There seems to be a recurring question about fasting. Many have asked the question, “What does fasting even mean?”

Fasting is often described as abstinence of drinks, food, or both for a planned period of time.

However, as believers, fasting can be more accurately described as “essentially giving up food (or something else) for a period of time in order to focus your thoughts on Christ.” It is imperative that as believers we willingly sacrifice what our flesh desires such as (and not limited to) food and drinks in order to focus on our creator and gain a greater understanding of the direction God wants us to go.

Paul said it best in the book of Romans 12: when he states, “I beseech you therefore,brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

Just like every relationship in our lives, we must be willing to show devotion to those we hold dearly as a sign of a healthy relationship. Wouldn’t the most important relationship in our lives, our relationship with God, be held to the same standards? Acts of love and devotion help solidify our relationship with Christ as well as a mutually genuine love.

Thus being said, let us look at proper ways to fast and consecrate for these days of fasting:

1. Before beginning, make sure to start with a clear goal and be specific!

• Why are you fasting?
• Do you need direction in your life, healing, peace, restoration of a relationship/marriage, financial difficulties, family issues, etc?

2. Ask the Holy Spirit for Guidance

• Read the Bible and Pray Daily!
• Jesus spent time early in the morning praying. Let us follow His example and take time to pray throughout our day!
• Have a designated place to pray. Find that secret place where you can focus on prayer.
• Do not forget to fast and intercede on behalf of your church, for: your pastor, assistants, ministers, leadership, coordinators and their families.
• Unity, love for souls, spirituality, health and growth

3. Prepare Spiritually

• Confess your sins to God and ask him to reveal areas of weakness
• Forgive all who have offended you and ask for forgiveness (Mark 11:25, Luke 11:4)
• Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2)

4. Decide What to Fast (The type of fasting is up to you)

• Many choose a traditional fast which is more of an intermediate fast (not eating for set time period intervals such as 6 am – 6 pm)
• The Daniel Fast includes abstaining from meats, caffeine, sweets, bread, etc, and rather sticking to mostly foods that can be harvested while constantly drinking water
• You may also resort to fasting things that seem to heavily distract you from focusing on God such as various social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, etc.) or technology in general
• Remember to replace all that time with prayer and the study of God’s word. Fasting without prayer and God’s word is no different from an ordinary diet/cleanse!

5. What to Expect

When you fast, your body detoxifies and eliminates toxins from your system. This can cause mild discomfort such as headaches and irritability during withdrawal from caffeine and sugars. And naturally, you will have hunger pains.

We need to abstain and stay the course regardless of the temptation that may come our way. God honors and sees our sacrifice!

• Limit your activity and exercise moderately.
• Take time to rest.
• Fasting brings about miraculous results in the spiritual realm.
• You are following Jesus’ example when you fast.
• Spend time listening to praise and worship.
• Pray as often as you can throughout the day.
• Get away from the normal distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and mind set on seeking God’s face.