Practical Thoughts on Fasting from Pastor Steve Holt
Mountain Springs Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado. www.mountainsprings.org
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Is not this the kind of fasting that I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and unite the cords of yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Isaiah 58:6
Prayer, accompanied with fasting, is one of the most exciting adventures of the Christian life! I am serious. You may think I am crazy, but I have literally seen the most amazing miracles and answers to prayer when I have fasted and sought God in prayer.
Now don’t get me wrong, I love to eat. Just ask Liz. I love a Whopper and Fries just as much as the next guy. But I have learned that God has given us a supernatural tool for seeing our prayers answered. During times of fasting and prayer I have seen God save the lost, heal the sick, bring in needed finances, provide jobs, repair marriages, and set people free. Fasting is a great adventure.
Throughout the Bible, one of the primary ways God shows His power is through people who call out to him through prayer and fasting. One may not understand the power of fasting and prayer, and thus not do it; one may not like the discomfort that comes through fasting, and thus not do it; but no one who reads the Bible can deny the fact that God moves powerfully when the saints get serious about prayer and fasting. In the Bible, virtually every time the people of God properly and reverently fast and prayer, God answers their prayers.
Joshua, David, Ezra, Nehemiah, Daniel, the disciples of John the Baptist, Jesus, Anna, the Apostles, Paul, Barnabas, and the early church all practiced fasting. Jesus even fasted for 40 days. In Luke 5:34-35 Jesus instructed his disciples to fast after he left them. In each case above, God always answers the prayers of his people.
This paper is to help those who have never fasted before. I would really encourage you to read all of this and follow my instructions before beginning to fast. I hope it is helpful to you as you step out by faith and trust God with your fast.
What kinds of fasts are mentioned in the Bible?
The Bible shows us three kinds of fasts: partial, absolute, and the supernatural absolute.
The Partial Fast
The partial fast is described in the book of Daniel in which Daniel did not eat anything but vegetables on one occasion (Daniel 1) and ate no “choice food, no meat or wine” on another (Daniel 10).
Whenever I have fasted I have always followed this type of fast. I have always conducted a “liquid juice fast” in which all that I consume are liquids with some fruit juices. I eat no solid foods during my fast.
Lee Bueno writes, “The juice diet is the most popular of the partial fasts. [This] means abstinence from certain select foods and drinks, but not complete abstinence of all food and drinks.” [1] In my case, I do abstain from all foods. During my fast, I do drink liquids but I do not eat any food.
Dr. Bill Bright, the founder and President of Campus Crusade for Christ, gives us an excellent recipe for such a fast. He explains that in his 40 day fast conducted in 1994 at the age of 74 he had a special drink that he would make each day. “I began my forty-day fast on a liquid formulate that I have found effective over the years: one gallon of distilled water with 1 ½ cups of lemon juice and a ½ cup of maple syrup added to it, plus ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. The lemon juice adds flavor and Vitamin C, the maple syrup provides energy, and the cayenne pepper-an herb-acts to open small blood vessels which, I believe, help the body as it cleanses itself of stored toxins.” [2] (Caution: cayenne pepper can cause allergic reactions in some people.)
Note that the best juices during a fast are fresh cabbage, beet, carrot, celery, grape, and apple, because they are less acidic. I would recommend “green drinks” made from leafy vegetables because they are excellent detoxifiers. [3]
The Absolute Fast
The Absolute Fast or “total fast,” means no solids or liquids, and no water. Paul went on an absolute fast for three days after his encounter with Jesus on the Damascus Road (Act 9:9). Ester went on such a fast for three days when facing the destruction of the Jewish people in the Persian Empire (Ester 4:16). Because of dehydration and danger to your health, I would not recommend this fast except for very short periods of time.
The Supernatural Absolute Fast
The Supernatural Absolute Fast are total fasts supernaturally empowered by the Holy Spirit. In other words, it would be humanely and medically impossible for a human being to accomplish such a fast without the power of God intervening. Examples of this would be absolute fasts by Moses (Deut. 9:9) and Elijah (1 Kings 19:8) and Jesus (Luke 4) who all fasted without any food or water for forty days.
How will Fasting Effect my Health?
