Release the incredible power of fasting into your life...

Wherever you are in life or whatever your needs today, fasting can benefit you. If you are struggling with your health or finances, fasting is a powerful spiritual tool. Maybe you need guidance from God or protection for your family. Fasting is a private discipline with public rewards. It is the spiritual key in certain seasons and situations of your life.

Whatever your season in life, release the power of fasting into your needs.

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Fasting for your family

Fasting gives you the opportunity to pray and intercede specifically for your family. It’s important to fast and pray for your children’s and grandchildren’s future. God is looking for men and women with fervent prayer lives who will do spiritual battle on behalf of their families!

Fasting will open your eyes to the needs of your family. The Lord will point out the needs of your family members from deep within your heart and soul, such as encouragement for your spouse or special prayer and attention for a child.

You can fast and pray specifically for a protective covering of safety around your family. Scripture tells how Esther’s people were in danger. Her uncle Mordecai discovered a plot by Haman, one of evil spirit. Jesus said, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:29).If you are afflicted with addictions or sin, you can go on a fast that frees you from besetting sins as referred to in Hebrews 12:1. Besetting sins are those that ensnare us and hinder us from achieving God’s purpose for our lives.Through fasting we can break free from the addictions and habits that are not pleasing to God. “Is this not the fast that I have chosen; To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke?” (Isaiah 58:6). Christ said the key to deliverance from sin is fasting and prayer. Maybe you struggle with the emotional bondage of depression or anxiety. Elijah also battled negative emotional feelings. When Jezebel sent word that she wanted to kill Elijah, he became distraught (1 Kings 19:4). He was depressed and even suicidal. That’s when an angel came to Elijah and instructed him to journey back into the presence of God. The Bible says that Elijah fasted for 40 days and 40 nights as he returned to Horeb, the mountain of God. God delivered Elijah from feelings of suicide and fear. He gave Him hope, courage and direction.

Fasting for financial needs

If you face a financial struggle that seems

insurmountable, you are not alone. Ezra faced

a big problem with the silver and gold he was

responsible for in Ezra 7 and 8. He had been

given silver and gold from King Artaxerxes to

return to Jerusalem (Ezra 7:14-17), but thieves

threatened his financial security.

Maybe you feel like thieves have stolen

what belongs to you financially. When Ezra

faced an uncertain financial journey, he declared

a fast (Ezra 8:21) and God answered his

prayer! If you will fast, pray and obey God’s

commandments, He said you will be blessed

(Deut. 28:2).

The widow in 1 Kings 17:10-16 also faced

an uncertain future. Although the woman had

very little, she gave up her own food to help

Elijah, the man of God. The book of Isaiah says

we are called, “. . . to share your bread with the

hungry, And that you bring to your house the

poor who are cast out . . .” (Isaiah 58:6-7).

You can add a new dimension to your

fasting if you set aside the money you would

normally use for food to help a food bank,

support world missions or give to some other

ministry that is helping the needy. In the story

of the widow, God multiplied the meal in her

barrel to last for three and a half years!

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Fasting for deliverance

In Mark, chapter 9, Christ’s disciples were

frustrated because they could not cast out an

(Acts 9:9). He didn’t know what to do, but he

fasted for God’s divine direction. Then God

sent the disciple Ananias to him with guidance

(Acts 9:17). Through this process Saul

became Paul, one of God’s chosen apostles.

Through his fast, Paul received the direction

he needed and so can you.

When you don’t know what to do or

when you face a daunting decision, that’s

when you need to fast and pray fervently for

God’s direction.

Answers from God’s Word on the

rewarding spiritual tool of fasting

Believe that many Christians fail to tap into one of the most powerful and rewarding spiritual reservoirs we have at our disposal—fasting. And it’s often because they don’t know

much about this important command for Christ’s followers. This magazine is devoted to sharing with you the “what,” “why,” “how” and “when” of this important scriptural discipline so you can put it into action for your life. If you’ve never fasted or want to know more about it, I want to cover the basics with you.

What is fasting ?

Biblical fasting is giving up specific foods and drink for a specified number of days.

The type and length of the fast you choose is between you and God, and should not be determined by what anyone else is doing.

Fasting, prayer and reading God’s Word go hand in hand. When you fast, also pray for God’s purpose and plan for your life to be revealed. Fast and pray about every major decision in your life.

