What Is Fasting?Sample

PREPARING FOR YOUR FAST

Here are some of the simple tips to help you prepare for your fast:

1. Set an objective for your fast.

Is there something you want to trust God for this season? Is it a spiritual renewal and growth? Is it for guidance? For healing? For the resolution of a certain problem in your life and family? For special grace to handle a difficult situation?

Ask the Holy Spirit to clarify what He wants you to take away from this time. This will enable you to pray more specifically and strategically.

2. Commit to your fast

For Jesus, it was a matter of when, not if, his followers would fast. (Matthew 6:16-18; 9:14-15). Before you fast, decide on...

a. How long will you fast?

We are doing a 21-day community fast. If you are unable to commit to that long, I encourage you to at least go for 7 days or 14 days.

b. What type of fast?

We are encouraging a liquid fast for our community, but if you have a serious health condition, please consult with your doctor before you begin.

c. What physical or social activities will you restrict?

While you should be able to carry on with many of your normal activities, you could choose to restrict some to focus on prayer

d. How much time each day will you devote to prayer and God's Word?

The idea is to substitute your normal meal times with time in prayer. However, you could, for example, decide to do a one-hour prayer walk each lunchtime to pray through the items on the prayer guide.

Making these commitments ahead of time, writing them down, and even sharing them with someone you trust will help you sustain your fast when physical temptations and life's pressures tempt you to abandon it.

3. Prepare Spiritually

Pray about your upcoming time of fasting. Ask God to give you an expectant heart and show you any areas of your life that need to be aligned to His will.

Pray for spiritual protection over yourself and your family as you fast. The enemy will often intensify the natural battle between body and spirit (Galatians 5:16-17).

4. Prepare Physically

Don't binge eat before the fast begins! Cut down on caffeine and high-fat and sugary foods several days before the fast. Raw fruits and veggies are a great way to condition your body for the fast!

The Importance of Water:

While fasting, drink a lot of room-temperature water.

The average temperature in your body is 56 degrees—cold water could easily shock your system, leading you to end up with gastric cramps. Even for juice, don't drink iced drinks, especially after the 3rd day of your fast. Hot drinks can also help.

Try and drink at least 8 glasses (21) of room-temperature water a day; this will help your system clean itself up. For juices, stick to non-acidic juices such as apple, papaya, sugarcane, watermelon, grapefruit, or coconut. Herbal tea without caffeine, with a little honey, also works.

Remember, whenever gastric juices cause you irritation and acidity, drink water.