Fasting

[Rainydaysweaters]

Hello, I'm starting a fast soon and I'm curious about what the... Way to go about it is? Any advice or anything?

This may sound silly, but is there any extra or special praying that I should do? And how does one come off of a fast?

 

[Peripatetic]

The first question that you may want to ask is why you have decided to fast. If you hope that it will make you more worthy in God's eyes, or to get rid of guilt, or because someone said that you should... those are probably not good reasons. Some people do find value in fasting as a way to practice self-discipline or become more focused on prayer. Unfortunately, the wrong reasons usually outnumber the right ones, and it can also be dangerous to your health. I would consult a doctor first, and he/she can tell you how to do it safely. Beyond that, there is no special prayer or proper way to end it (though I suspect an eating binge would not be a smart idea).

 

[Rainydaysweaters]

Well I'm more hoping it will strengthen my faith. And I am hoping to practice self discipline. Distance myself from gluttony of all types. I don't know if that's a good reason? But thank you!

 

[1watchman]

The first question that you may want to ask is why you have decided to fast. If you hope that it will make you more worthy in God's eyes, or to get rid of guilt, or because someone said that you should... those are probably not good reasons. Some people do find value in fasting as a way to practice self-discipline or become more focused on prayer. Unfortunately, the wrong reasons usually outnumber the right ones, and it can also be dangerous to your health. I would consult a doctor first, and he/she can tell you how to do it safely. Beyond that, there is no special prayer or proper way to end it (though I suspect an eating binge would not be a smart idea).

Good counsel, Peripatetic!

 

[parsley]

Jesus brought up one reason that breaks oppression in a way that wouldn't make sense to us. He was casting out demons and said that some only come out with prayer and fasting. It is so out of our control to imagine the timing and effectiveness of that, but I have seen some amazing changes doing long-term fasts. Nothing fancy or painful -- just a discipline to do something with an intent.

We express ourselves in prayer through speaking and singing with our voice... reading with our eyes... listening with our ears, working with our hands. Fasting can be another mode of expression, just like using our senses. I think that in a way, fasting is a prayer, similar to how the spirit groans in prayer without words.

If you have any blood sugar-related medical conditions, then don't go off food completely, or restrict yourself to juices. You need to keep things stable.

What you might want to do to try out fasting -- pick one item today, and pick another item tomorrow. Think of this as your testing zone for how you can fast later.
Wean yourself off caffeine for a week, have fish once per day, have soy powder for breakfasts, go without meat... those sorts of things are sensible ways to get used to the discipline. Some people like to skip one meal per day.

If you like the idea of starving yourself, but find it physically hard, then pick a protein or vegetable item that you are allowed to eat -- then it's still about discipline but not about deprivation.

 

[Malachi814]

'I would consult a doctor first, and he/she can tell you how to do it safely. Beyond that, there is no special prayer or proper way to end it (though I suspect an eating binge would not be a smart idea).'
Peripatetic, do not be decieved. We do not need to see a doctor to fast, God is our healer. The flesh counts for nothing, the Spirit is everything.

Jesus said
"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have recieved their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on you hear and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

Fast to show God you rely on him completely. Only recently the Spirit revealed to me I should fast. When I have, I see the manifestation of God's love as he completely carries me through my work and worries when I have not eaten and my flesh is telling me I need food. God has never had me fast for longer 12 hours after rising, others may fast for days. Fasting is unique to all; God's relationship with every man on Earth is completely unique. The flesh counts for nothing, the Spirit is everything.
When you fast, rely on God to carry you. He wants you to rely on him in all things like a little child.

Jesus said "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

 

[JesusisallIneed]

How did your fasting go?