Simply put, fasting is a way to conquer the physical and open the door to the supernatural in your life. When you deny your body, you feed your spirit and grow closer to the Lord.

Why fast ?

In Matthew 6, Yeshua / Jesus gave us specific direction on how to live as a child of God. That pattern addressed three specific duties of a Christian: Giving, Praying and Fasting. Yeshua said, “When you give,” “when you pray,” “when you fast.” He made it clear that fasting, like giving and praying, was a normal part of  Christian life.

I believe that when all three disciplines—giving, praying and fasting—are at work in your life, you release the complete power of God. It’s much like the lesson Jesus taught in Mark

4:80. When you pray, you release the thirty-fold return. Praying and giving releases sixty-fold blessing. But when you pray, give and fast, you will see a hundred-fold return!

How do I fast ?

Before beginning a fast, write down a plan and make a verbal commitment to the Lord.

When you approach it with determination, you’ll be less likely to waiver in weak moments. You may be surprised to find that fasting is not as daunting as you may think. But if you do find it to be a battle, don’t lose heart, God knows your weaknesses. His fasting principles allow you the flexibility to take care of your job and duties while still making a sacrifice to honor Him.

If the traditional full fast has always made

you shy away from this important principle, you

may be surprised to know that there are actually

many different types of fasts. Find the fast

or combination of fasts that fits your needs.

For example, if you choose to go on

a 21-day fast, you may want to begin with

a full fast for 1-3 days and then continue

with a Daniel Fast or some other type of partial

fast for the remainder of the 21 days. No matter which fast you decide on, you must always remember to consult your doctor and drink lots of water.

Types of fasts

FULL FAST. Drink only liquids – especially

water. On this type of fast you may also take

in clear broth and 100 percent fruit or vegetable

juices in order to maintain your strength.

You establish the number of days for your fast

in your prayer time. Be sure to consult your

doctor.

PARTIAL FAST. There are many options

for partial fasts. Below are just a few for you to

select from.

>> Daniel Fast: The most frequently used

example of a partial fast, found in Daniel,

chapter 10, the Daniel Fast is a fast from

meats, sweets, breads and any drink,

except water, for a specific time period

(Daniel 10:2-3). The easiest way to think

of this fast is you should eat vegetables,

fruits and drink only water. Be sure to consult

your doctor, especially if you have any

medical condition.

>> The following are examples of other types

of partial fasts. But remember, the type of

fast you select is what you and the Lord

agree upon.

> give up one item of food or drink

such as caffeine, coffee, soft drinks

or sweets or give up one meal.

> fast for a specific number of days . . .

one day, three days, so on.

> choose to fast from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

or from sun-up to sundown. When

doing this type of fast, consider your

work and sleep schedule. The hours

that you sleep should not be considered

part of your fasting period, so

the timeframe for this type of fast

may vary.

The Lord speaks of Private fasts and

Corporate fasts in Scripture.

CORPORA TE FAST. A Corporate fast is

a joint fast of believers for a specific purpose

that can yield powerful results. Although this

fast involves others, it is also very much a “private

and personal experience.” Esther called

all of her people to fast for protection against

danger (Esther 4:16). Samuel declared a fast

for national revival (1 Samuel 7).

When should you fast ?

If you want to make fasting a way of life,

work out a plan for the entire year to include

days or meals to fast that works into your

lifestyle. You may decide to fast one day a

month or one meal a week. You may even

decide to do a partial fast for one week every

other month. Options are endless.

There are also other unexpected times

that you may feel a need to fast—during

family struggles, financial problems, etc.

Specific times when you need to capture the

attention and mercy of God in your life.

The Bible gives us a perfect example of

how denying ourselves physically can bring

good health. It is the story of Daniel and his

peers in Daniel 1. The “Daniel Fast” is a fast

from meats, sweets, breads and any drink

but water for 21 days (Daniel 1:12; 10:2-3).

This fast is a partial and a prolonged fast

that yields health and healing. Daniel and

three others refused to eat the king’s meat

and they “appeared better and fatter in flesh

than all the young men who ate the portion

of the king’s delicacies” (Daniel 1:15). Daniel

and his men were healthier! If you have a

physical problem, fast for healing. According

to Isaiah 58 when you fast, “ . . . your health

will spring forth speedily.”

