Fasting

[Stanfi]

Hello guys,

I've been reading about fasting. I know people who have despeartely needed to hear from God on something, have fasted to show their dependence on him, and as a sign of faith. Have any of you guys ever fasted? Did you see the results of it in your life?

Thanks

 

[ZiSunka]

Yes and yes.

I have fasted, and I have seen results. But it's important to understand that fasting is not a magic spell, it doesn't force God to give you what you want. Fasting is more than just a show of dependence or a sign of faith, it is a demonstration of your trust in Him, and your understanding that nothing, not even food, is more essential to you than Him.

Fasting is less about earnestly telling God what you want, and more about disciplining your own body to do the will of God, of discipling your desires for even the basic things of life to be more open to His voice and His call on your life.

You don't fast to let God know you really want something, you fast to let your body and mind know that you really want Him.

 

[Stanfi]

Yes and yes.
Fasting is less about earnestly telling God what you want, and more about disciplining your own body to do the will of God, of discipling your desires for even the basic things of life to be more open to His voice and His call on your life.
.

lambslove,

I like this part right here. This is a good perspective... excuse me.. the RIGHT perspective... That's one thing I have been working on and learning to do more of lately. Getting my eyes off me and on Jesus.. and keeping them there.

Like the song says "I can't even walk without Him holding my hand".

 

[fieldmouse3]

I've tried it once or twice, but it never got me anywhere...I think my motives in fasting were probably wrong.

 

[Funkmd]

I've only fasted once, and it was Easter weekend this year from thursday night to sunday afternoon, and it was tough. I dont know what I really got from it as much as what I just wanted to give back. I spent a lot of time just praying and I read the book of Mark to just refocus on that weekend. It was a great experience.

 

[peachyangel2003]

I have not tried it yet but seriously thinking about it. Any advice??

Robin

 

[Stanfi]

I did try it a few days ago. For me it was a great exercise in putting God first. I would feel hungry, but I had made a commitment to God to fast, so I would put him in front of myself. It was also a good lesson in discipline to avoid temptation. Trust me about 6 or 7 in evening the site of food was really tempting, but I stuck to my commitment to God.

This are the things that I learned from it, and think it is a great exercise for anyone wanting to move up closer to God.

 

[BattleAxe]

I am going on a 40 day fast right now. In fact today is day one. I am glad I read this topic. I am doing it as submission to God, for forgiveness and for a time when God is my focus in a profound way.

I agree that:

But it's important to understand that fasting is not a magic spell, it doesn't force God to give you what you want. Fasting is more than just a show of dependence or a sign of faith, it is a demonstration of your trust in Him, and your understanding that nothing, not even food, is more essential to you than Him.

 

[Brooke]

40 days! Can humans live that long without food? You'll probably need to drink some juice so you won't get undernutritioned.

Yes, I know it's possible, but I'm getting worried...will it ever be necessary? I can hardly go 24 hours, and I'm not even joking.

 

[DJ B.K.]

40 days! Can humans live that long without food? You'll probably need to drink some juice so you won't get undernutritioned.

Yes, I know it's possible, but I'm getting worried...will it ever be necessary? I can hardly go 24 hours, and I'm not even joking.

No kidding. I think something likea 40 day fast in for someone who is already real close to God. You need to be real close to God to get through 40 days of fasting.

 

[BattleAxe]

Well it is not so hard. When I fast, I generally fast from sun-up to sun-down. So it's mainly 6am to 6pm and then I can have a light meal. During the day, I do drink water or juice but sometimes it goes by so quickly that I forget to drink.

 

[Brooke]

That looks a lot more bearable...(whew)

Some people's idea of a day's fast is from morning to 6 pm. I've done that before, but it always seems like the longer you fast, the more "effective" it is. Your idea of getting through a long fast, it just might help me for later on!

 

[esseJ]

I agree with whoever said fasting doesn't force God to do anything...theres a huge difference between a fast God is calling you to and a hunger strike. I think it's important to prepare for a fast as well. By that I mean a lot of prayer. I have a real good book on fasting, but I can't find it...go figure...its called "the Fasts God calls us to" or something like that...

 

[Peter]

As an Orthodox Christian, I fast as follows:

- Every Wednesday and Friday.
- 12 hours prior to Divine Liturgy.
- The 40 days of Advent
- The 40 days of Lent
- The 15 days of the Dormition Fast (Aug. 1-15)
- The Apostles Fast (moveable fast period between a few days and two weeks. The feast day is June 29. The dates are determined by when Pentecost is.)
- Other various fast days through out the year.
(It's been calculated that an Orthodox christian fasts more than half the year.)

The purpose of any fast is to explore ones own sin and should lead to repentance. In addition, it leads to a greater controll of the passions. Accordingly, prayer should increase during a fast. If we simply abstain, say from food, we are committing the fast of the demons. Demons never eat, and they never pray.

