For Christians Only PLEASE...... Topic: Fasting?

Question

Hi, I have a question about fasting. I am a christian, and I know about fasting, but I cannot seem to find any specificics on the topic... When one is fasting I know we are suppose to put on a face as if we are going along with a normal day, and that we are to pray, but are we suppose to give up every meal and every drink? And what about habits? I smoke and am i suppose to give that up also. I do not want to be out of the will of God, and I want to do this right. it is important that I do this right..... because fasting is a very serious thing.... Please help and give me any scripture that may help me too.....many thanks..

Answer 1

You have answered your question with some of the Scriptures. However someone like me cannot do it because I am a diabetic, and have to eat to control my Blood Sugar. God knows that and does not hold it against someone who cannot do it for health reasons such as mine. Fasting is mentioned ALL through the Bible, and there are many many places you can find them by cross referencing the Word of God, the Scriptures.

Answer 2

I don't have a scripture off hand, but the purpose of fasting is to seek the Lord and listen. You are correct in that we should continue along happy, as we were and not show we are fasting. The point is that during the time we are fasting (say from food), then we give this time to prayer and seeking the Lord. This is extra time. This shouldn't take away from our normal, regular prayer time.
Some fast by maybe skipping one meal a day. Some fast by giving up something like a television program. Be consistent, and diligent. God will hear and answer.

Don't quit drinking liquids.

Answer 3

Let me address the smoking issue first. That is something you may want to fast and pray about, kicking that habit. You need to approach fasting as a spiritual time with G-d. Kind of like a business meeting. Fasting is depriving yourself of that which is common, and spirituality is anything but common, it is divine. If you haven't done it, you may want to start with a fast first of your noon time meal (assuming you work outside the home). Take that time to be alone with Him. Make sure you have some specific area of scripture to read, study and meditate upon. Having done some one day fasts, enlarge this to noon and evening (difficult to do with a family). Eventually, you will need to fast a whole day, then more. It takes about three days initially if you do a water only fast, for your body to rid itself of impurities. Once you get past three days, you can go longer (depending on the purpose). Try fasting from television or other forms of entertainment. Fasting is essentially giving something up (physically) in order to get something else (spiritually).

Answer 4

there is no right and wrong way and fasting comes in very numerous forms. It is between you and the Lord.

For example. I may want to skip breakfast or fast on Sunday morning so that my mind is clear for worship.

Or I may want to fast for a couple of days giving up all food and spending time with the Lord.


you can give up 1 thing or 20. for a short time or long. the main point is though that you replace what you were doing with spending time with the Lord.

Answer 5

If you ask about Islamic fasting I can explain to you, the last Christian fasting I seen was the 30 hour famine. All the people were eating popsicles and other things... You think kids in Africa have those luxuries?!

Answer 6

hello,
well it depends cause there are different kinds of fasts. to fast doesnt always mean to give up everything at one time. Whatever you are asking God for or to do..present to him one thing that you really like eating or drinking and let him know. When we give up something little or big. God honors that. For me led by the spirit i gave up anything with caffeine in it for 40 dys. That was a fast. Cause all I used to drink was sodas..early in the morning late at night ,..i was a mess..by the end of the 40 das i tried to drink a pepsi and it was nasty to me...also there is the one meal a day fast..where from 6am-6pm you dont eat anything only liquids ther are more types of
hopefulli this will help you


The Bible recounts primarily two types of fasts. A partial fast is described in the book of Daniel. Although the water fast seemed to be the custom of the prophet, there was a three-week period in which he only abstained from "delicacies," meat, and wine (Daniel 10:3).




If you have never fasted before, I applaud your present interest! Fasting has been a major emphasis in the lives of many of the great spiritual leaders throughout history. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist denomination, fasted every Wednesday and Friday and required all of his clergy to do the same. Effective ministers of God from the apostle Paul to Martin Luther to John Calvin made it a continual part of their walks with God.

None of those men had a "formula fast" that was the only "right" way. Fasting is about the condition of the heart, not the number of days. Each time that I have fasted for forty days, it was because I felt impressed by God to do so.

So, start slowly. Fast for one meal a day, or one day a week, or one week a month. Build up your spiritual muscles so that you will be prepared in a period of several months to fast for an extended 40 day period.



The Bible recounts primarily two types of fasts. A partial fast is described in the book of Daniel. Although the water fast seemed to be the custom of the prophet, there was a three-week period in which he only abstained from "delicacies," meat, and wine (Daniel 10:3).

The two primary types mentioned in the Bible are the "absolute" and "supernatural absolute" fasts. These are total fasts-no food (solid or liquid) and no water. Paul went on an absolute fast for three days following his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:9). Moses and Elijah engaged in what must be considered a supernatural absolute fast of forty days (Deuteronomy 9:9; I Kings 19:8).

So, I strongly advice you to drink plenty of liquids. Obviously, if God leads you to undertake an absolute fast, you should obey. If so, be certain, without doubt, that God is leading you.

Water-only fasts that last for more than several days need to be undertaken with complete rest and under medical supervision because of the extreme danger of over-toxification, breakdown of vital body tissues, and loss of electrolytes.

I personally recommend and practice water and juice fasting, especially if you are going to fast for an extended period of time. This type of fast will provide you with more energy than absolute or water-only fasts and still lead you into the humbling experience of denying your desire for solid food that you can chew.

When it comes to making your final decision about what type of fast is right for you, the best advise I can give you is to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. He will guide your heart and mind as to what is best for you. Remember, the most important consideration in fasting is your motive. Why are you fasting? To seek something personally from God's hand or to seek His face in worship, praise and thanksgiving?