I am wanting to do this for the Lord, and I'm not really sure what to do. (I am still a work in progress.) Do you have more than water? Or do you have nothing? How long do you do it for? I've heard of anywhere from 24hours to 28days!!!
2007-03-09 01:51:32 · 20 answers · asked by ~♥Anna♥~ 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It depends on what you want to fast. Not everybody fasts food. One time I fasted tv and movies. That was just as fulfilling if not more. Also, how long do you feel led to fast?? Cause if God wants you to fast He'll show you how long to do it. : )
2007-03-09 01:58:52 · answer #1 · answered by lolliepop 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You know, this really makes me laugh when people talk about fasting... FASTING is not about giving up food for a set time frame. It's about giving up something that can easily distract you from what God is trying to tell you.
Case and point: I can easily give up any eatables for a long time... Candy doesn't bother me, Fast foods? no problem. And I don't drink either. Food doesn't worry me. Now if you are talking about getting off the internet at a certain time at night, or no special projects for a couple of weeks, or devoting myself to going to sleep early - even on weekends - then I will have to consider it because those things can distract me from what God may be trying to teach me. That's what you should consider before fasting.
The timespan is your call (or what you like to hear from a pastor). The thing about that should be if you initially think a week - then multiply it by 2. If you say a month, then add an extra day or 2. The timespan should be challenging to you.
2007-03-09 10:01:08 · answer #2 · answered by se-ke 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you eat or drink depends on the length of time for fasting. For most situations, a 24 hour fast is sufficient. In that case a total abstinence from both food and water is appropriate if you health allows.
If you decide to increase your fast to a longer period of time, then you should consider adding water at the least and fruit juices if you fast even longer.
Remember, the purpose of the fast is to turn your thoughts towards God for a period of time concentrating on a specific issue you need help with. In most cases, I do not believe it is healthy to fast for extended periods of time. I normally do the 24 hour, total abstinence thing about once a month. More often when I feel a need. I know people who do it once a week.
2007-03-09 10:08:03 · answer #3 · answered by rbarc 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fasting is not just about not eating. It's about giving up something and using that time to focus on the Lord. It's not about how long you fast or if you only drink water. It's about your hearts desire to draw closer to God. It's not a magic formula. However you decided to fast, whether it's giving up food, TV, phone, make sure that during the time you would be doing that thing, that you spend it in prayer. Fasting without heavy prayer does nothing.
2007-03-09 10:03:21 · answer #4 · answered by his.grace 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, you must understand that there are many different types of fasting. There is the normal fast which consists of abstaining just from food, but not water. That is the type of fast Jesus undertook. Then there is what's known as the absolute fast, or abstaining from both food and water, of which we have many examples in scripture. This, however was never for a period of more than 3 days. Yes, both Moses and Elijah underwent this type of fast for 40 days, but understand that they were both supernaturally sustained by God for the duration of those fasts. And finally, there is what's known as the partiall fast, such as what Daniel and his 3 friends undertook. Abstaining just from certain types of food. The important thing for you to understand is that any type of fast can be beneficial to you as long as you are sincere. I suggest you begin slowly, by perhaps skipping a meal or two, and devoting that time to prayer or reading the Word. Don't ever let someone tell you that it has to be a certain way. Beware of extremists. If you're looking for a good book to read, I suggest "God's chosen Fast" by Arthur Wallis. It is a very informative book on the subject of fasting. May God bless you and reward you diligently as you seek to draw closer to Him.
2007-03-09 10:00:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
it depends on what kind fo sacrifiec you want to give Him. I always say to fast something you thin kyou can't live with out. Like maybe a cel phone, or tv. Your computer, stuff you just can't live with out, because food is not really a sacrifice for me, because sometime I go with out eating just because. So thank on that, and search oyour heart and tell God you know what, I want to show you just how much I love you that I'll sacrifice_______ for you. And you fill in the blank, and make sure it hurts you to do it. If it's food then hey you can go a half day, all day without food, just whatever, I gave up pork and beef one time, and then another time I didn't eat for three days, and I let the Word of God be my bread. But a fast is a time where you stay in tune with God, through prayer and much much Word.
2007-03-09 09:57:18 · answer #6 · answered by Nish 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was taught that you fast for as long as you are able but it is not fasting if you do not do it with pray. If you just stop eating that is all it is you in to stop eating and pray for it to be a fast. Also, it is no food or drink. Nothing can go in your mouth for some people and for others gum is OK. That need to be up to you. I was taught a traditional fast is 24 hour or 2 meals with pray.
Good luck with your fast and I hope you find the answer you are looking for.
Blessed be )O(
2007-03-09 10:46:59 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As an orthodox christian, I used to fast for 4 to 5 months a year(not at once).I never ate meat,dairy or eggs or anything related to it.Lots of vegetables, fruits, nuts and juices.Fish or seafood may be consumed once a week if you choose to.I can say that the Orthodox fast is one of the more relevant fasts in the christian kingdom.Look it up o the net and if you choose it is quite beneficial.
2007-03-09 10:05:50 · answer #8 · answered by elleor_gwb 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There ate many fasts, a total fast, nothing to eat or drink for a short time, a true fast, nothing but water, and one in which you give up something that you really like, such as meat or sweets for a time.
2007-03-09 09:55:28 · answer #9 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there are different types of fasting some of the apostles went with out food or drink others just food.i sometimes give up pleasure of the flesh for a predetermined amount of time .i set up my own schedules and ask HIM to accept my actions but most importantly i dont let anyone know when i am fasting unless i agree to fast with someone else and we keep it a secret so that my Father who sees what i do in secret may bless me openly.my outlook is to deny the flesh to strengthen my spirit
2007-03-09 10:04:05 · answer #10 · answered by ____ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That depends on which denomination you belong to.
In my denomination, we fast from sun up to sun down or from a certain to another. We do not take anything no, food, water, television, radio, telephone etc... We stay in continual prayer and read the Bible.
We believe in complete self sacrifice.
2007-03-09 10:01:51 · answer #11 · answered by ViolationsRus 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