How To Fast According To The Bible

Anything given up temporarily in order to focus all our attention on god can be considered a fast 1 corinthians 7 1 5.

In the bible alone fasting is mentioned upwards of 70 times as a way to pray petition god or express grief. The word fast according to strong s concordance is tsum which means to abstain from food. There is limiting yourself to a certain type of food daniel 1 8 14 or fasting from food entirely daniel 10 2 3. The bible mentions different types of fasting.

During your fast hold worship and pray each morning. There is also fasting from. Fasting should be limited to a set time especially when fasting from food. For new testament believers fasting was neither commanded nor forbidden in the bible.

After your morning worship go for a nice prayer walk outside so you can connect with nature and reflect on your fast. Fasting is not an end unto itself but a means of focusing our minds and bodies for a spiritual reason. To strengthen prayer e g see ezra 8 23. Fasting is an ancient practice and almost every major religion features fasting in some way.

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With the different types of fasting in mind how to fast depends greatly on what type of fasting you are doing. Fasting is not intended to punish the flesh but to redirect attention to god. Here are ten primary purposes for fasting mentioned in scripture. Essentially we deny our flesh and abstain from eating food or a type of food fast as you are led by the holy spirit in order to feed and strengthen our spirit man.

Whenever you fast do so for a reason that is mentioned or modeled in the bible. There is fasting from food and water luke 4 2. Those planning for an extended fast more than 14 days should always consult a doctor beforehand. Extended periods of time without eating can be harmful to the body.

While early christians were not required to fast many practiced prayer and fasting regularly. Jesus himself affirmed in luke 5 35 that after his death fasting would be appropriate for his followers. Prepare mentally and physically by cutting down on food intake one week before the actual fast and taking on a vegetarian diet to control cravings for food. Reduce intake of strong beverages like coffee tea or soft drinks as well.

It s important to note that you should consult with a medical doctor before fasting to ensure you do so in a healthy way.