Fasting?

CruciFixed · Nov 28, 2008

Jesus talks about how we should act when we fast in Matthew. So does that mean we should fast sometimes? If so when and for how long?

Sorry for my questions.....and so many.

porterross · Nov 28, 2008

I fast for a variety of reasons, but mostly physiological, and it does indeed help your focus if there's something you're searching for an answer to or just desiring to find more intensity in your study. There are many ways and methods of fasting, but I wouldn't recommend going into a multi-day water fast without building up to it. Your body won't like it.

Here is a site that I have found very helpful and it will explain some of the physical benefits to fasting as well as spiritual:

Fasting.ws

I have come to love the taste of fresh juices and that's how I build up to a water fast, especially during Lent. If you can get a juicer and you stick with it, you'll soon come to see how little solid food your body needs to function at a very high level.

For water only fasts, I wouldn't attempt that unless you had some time off work and low demands on your schedule to gain the full benefits of it. That down time also lets you stay focused on Scripture and in quiet counsel with God.

It's wonderful when you can make the most of it and have support from those around you while attempting it.

CruciFixed · Nov 28, 2008

So there's no set time to fast?
I am already very thin. If I fast and lose weight I will look like I am fasting and then I won't be doing it the way Jesus says, will I?
Should we spend every day that we fast praying and reflecting and reading the bible?

How do you prepare your body for multi-day fasting? This site has so much stuff on it I don't see a search thing to help me navigate easier.

CruciFixed · Nov 28, 2008

Okay I was looking at some of the ideas like spinach something or another icecream and I said to myself
"How do you eat this without vomiting?" And the green foam stuff looks like vomit.

porterross · Nov 28, 2008

There is no set time, no, and it's not something that many Christians focus. It's certainly not necessary, but it is beneficial for some people.

The effects will vary and if you're already thin, then anything more than 2 or 3 days would be a bad idea, unless you're juice fasting, which could sustain you for quite a while, but you'd get tired of it before it made you weak. Any less than a couple of days and the effects of a water fast would likely not be noticed. It takes three of four days for the toxins to start flushing out of your system, which helps clear your thoughts. At least, that's how it's supposed to work.

porterross · Nov 28, 2008

Rlunatic said:
Okay I was looking at some of the ideas like spinach something or another icecream and I said to myself
"How do you eat this without vomiting?" And the green foam stuff looks like vomit.

Yeah, if you don't like a veg or fruit, juicing it is likely a bad idea. Carrots are far sweeter when juiced, though, and I add an apple and half a lemon to mine. It makes for an awesomely healthy and zesty drink. Cantaloupe's good, too.

I'm not big on veg juices, so I buy V8.

MrJim · Nov 28, 2008

A good starter fast is from lunch to lunch. That is only two missed meals; drink plenty of water and pray..

CruciFixed · Nov 29, 2008

I like fruits and veggies but not v8 (smacks self on head) "Coulda had a v8"

I like V8 Splash and V8 V smoothies, though.

MrJim · Nov 29, 2008

Rlunatic said:
I like fruits and veggies but not v8 (smacks self on head) "Coulda had a v8"

I like V8 Splash and V8 V smoothies, though.

yeah V8 is nasty..

Here's an article that might be useful for you http://www.ccci.org/growth/growing-closer-to-god/how-to-fast/index.aspx

Nadiine · Nov 29, 2008

Rlunatic said:
Jesus talks about how we should act when we fast in Matthew. So does that mean we should fast sometimes? If so when and for how long?

Sorry for my questions.....and so many.

don't apologize for questions, we all have them & it's good to ask.

Just make sure the info meshes with scripture & take it with a grain of salt until you do some study for yourself.
Forums are full of error (and I don't claim to know all the truth of it myself)

ReformedChapin · Nov 29, 2008

I have no Idea about this I will free admit. I have to read up on this topic.

Nadiine · Nov 29, 2008

Confucious say:

it is best not to fast at Thanksgiving

Secundulus · Nov 29, 2008

Fasting is simply a spiritual discipline. There are no hard and fast rules. The only thing is that you should be fasting for the glory of God, and not to lose weight or for any other reason.

