Fasting Advice Please

[Be11e]

I'd like to fast..i've never done it before, but i feel my relationship with Christ growing daily, and i'm trying to take it further and further. I feel that fasting might help me...can anyone give me any guidelines or tips? I don't really know very much about fasting at all, so i'd love to know just the basics.
Thanks and God bless x

 

[DIVA_for_Christ]

I'd like to fast..i've never done it before, but i feel my relationship with Christ growing daily, and i'm trying to take it further and further. I feel that fasting might help me...can anyone give me any guidelines or tips? I don't really know very much about fasting at all, so i'd love to know just the basics.
Thanks and God bless x

Hello Be11e

I'm still learning about fasting but from what I know I'll share. First you need to pray to see how long God wants you to fast. Say He starts you off with 1 day of fasting, that would be 24 hours that you would fast.

Now I'm going to prewarn you, as soon as you go on a fast, temptation will come. For example, when I fast either someone invites me to lunch or dinner where they are paying (can be tempting because 1. you're might be hungry and 2. being treated can seem to be a blessing, when it's a curse in disguise) I'm given free food, candy, cookies, etc.

When I'm fasting I try to drink plenty of water to help detoxify my body. However I also drink gatorade, herbal teas, fruit juices (ie cranberry, oj). I stay away from diary products because they can fill you up. Unless God calls me to eat fruits and veggies only, I don't eat anything.

The most important thing to do during your fast is to pray, pray and pray some more. When we fast we are building up our spirit man and weakening our flesh. We are teaching our bodies to submit. Sometimes, my body fights back and my stomach wont stop growling and I feel like I have to eat, but then I remember that I made a vow to God and I have to keep it, even when I don't feel like it.

Not much info but I hope it helps.

 

[eoe]

My advice is to find someone that is experienced that can give you advice. I of course would recommend an Orthodox Priest which you can find by clicking HERE.

Other advice:

Let these be the first things that you give up on a fast:

Sin
Gossip/vain talk
entertainment
Alchohol/caffeine/drugs

After that - start easy and do not try to do too much too fast.

 

[Bab2092]

Yes be aware of temptation. It seems whenever I fast someone always wants to invite to eat out? it's like a signal goes up or something. During the first few days of fasting expect to not feel your best. I felt anxious, dizzy, and had hunger pains. Avoid chewing gum or mints, even if your breath is bad. They stimulate digestive action in your stomach.

 

[GregoryTurner]

My first fast was to bring me clsoer to God and it did just that. When Jesus spoke of fasting He spoke of fasting and prayer. I like to take the time that I normally spend eating and go somewhere alone and pray while my family eats. Just concentrate totally on Him.