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What is Fasting?
I have heard about the concept of prayer and fasting from scripture. I have witnessed people I know participate in this activity. And for some, it was something that they do annually.
For others, it is something they would do when they were going through a particularly difficult period in their life.
I have never done a fast (as in prayer and fasting) myself, however. I have given up particular foods and such for lent. That is a type of fasting. But, for me, it wasn’t combined with prayer or a specific intention.
Those who do partake of this practice of prayer and fasting, are convinced that it is a game-changer for them. They say that it bolsters their faith and enhances their spiritual growth.
Some say it releases the power of God in a new way in their lives. A pastor at a church I previously attended, would begin every year with a Prayer and Fasting event and challenged us to do so for a 21 day period.
I have been intrigued but kind of confused as to what the fasting part of prayer and fasting entailed. Let’s just say, I am not one to skip a meal, so it was a little concerning to me.
But as I learned more about the concept of fasting I realized it didn’t have to mean not eating ANY and ALL food all day every day for a time period. (Though for some it may be just that.)
It can be simply fasting from whatever you choose and whatever time frame you choose. Fast from sun-up to sun-down. Or fast a particular meal or a particular food or even a particular activity (social media?).
Fast for one day or for one week. We can decide to fast how and what we feel comfortable with or are called to do. (*Please keep in mind your health conditions, etc.)
Prayer During a Fast
While the fasting is going on, we should really be looking forward to the time spent in prayer. What will our prayers be at this time? Will this indeed increase our faith? Will we spend time quietly listening to God and not just talking?
It might be useful to designate a time and place for special prayers. Make it an event. Not to say we can’t pray in our car on the way to work or while doing laundry, but we should have time set aside to truly focus on God and our prayers.
Before praying, I often find it helpful to write down all of the situations and people that I wish to pray for. Taking time to meditate on each person or request that we are bringing to the Lord.
We should decide to block off a chunk of time, find a quiet place (if possible) where we can pray. We can choose to pray for an hour at a time twice a day, for 5 days. Or maybe we can do 15 minutes a day for 7 days in a row.
That’s the thing, WE can determine what feels right for us. The main focus is that while we are fasting, we are praying and keeping our focus on God.
By making a plan and setting guidelines up for ourselves, it will help keep us accountable. By scheduling a prayer time, it is like setting an appointment with God.
Get Started
In order to get started in this practice of prayer and fasting, truly all it takes is a decision to do so. Deciding when and for how long and what you will be fasting from is up to you.
I pray that if you embark on this journey, it will indeed draw you nearer to Him.
Note: If you have health issues, please consult your doctor to be sure you fast in a way that is not harmful to you.