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Fasting for our nation Israel

When Samuel took over as priest and

judge over the nation, he declared a fast for

national revival. Samuel told the people to

fast and seek God to return His presence to

the nation (1 Samuel 7:3).

Our society today critically needs believers

who will fast and pray for revival. “If

My people who are called by My name will

humble themselves, and pray and seek

My face, and turn from their wicked ways,

then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive...

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Fasting for guidance

Are you faced with a major life decision

and don’t know what to do? Maybe you have

a job opportunity . . . a broken relationship . . .

or an unfulfilled dream. Fasting can help you

clear away the clutter of life and discern God’s

voice.

Saul was going the wrong direction in

life. He was hunting down followers of Christ

and persecuting them when the light of God’s

truth knocked him off his path (Acts 9:3-6).

Saul headed to Damascus and “was three

days without sight, and neither ate nor drank”

THE DANIEL FASTING…

FOODS ABLE TO EAT:
Whole Grains: Brown Rice, Oats, Barley Legumes: Dried Beans, Pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas All Fruits All Vegetables 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, margerine, shortening, high fat foods.

According to the Bible, there are three duties of every Christian: give, pray and fast. Biblical fasting takes a lot of discipline and strength—strength which you can only receive from God. Your private discipline will bring you rewards in Heaven, says Matthew 6.

When you give God your first through fasting, prayer and giving at the beginning of the year, you set the course for the entire year.

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Why should I fast?

1. Are you in need of healing or a miracle?
2. Do you need the tender touch of God in your life?
3. Is there a dream inside you that only He can make possible?
4. Are you in need of a fresh encounter?
5. Do you desire a deeper, more intimate and powerful relationship with the Lord?
6. Are you ready to have heightened sensitivity to the desires of God?
7. Do you need to break away from bondages that have been holding you hostage?
8. Is there a friend or loved one that needs Salvation?
9. Do you desire to know God's will for your life?

Food Guidelines for a Daniel Fast

 Daniel 1:12 "Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink."

Daniel 10:3 KJV I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled."

When going on a Daniel fast, or any type of fast, if you have questions outside of what Scripture says, prayerfully seek the Lord and be led by the Spirit for the specifics for your personal fast.

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Here are some of the most-asked questions about fasting from our friends and partners:

Can I have salt, pepper, seasonings , milk, whole grains ,

soy products , eggs , protein drin ks, vit amins or butt er?

The general guidelines for each fast can be found in the “Types of Fasts” section. However, fasting is a private discipline. It is not something that is meant to be unattainable.

Decide what is feasible for you and do your best.

Can children fast ?

The best way to show your children the power of fasting is to lead by example. If they want to participate in fasting or if you want to have a family fast, consider giving up desserts or soft drinks. In addition to giving up an item of food, you could also give up television as a family and spend that time reading and discussing Bible stories.

What if I have a medic al conditi on?

Consult your doctor before starting any fast. Decide together what is possible. If your health condition prohibits you from fasting food, try fasting something else and concentrate on prayer and Bible study. What if I st art and can’t finis h out the fast . . . have I fast ed

for nothing ?

Seeking God through prayer and fasting is never a waste of time. When you make the effort, God takes notice. Just determine within your heart that you will make an even better effort next time. Or try finishing up with a partial fast. I forgot and ate something that wasn ’t on my fast . . . do I need to st art again ?

No, think of fasting as a marathon, rather than a sprint. Don’t give up! If you fall down, get up and keep trying. Conquering “king stomach” is difficult, but you’ll make it.

Do I contin ue to exercis e while fasting ?

Moderate exercise is good. But it is best to always consult a doctor about fasting and exercise. If you are on a complete fast, you may not have the energy for a high level of exercise.

What if I have a manual labor job?

If you have a job that requires you to expend a lot of physical energy, you may want to consider a partial fast that allows you to receive enough nutrition to perform your job.

Can my husband and I be inti mate during our fast ?

Read I Corinthians 7:2-5, especially verse 5, which says do not deprive one another (of sexual relations) EXCEPT WITH CONSENT, for a time . . . that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer. So the answer is yes. Scripture allows this for the purpose of fasting and prayer, BUT only with mutual consent.