- Legumes: Dried Beans, Pinto Beans, Split Peas, Lentils, Black Eyed, Peas
- Fruits: Apples, Apricots, Bananas, Blackberries, Blueberries, Cantaloupe, Cherries, Cranberries, Oats, Figs, Grapefruit, Grapes, Guava, Honeydew Melon, Kiwi, Lemons, Limes, Mangoes, Nectarines, Papayas, Peaches, Pears, Pineapples, Plums, Prunes, Raisins, Raspberries, Strawberries, Tangeloes, Tangerines, Watermelon.
- Vegetables: Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chili Peppers, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic, Ginger root, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Mustard Greens, Okra, Onions, Parsley, Potatoes, Radishes, Rutabagas, Scallions, Spinach, Sprouts, Squashes, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Turnips, Watercress, Yams, Zucchini Seeds, Nuts, Sprouts
- Liquids: Spring Water, Distilled Water, 100% All-Natural Fruit Juices, 100% All Natural Vegetable Juices
- Foods to Avoid: Meat, White Rice, Fried Foods, Caffeine, Carbonated Beverages, Foods Containing Preservatives or Additives, Refined Sugar, Sugar Substitutes, White Flour and All Products Using It, Margarine, Shortening, High Fat Products
