How long should one fast for spiritual purpose? Shall I drink water at all? Please share your insights.
2007-10-04 11:36:07 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes, I have fasted for a 24 hour period before. usually I drink water, and coffee (I get headaches if I do not have caffeine).
You are supposed to spend your time praying, and studying God's word while you fast.
There is some debate about whether you can have fruit juice, or other sugary drinks. Based on an OT passage which suggests that some men inadvertently broke their fast when they drank water with honey in it, I would say not. Some prophets went without both food and water, but this seems like extreme cases; I don't think that it was the norm.
The purpose of fasting is to teach yourself self control, so you are not controlled by your body's desires. Fasting can also be a sign of repentance and remorse, as well as a sign to God that you are willing to make a sacrifice on his behalf. Fasting is also supposed to teach you compassion for the world's poor, by letting you know how it feels to be hungry.
The New Testament has few guidelines on fasting. Jesus seemed to take it for granted that his followers would fast from time to time. Follow your conscience.
I don't know what results you are looking for; the main purpose of fasting is to change yourself. So in that sense, it works.
In response to the first guy who responded, occasional fasting can actually be quite healthy, as it lowers your blood cholesterol level.
2007-10-04 11:54:29 · answer #1 · answered by Randy G 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I do fasting once a year, for 4/5 days, go to a place never been before, and stay there, without being bothered by anybody, usually in the wild, just sat on meditation, or just contemplating nature or lying down, and in silence (no books or noise-making artifacts)
Yes it's important to drink water, you can try fruit juices, no need to damage your body, drinking water will actually cleanse your body and it will actually become a more efficient food processing machine, after that even a small vegetable soup will not only fill you up but will also energize you.
you can also add some fasting minerals to the water (you can get this at Henry's or Trader's Joes or any organic products store)
take your tent, if it's winter time, some decent blankets ...
go to bed early at night time, and have a decent sleep ...
after the first day you will not defecate anymore (for obvious reasons) only urinating afterwards ... :-)
I do it 4/5 days because I have other worldly commitments to attend, but hey if you want to do it for more ... you surely should !
have a good journey to the SELF
2007-10-04 11:53:21 · answer #2 · answered by Wadi 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When you fast, that doesn't mean that God suddenly makes everything right because you fast. The point of fasting, for me at least, is that the hunger pains are a reminder to pray. When something bad happens, people fast so that whenever they feel hungry they pray instead. And yes, you can drink, and sometimes I eat a few crackers. But no, you really aren't supposed to eat. That sort of defeats the purpose.
2007-10-04 11:42:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
apart from slicing off physique factors, there is no such element as "speedy." healthful weight-loss and then retaining it off demands a existence form substitute and dedication to perfect nutrition and widespread workout. There are actually not any shortcuts, no miracle pills or potions, or fancy contraptions that do the paintings for you, no count what television or the information superhighway says. take care of a healthful weight-alleviation plan of low fat, low sugar, and little to no processed junk nutrition. workout frequently 3-4 cases a week. not something greater complicated than that. there are a number of good workout habitual DVDs that concentration on multiple cardio ideas. it surely relies upon on what you opt to do, yet understand that the human physique shouldn't drop some pounds any quicker than a million-2 lbs. a week.
2016-10-21 01:40:29 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, I fasted with real results. It was for a lipid profile, and the results were: elevated HDL, LDL, triglycerides and chylomicrons.
CD
2007-10-04 11:44:43 · answer #5 · answered by Super Atheist 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Any liquid is ok.
I did an 8-day fast, & it brought me so much closer to God because of it!
I wasn't even hungry!
2007-10-04 11:45:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not eating is the stupidest thing in the world. I would just waste away from starving. And you wanna talk about CRANKY?!
But if you insist, yes, you get water.
2007-10-04 11:40:36 · answer #7 · answered by Flatpaw 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