a question about fasting?

Question

Will fasting really help me to hear God better? Will it help me study the Bible? Anyone with experience please advise me on how to go about fasting and learning.

Answer 1

A commitment to a spiritual fast is your personal desire to be closer to God as you view your higher power. It is also a symbolic gesture in which we attempt to rid ourselves of earthly desires or "the static", if you will, that interferes with our ability to hear God's voice, in the intimate way that only a personal relationship can bring. When you fast, you might devote your meal times to study and prayer. It will not help you to study the bible, for study, like fasting, is a conscious choice and discipline. I found a book by Arthur Wallis, "God's Chosen Fast" to be an excellent resource. Remember fasting is not starvation...and should not be used to impair your health and well being. A half day fast, or one day fast is a good way to start, as you focus mealtimes with prayer and study. Good luck. God Bless you.

Answer 2

I've asked these questions somewhat myself. Fasting isn't just a matter of giving up food for a day to hear God. It's putting aside your agenda and telling God that you're available. I believe that anyone who is available and ready for God can hear that still small voice of His. And in terms of "going about it", I used to feel guilty if I was fasting for a day and then ate something and some point and felt like I "failed". But that's not what it's about, it's ok to eat. Someone suggested just fasting the morning, like don't eat until you've spent quality time with God that day. Even if you don't "hear something" right away, I believe even that small choice will slowly begin to transform your life and attitude. God Bless!

Answer 3

fasting subdues the flesh so to be better able to concentrate when you read God's word - seeking direction.
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its advisable not to do 2-3 day fasting right off the bat if you've never done them before.

dont do a total fast on a day that you might be expected to do physical work.
fast on a day that you can relax.

start a fast if its your first time... by giving up one meal and read scripture instead.
dont allow any tv or secular music during that time.

drink fluids during your fast, or eat light... bland crackers for instance. nothing that would satisfy your normal food preferences.

its good to take communion during a fast.

if people ask you why you arent eating.... tell them you are fasting.
dont make a big religious deal out of it.
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set a certain number of hours for the fast and stick to it. keep the number of hours reasonable. like 3 hours beyond the usual eating schedule.

in other words... have breakfast ... no snacking.. skip lunch ..stave off hunger with crackers but dont allow yourself to eat the whole amount of crackers.... dont allow yourself to fill up on fluids either.

the less your body has to work to digest what you consume... the better.
dont eat until the regularly scheduled dinnertime.

but if you just dont think you can hold out .. then go as far as you can... eat anyway... dont feel bad if you didnt make it. just set a day to go at it again.

as you get more practiced at it... then you can launch out on 2-3 day fasting.

read Isaiah 58 and make prayers out of whatever verses that might look like promises to you.

like verse 8, your light will break forth like the dawn.
that's in reference to revelation... direction.... hearing from God.
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Answer 4

Fasting helps you concentrate less on you and more and what God is telling you.

I have never fasted but I know some people that have. Fast for 2 or 3 days at a time, all the while praying. (You are allowed to drink water, duh). Ignore the hunger pains by remembering that the human body can go without eating. When the hunger pains come concentrate harder on praying and then eventually they aren't even a second thought as you are praying to God and Jesus.

Answer 5

Yes, it can help you feel closer to God. Look into Eastern Orthodoxy if you want to find out about Christian fasting. Email a priest from a church to get ideas from them.

You can also find all kinds of books on spiritual fasting at the library (at least I've seen a bunch before).

I invite you to learn about Islamic fasting as well. Fasting really is rewarding.

Answer 6

Fasting may help you to know God better. The reason being that when you fast you are abstaining from fleshly desires- flesh is human after all. We fast and pray to spend time with God, to be near to Him without the world's interference. Fasting should be done prayerfully and when God calls you to it.

Answer 7

Starving yourself will not bring you closer to God. Fasting is a way to detox the body. It has been used by religious and non religious alike. When your body is detoxed it works better. Your God is your subconscious, you can't get any closer than you already are. If you can't hear it then you are not listening.

Answer 8

Fasting will always call you into a deeper relationship with GOD . Take that time to read the word and stay in prayer.

Answer 9

Well.... many refer to motorbikes (motorcycles) as Iron horses. I would have a hard time choosing between a fast motorbike and a live, fast horse. Cars are too confining.

Answer 10

you shouldn't fast because you feel like you yourself have to, in order to get closer to God. do it for God only. for example if I am in need of God or in Prayer naturally I am not hungery or not wanting something in my everyday life. I don't feel like I am in a loss. I am naturally fasting for God.