Fasting always makes the feasting more glorious. For instance, look at Advent. How much more glorious is the Feast Of The Nativity of Our Lord when preceeded by the 40 days of fasting to "let every heart prepare Him room."

There are many customs in the way some people observe the feast days that only make sense in light of the fast. Have you ever wondered why ham is the dish to eat at Easter? Or why we have chocolate and eggs at the same feast? It's because we've been fasting from them for 40 days!
(No meat, dairy, olive oil, wine)

I could go on and on, but I fear I only bore.

Peace.

Peter

 

[DJ B.K.]

As an Orthodox Christian, I fast as follows:

- Every Wednesday and Friday.
- 12 hours prior to Divine Liturgy.
- The 40 days of Advent
- The 40 days of Lent
- The 15 days of the Dormition Fast (Aug. 1-15)
- The Apostles Fast (moveable fast period between a few days and two weeks. The feast day is June 29. The dates are determined by when Pentecost is.)
- Other various fast days through out the year.
(It's been calculated that an Orthodox christian fasts more than half the year.)

I don't know if I could fast that often! First off I have trouble praying right now, but that's another story. Then there's college too.

I almost feel bad I don't do more of this type of stuff. I know that isn't your intention but I hopefully will be able to fast or things like that someday.

 

[Peter]

Please understand that I am no "super christian." These are the fast times set out by the church. I do my best to follow them. I am not always successful.

Something else to note. Fasting does not always mean not eating anything. Within the prescribed fast days of the church, there are certain guidelines to follow.

For instance:
Generaly, a fast means to refrain from red meat, all dairy, olive oil and wine.
As you might guess, this severly limits ones options, but also moves you towards some better health choices!

The fast prior to Divine Liturgy, the Eucharist, is a complete one. No food, no drink.

Now, for those with health issues exceptions are made. But those that can, are encouraged to follow the fast as completely as possible.

The best advice I received from a priest was, "If you can pray like a monk, fast like a monk." One should not hold the fast only for the sake of fasting. This would be sinful. One should fast to strengthen one's relationship with God. And one should never feel guilty about not fasting. However, if one is not fasting at all, one should ask why.

Peace.

Peter

 

[BattleAxe]

When ever some one wants to fast, you really need to ask God how and for what length of time and what you are fasting (abstaining) from and for how long.

Never go according to what someone else is doing unless it is a corportate (church) fast or the Lord has permitted you to fast with someone else (public). Other wise it is a private fast and should be between you and God and at His direction.

I shared my fast schedule because I believe God was allowing the information to go forth to help others but do not copy.

 

[DJ B.K.]

Generaly, a fast means to refrain from red meat, all dairy, olive oil and wine.
As you might guess, this severly limits ones options, but also moves you towards some better health choices!

The fast prior to Divine Liturgy, the Eucharist, is a complete one. No food, no drink.

Now, for those with health issues exceptions are made. But those that can, are encouraged to follow the fast as completely as possible.

Well that makes things a little easier. I could afford a healthier diet anyway and I don't even drink alchohol. Like I said there's that problem with praying, but I'm working on that.

 

[peaceful soul]

Well that makes things a little easier. I could afford a healthier diet anyway and I don't even drink alchohol. Like I said there's that problem with praying, but I'm working on that.

I started fasting about 5 months ago. I did it because I wanted to draw closer to God. Before I started, I read first and determined my real motives of doing it. I then cleared it with God. I made sure God and I were on the same page.

I started out with water and food (fruits) part of the time. Then I graduated to fruity milk shakes. About 3 weeks ago, I started drinking only water for either 18 or 24 hours on both Saturdays and Sundays. On a 18 hour fast, I would use the remaining 6 hours to restore myself for the next day's fast, since I often do them consecutively.

I have grown so much spritually as a result. This is such good spiritual cleansing. I don't get any special revelations or feelings, but I do get spiritually fed.

Some reasons for fasting include:
spiritual cleansing
praying for yourself and others (specific requests)
praising God and focusing on Him only
quiet time with God: just listening to him and not requesting anything in return
to work out a particular life issue
to pray for spiritual discernment and guidance from God in areas such as wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and morality


I would advise you to prepare yourself 2 or 3 days in advance for your fasting period so that your body will be able to handle it. Don't do something your body isn't used to doing without gradually abstaining from food. Start your 1st fast for a short time and the next time a littlle longer. Do this until you feel your body is ready for the durantion you have targeted. Consider also what your activities are going to be. Don't think about doing a lot of strenuous activity, especially the longer your fast is inteneded.

Prepare your body to also come off the fast. Don't just start eating solid foods right away, especially the longer you fast. Eat semi-solid foods like fruits and vegetables the first couple of hours and then graduate to meat. You get the point.

If you have some type of health problems, get yiur doctor's advice first on how to go about it. I think this is enough for now.

 

[Peter]

Allthetalkisaboutfastingfromfood.Have anyofyou considered I Cor. 7:5? This is a fast from sex.

Peace.

Peter