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Learn how and why Christians fast to deepen their faith
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Fasting is a powerful discipline in Christianity. In scripture, famous figures such as Moses and Daniel fasted or abstained from food and water to repent and open their hearts to the Lord. So, what is fasting anyway, and what does it entail? In this article, we’ll teach you everything there is to know about biblical fasting, from how it’s defined to safe ways to do it. Read on to learn why (as a Christian) you may benefit from a fast.
Things You Should Know
- Biblical fasting is when a Christian abstains from a temptation (such as eating and drinking) to focus on God’s word.
- Christians fast to repent and prove their devotion to the Lord while opening their spirit to the Gospel.
- There are different levels of fasting. For instance, a regular fast is avoiding food and only drinking water, while a partial fast is avoiding a specific type of food.
Steps
Section 4 of 6:
How to Fast
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Pray and meditate on the Gospel before you fast. Fasting is a big commitment and shouldn’t be a decision you make lightly. Before you start fasting for the Lord , make a conscious effort to reflect on your sins, study scripture, and pray. Asking God for guidance can help you recognize how you want to fast and acknowledge what He’s seeking within you.
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Plan what you’ll do while you fast. When you fast as a Christian, you take the time normally spent on eating to satisfy the Lord and open your spirit. Ask yourself, “What positive activity can I take on that will bring me closer to God’s message?” You could use the time to pray, read the Bible, journal , or meditate .
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Decide how long you’ll fast. Not every fast is the same, and that’s okay! Do what’s best for you, your body, and your spiritual journey. If this is your first time fasting, consider only fasting for 1 meal a day. If you’re a seasoned pro, aim to fast for 2 days. Deciding the length of your fast beforehand can help you map out when the best time to fast will be.
- Typically, fasting is done daily, weekly, or annually.
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Start your fast. When you feel motivated to do so, start your fast. Avoid food and any other temptations you’ve decided to abstain from. The first few hours or day can be challenging, but do your best to stick to it! Remember, God has your back no matter what.
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Pray during times of weakness. If you feel yourself reaching toward a snack or temptation during your fast, reach for the Lord instead. Pull out your Bible or fold your hands together. Now is the time to pray and ask for strength. [12] X Research source
- Your prayer might sound like, “Dear God, please give me the energy to complete this fast” or “Dear Lord, help me find the strength to abstain from temptations.”
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Break your fast gently. When you reach the end of your fast, avoid eating a lot of food immediately. Instead, gradually get back into eating as you normally would. Start with a light snack or a small, healthy meal. Then, reintroduce heavier foods and meals. [13] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Soups and smoothies are a great starting point when breaking a fast, as these foods are easy on digestion and won’t be heavy in your empty stomach.
- Try a plain baked potato without toppings as one of your first meals, as the starches can help settle your hunger without upsetting your stomach.
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about spirituality, check out our in-depth interview with Olivia Woodford .
References
- ↑ https://newspring.cc/articles/spiritual-hunger
- ↑ https://bible.org/seriespage/27-how-fast-properly-matthew-616-18
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/intermittent-fasting-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-work
- ↑ https://www.thenivbible.com/blog/10-biblical-purposes-fasting/
- ↑ https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.1036496/full
- ↑ https://buildfaith.org/guide-christian-fasting/
- ↑ https://commitmentchurch.org/biblical-fast-part-two-three-types-fast/
- ↑ https://commitmentchurch.org/biblical-fast-part-two-three-types-fast/
- ↑ https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+10%3A3&version=NRSVUE
- ↑ https://www.utphysicians.com/tips-for-religious-fasting/
- ↑ https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+9%3A9&version=NRSVUE
- ↑ https://buildfaith.org/guide-christian-fasting/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/5-tips-for-fasting-the-healthy-way/
- ↑ https://commitmentchurch.org/biblical-fast-part-two-three-types-fast/
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