Q&A for How to Fast As a Christian

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How can I fast if I am a food addict?

Community Answer

Having issues with an eating disorder, I feel equipped to answer your question. The purpose of fasting is to take the focus off of being fulfilled by anything other than God. You can confess your addiction to the Lord and fast with the anticipation that He will free you from this addiction. Fasting and praying can help you gain mastery over your thoughts and behaviors. The enemy will try to attack you with all kinds of nonsense, but if you are prepared for the attack with God's Word, you will stand strong. After breaking the fast, employ the wisdom and self control that you gained during the fast and refuse to accept your former behaviors.

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Question

Can I fast while I'm working or should I wait for my days off?

Community Answer

It depends entirely on your preferences. If you have a job that requires a lot of physical labor and effort, you might want to wait until your days off. If, however, you have a desk job or something similarly laid back, you can fast any time you want.

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Question

Can I drink water during my fasting day?

Community Answer

Of course. That's how many Christians fast and it's how some people in the Bible did.

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Question

I want my husband and myself to quit smoking cigarettes. Can I fast for that?

Community Answer

Yes you can fast from addictions such as alcohol, tabacco, pornography etc. Just focus on God. Let him be magnified, and you guys take the backseat!

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Question

What scripture should I read while fasting to motivate and guide me?

Community Answer

Reading Matthew 6:1-34 was very helpful to me. It showed me not to worry, that God is in control.

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Question

Is it best to stay inside and focus on God, or can you go out to places?

Community Answer

You can go out to places, but be sure to give the Lord consideration and thanks beforehand.

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Question

If I am fasting for God's forgiveness, how will I know that I'm forgiven?

Community Answer

God has already made atonement for our sins by sending His Son to the cross so all has been forgiven. Whenever you have sinned and fallen short, confess it to God and ask for forgiveness. He then cleanses us from all unrighteousness! Then turn from your sinful ways.

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Question

Can I start fasting in the middle of the week?

Community Answer

Yes, there is no specific day on which one should begin a fast. What's important is the overall commitment to God.

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Question

Can I fast to be forgiven for my sins and to get to know God better?

Laura Ruiz

Community Answer

Fasting is not a way to be forgiven of your sins, but rather a way to grow closer to God after he has already forgiven your sins. For your sins to be forgiven, cry out to God and ask him for forgiveness. Jesus (God) took the punishment for your sins - past present and future. Ask God to forgive you because of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and realize you cannot save yourself by fasting or any other way. Only God can save you. Salvation is mercy. It is a free, undeserved gift of grace and love. Meditate on that and on the Bible. Read the book of John.

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Question

How do you have to look during fasting?

Community Answer

There is no particular way to look. You just need to understand why you are fasting. You should not be looking beat up or sad. Your countenance should not give you away.

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Question

I'm a reborn Christian and I would like to start fasting, how frequently should I do it?

Community Answer

It is all up to you. You can choose to fast at the start of each year for 7-21 days, or at the beginning of each week for one day, or you can fast for the first 3 days of each month.

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Question

How long should my first fast be?

Community Answer

You could start by just skipping one meal. During that time of fasting, focusing on praying and reading the scriptures. If you feel in your heart that you should continue, then skip your second meal. Continue to do this until you have completed a full fast.

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Question

I pray during the night; is there a particular order of praying?

Theladyorthetiger

Community Answer

It doesn't matter how you pray, God hears you! There are prayers that you can use, but your relationship with God is going to grow more if you just talk to Him. Tell Him what your worried about, ask Him to help you, and thank Him for everything He's given you.

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Question

Can I bathe in the morning if I want to fast?

Community Answer

Yes, wash away your sinful thoughts and sinful behavior and ask God for forgiveness and pray for whatever comes to mind.

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Question

Can I eat sweet chocolate during fasting?

Community Answer

It depends on what earthly desire from which you wish to abstain. If the reason for fasting is because you are addicted to sugar and wish to focus more on God, then in this case, no, you should not eat chocolate.

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Question

Can I share that I have fasted afterwards?

Community Answer

You really shouldn't, as is mentioned Mathew 6:16, you must do in secret so God rewards you. If you boast that you have fasted, you have already received your reward.

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Question

I need healing from my past life! Would fasting and prayer work?

Justin-Ray Fowler

Community Answer

It is possible and in some cases it is the only way. In Matthew 17:14-21 and Mark 9:14-29 it is written that when Jesus came down from the mountain he met a father of a little boy and the little boy was vexed by a demon. The father explains how he had asked the disciples and they were not able to cast the demon out and heal the boy. Of course our Lord Jesus was able to. In Matt. 17:21(NKJ), Christ Jesus says, "However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting." And again it can be read in Mark 9:29(NKJ), "So he said to them, 'This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.'"

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Question

Who fasts in Christianity?

Community Answer

Everyone fasts in Christianity. If you are indeed truly Christian at heart, if you have truly called in the Lord Jesus Christ into your heart to be your guide, and savior, you can fast. In essence, fasting for Christians is a time and an opportunity to focus all of our attention on Christ while depriving ourselves of all earthly pleasures.

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Question

Can I ask for forgiveness through fasting?

Leo Boivin

Community Answer

Of course you can. Do whatever you feel is right, even though it is not necessary.

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Question

Can I fast in other ways besides food"

Community Answer

Yes, you can! You can fast from: words, society, technology, etc.

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Question

Can I eat before my fast starts?

Community Answer

You should begin to restrict food a few days prior to slowly lower your appetite and stomach size.

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Question

Should I fast when I am on my period?

Community Answer

I would not recommend more than a one day fast during your period. You should especially avoid fasting on heavy days.

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Question

How do I explain to my husband that I need to get away for a couple of days to fast?

Community Answer

Just explain him in a positive way that you want to grow spiritually in Jesus, and fasting makes you stronger in your weakness. Let him know that you feel like you need to take this short journey by yourself in order to fully immerse yourself in the fast.

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Question

What part of the Bible says that when you fast you wash your face first?

Community Answer

Matthew 6 verse 17. "But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face."

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Question

Can someone with health challenges fast?

Leo Boivin

Community Answer

Always consult your doctor if you feel unsure about fasting and its effects on your health. If your health does not allow you to fast, then don't; God doesn't want to see you hurt.

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Question

If I pray every day and don't eat anything, am I allowed to drink water all day during a fast?

Community Answer

Yes, water is allowed on all but an absolute fast. Absolute fasts are when you do not eat or drink anything and should be avoided unless the Lord has directed you to do it. The article says it well: "water is essential for life much as breathing, as one may go into a foggy mental state, then coma and die after a mere 4 or 5 days of dehydration."

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Question

Can I fast for the things I want?

Community Answer

Know your motives first and seek the guidance of the Lord. You can bring your concern to him but clear first the reason why you are seeking his grace.

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Question

What is normal time for me to start fasting?

Community Answer

It is preferable, and also easiest, to start fasting in the morning. Starting a fast in the morning helps your body avoid asking for more food after it has tasted breakfast.

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Question

Is it okay to ask other Christians to join in a prayer and fast for our nation?

Community Answer

I think so, yes! Christianity puts a lot of emphasis on community and relationships with other people, so it's awesome when Christians can come together to pray and fast.

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Question

Do I need to put blessed oil on my forehead first before fasting?

Community Answer

You don't have to, but if you feel like it would strengthen the meaning of your fast, then feel free to do so.

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