The Jews used to fast for 24 hours on various days.

Some Christians still fast on Fridays and or on all the days of Lent.

Fasting is highly recommended. You should develop your own discipline or copy anothers until you feel comfortable developing your own.

Note: Spiritual discipline is not fasting only. It also includes such things as scripture reading, prayer to God, intercessory Prayer, etc.

The content is not important so much as the fact that you develop a discipline and dedicate it to God.

In the event that you do this and on occasion fail (the probablility of this happening is somewhere around 100%) Then do not give up. The discipline is still valid; it is only we who have fallen short. Ask forgiveness and drive on.

Nadiine · Nov 29, 2008

I think it helps to know what the point of fasting is like this
so we don't get hung up on little details that aren't important.

This was helpful info, thank you

Secundulus · Nov 29, 2008

Nadiine said:
I think it helps to know what the point of fasting is like this
so we don't get hung up on little details that aren't important.

This was helpful info, thank you

The point is to deny your body in order to focus your soul upon God. Duration is variable dependent upon each individual.

Nadiine · Nov 29, 2008

Secundulus said:
The point is to deny your body in order to focus your soul upon God. Duration is variable dependent upon each individual.

I'm a little unsure how you focus on God more when youre really hungry tho?
I kinda don't see the connection it brings?

from a medical standpoint, I've heard that fasting is also very healthy & gives our organs a break from continual work...
not that I'd do it FOR that reason, just that I think God had other purposes for this too.?

Secundulus · Nov 29, 2008

Nadiine said:
I'm a little unsure how you focus on God more when youre really hungry tho?
I kinda don't see the connection it brings?

from a medical standpoint, I've heard that fasting is also very healthy & gives our organs a break from continual work...
not that I'd do it FOR that reason, just that I think God had other purposes for this too.?

When you are hungry . . . pray. Man does not live upon bread alone.

On the other hand, fasting is not a commandment. If it does not lead you to focus more on God then you should not do it.

The purpose of a spiritual discipline is to focus on God. The form that this takes with each person may be different. I realize that this may sound lame.

What makes you focus upon God? Build upon that and do it every day.

porterross · Nov 29, 2008

After the first day and a half or so, the hunger wains and your focus changes, especially if you're disciplined in your daily routine. It really is an amazing experience on many levels and yes, it is good for the body. Cancer cells hate the effects because it allows the body to flush the toxins they feed on. We carry a great deal of junk around in our systems and every now and then a little housekeeping is a good idea.

One of these days, I'd like to combine a cleansing/spiritual fast with a week-long stay at the Lutheran monastery in Michigan. That's my idea of a dream holiday.

Nadiine · Nov 29, 2008

porterross said:
After the first day and a half or so, the hunger wains and your focus changes, especially if you're disciplined in your daily routine. It really is an amazing experience on many levels and yes, it is good for the body. Cancer cells hate the effects because it allows the body to flush the toxins they feed on. We carry a great deal of junk around in our systems and every now and then a little housekeeping is a good idea.

One of these days, I'd like to combine a cleansing/spiritual fast with a week-long stay at the Lutheran monastery in Michigan. That's my idea of a dream holiday.

I think I'd have to ask the monastery to at least have cheesecake on my "day off"........

I have done those herbal detoxes a few times, they do seem to work pretty well - you get alot of energy near the end of those.

I'll have to look into this - I think it becomes a little bit of a problem when you're married & have to make dinner & stuff -
I'd feel wierd not eating with him.

Nadiine · Nov 29, 2008

Secundulus said:
When you are hungry . . . pray. Man does not live upon bread alone.

On the other hand, fasting is not a commandment. If it does not lead you to focus more on God then you should not do it.

The purpose of a spiritual discipline is to focus on God. The form that this takes with each person may be different. I realize that this may sound lame.

What makes you focus upon God? Build upon that and do it every day.

Right, that makes sense.

I shouldn't feel intimidated by it

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