Matthew 6:16-18 (ESV)
"And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, [18] that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Our practice in RNC southern has been to encourage people to pray and fast corporately at least once per month on the first Sunday of the month. On this day we would plan to eat no food from the evening meal the day before until the evening meal of the fast day. Some members of our church practice personal fasts on a more regular basis. The following is a brief summary regarding questions and issues about fasting.

What is Fasting?: “Abstaining from food for a period of time for spiritual purposes” the period of time can vary from a day or so through to 40 days. Fluids (fruit juice, water) should be taken during the fast. Prolonged fasts require preparation and need some design in terms of the food one eats as the fast is ended. Do not just FAST you must spend time PRAYING, as you fast. By fasting we are seeking God and communicating with HIM through prayer and the Bible. Some have fasted by eating only the essentials for life – ie just bread and water. This is important if you have a prolonged fast and need to work. Daniel did this for 3 weeks Dan 10:1-3 ff.

Who should fast? The Israelites fasted at least one day annually on the Day of Atonement. That is, this was a national fast – all were involved. Others such as Moses, David, Esther (and the Jews in Susa at the time) fasted for specific purpose. In the New Testament we find Jesus saying “when you fast” not “if you fast”. The early church prayed and fasted when sending out missionaries etc. Wesley would only appoint ministers who would fast till 4.00pm Wed and Fri! My conclusion is that all of us (WHO DO NOT HAVE A PRECLUDING MEDICAL CONDITION) would benefit from the practice of periodic fasting. I also note that the Bible advocates private personal fasts and also public corporate fasts.

How should I prepare for a fast? If we fast in faith knowing it is Gods will that we fast, God will bless us as we do. Ie we come with faith expecting God to work. We also ought come with the right attitude, see Matt 6:16-18 above. Reflect on this passage.

Another passage that includes a list of promises to those that fast is found in Isaiah 58:8-12

Isaiah 58:8-12 (ESV)
Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up speedily;
your righteousness shall go before you;
the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
[9] Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;
you shall cry, and he will say, 'Here I am.'
If you take away the yoke from your midst,
the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,
[10] if you pour yourself out for the hungry
and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,
then shall your light rise in the darkness
and your gloom be as the noonday.
[11] And the Lord will guide you continually
and satisfy your desire in scorched places
and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
like a spring of water,
whose waters do not fail.
[12] And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
you shall be called the repairer of the breach,
the restorer of streets to dwell in.

What promises do you see in this passage??

When you prepare you should make your mind up to fast for the desired duration. Don’t waver back and forth, the Devil will try and hassle you not to fast. It weakens you when you do not follow through on a planned fast due to lack of commitment. So build up to longer periods of fasting from shorter ones. I know of one author who now fasts for a week or more quite regularly who initially could only manage about six hours. Start by omitting one meal in a day and build from there.

Eating sweets before a fast can make the start of the fast tougher. Just eat normal food before the fast and avoid sweet binges.

Some Purposes of fasting:
To humble ourselves before God Ps 35:13, Matt 23:12
To draw near to God James 4:8
To find Gods will Ezra 8:12
To Seek healing Isaiah physical 58;8, spiritual Matt 17:21
Avert crisis 2 Chron 20
Clarity in biblical understanding; Luther and others
Against temptation;
Pray for others salvation;
Overcome Spiritual Battles

God offers these as rewards for seeking him in prayer and fasting. I think these blessings are worth pursuing!

What Happens During a Fast?
The real effect in fasting is seeking God. So open your bible, read and pray. Spend more time with Him when you fast. To help you may like to make a list of the things you are fasting for. A useful suggestion may be to read and pray through this list at least 3 times during a day of fasting. That is a period of an hour or so three times in the day ought be set aside for prayer. By all means do much more than this in terms of reading the Bible, worship and prayer if you are able. If the fast is a corporate fast, seek to meet up with others to pray at least once during the day.

As the fast continues and you stop thinking how good you are for missing brekky, you find that your focus toward God and his purposes is clearer and sharper. You may find new areas of prayer, new insights regarding a situation of for which you are in prayer, a different angle for prayer. Not all the answers for prayer and fasting come on the day of the fast. Sometimes God will bring insight the next day or the days after. Whatever and however God chooses to reward us for truly humbling ourselves before Him, we do know that “he rewards those who seek him” Heb 11:6.

Remember fasting is not all about petition. It is also about worshipping our Lord Jesus. See Acts 13. The disciples were ministering to the Lord, worshiping and fasting. They met with God. Seek to contemplate his goodness to you and your family, dwell on his righteousness, faithfulness and love. Read some Psalms out loud. Honour Him with praise and thanksgiving. This truly lifts the soul and transforms our focus to His perfect goodness and love.

If you experience some sense of loneliness, darkness or spiritual attack, do not give in or yield to these feelings. Continue to seek God and remind yourself of the truths of the Word of God. Perhaps pray with another person for a while.

Some physical aspects
Headaches and tiredness can come upon you. The headaches may well come from caffeine deprivation. The fast is doing you good and dumping toxins out of the body! If you are tired take a rest.

Don’t binge after a fast, you will get chubby. The body reacts and says, “hey, there was not much food for a while, I’ve got some now I better add some more FAT!” A long fast also shrinks the stomach. Don’t stuff yourself when you break it - it will hurt. If you feel called to embark on a longer fast, I suggest doing a little research in to the physical aspects before you begin.

Many Blessings, May you be richly rewarded by your Father in heaven as you seek His presence and blessing.