Fasting is a very healthy exercise provided you are in fairly good health. Most nutritionists and health experts can document thousands of examples of new found vigor and health in those who regularly fast. Christian nutritionist Dr Julio C. Ruibal, says: “Fasting is a natural physiological process. It is also a biblical concept that was practiced during difficult times. So, from both the scriptural and the scientific point of view, we can have confidence that fasting is not harmful, but rather beneficial when properly carried out.” [4]
Though fasting is considered by experts to be a very healthy way to provide new health to the body, and even though there are tremendous spiritual blessings derived from fasting, there are certain people that should not fast without professional advise beforehand:
- People who are physically emaciated
- Those who suffer weakness or anemia
- Persons who have Tumors, Bleeding Ulcers, Cancer, blood diseases, or who have recently suffered myocardial infraction
- People with chronic problems with kidneys, liver, lungs, heart, or other important organs.
- Individuals who take insulin for diabetes, or suffer any other blood sugar problems such as hypoglycemia.
- Pregnant or nursing women
- Those who are afraid of Fasting
If any of these describe you, I would highly encourage not to fast at this time. If you have serious questions about your health, I would advise you to see a physician or an expert in nutrition before considering a fast or any change in your diet. [5]
Does the Bible really say that we should fast?
Fasting is mentioned throughout the Old and New Testament. In the Old Testament it was such an important part of the faith and practice of Israel that it was commanded of the people each year during the Day of Atonement. Even today, practicing Jews celebrate this time of fasting at Yon Kippur (see Leviticus 16:29, 30). Derek Prince comments, “We know, historically that for 3,000 years the Jewish people have always observed Yom Kippur…as a day of fasting. We also have the New Testament authority on this [see Acts 27:9]….” [6]
Throughout Scripture fasting and prayer is seen as a response by man to a need, a response to God for forgiveness and cleansing. All of the great prophets and patriarchs of the Old Testament fasted and prayed. In the New Testament Jesus fasted and prayed before he began his public ministry; the early church fasted and prayed before and after major decisions.
So, fasting is found throughout the old and new dispensation as a tool God has given us for cleansing, miracles, answered prayer, and hearing God’s voice. The question really is not should I fast? But rather, will I fast?
How do I make Physical Preparations for a Fast?
Rule #1 Do not Rush in a Fast: Begin by eating smaller meals just before the fast. This helps shrink your stomach and sends your mind a message about the intake it can expect. I usually start limiting my intake as far ahead as the length of my fast. In other words, when I am fasting for three days, three days before I begin to limit my intake. This really helps in the transition of your body and mind. Plus, an added feature, is that it enables me to really focus my mind and heart earlier toward the purposes of the fast.
Rule #2 If you have Health Problems see a Physician: Even though most doctors do not understand or appreciate the importance and health benefits of fasting, it is still advisable, if you have health problems, to see your health care provider before starting a fast.
Rule #3 Start our with Small Fasts: I began with skipping meals and then later to fasting for a day, and then three days, etc. If you have never fasted before, my encouragement would be for you to start with fasting one meal a day for three days, and then, as you are led by God, fasting for gradually longer periods of time.
Rule #4 Be Sure God has Called you Beforehand: Do not end a fast halfway through! Be sure ahead of time of God’s leading and if you have any doubles, wait on God to confirm it. Allow God to lead you and Stick to your commitment when you begin.
What do I do During A Fast?
I recommend that you continue with your regular day (if it is during your work day), but take times to pray when you normally would be eating a meal. If your job is a physical labor intensive, you will have to slow down somewhat if your fast is more than one or two days (depending on the person). If your job is more office related, I would doubt that you would need to change anything.
During a fast, I pray at two key times: first, when the hunger pains come, I exercise my faith in prayer, reminding myself of the reason I am fasting. Thus, I pray throughout the day, letting the discomfort of fasting become my inward alarm system to remind me to be in prayer. Second, during my regular meal times, instead of eating I will usually take a walk and pray.
Be sure to set aside ample time to be with the Lord in prayer, meditation in God’s Word, and praise and worship. This is the whole point of this time, that we minister unto the Lord and allow Him to minister to us.
If I am on a liquid Fast, When do I drink certain Juices?
Dr. Julio Ruibal gives this recommendation: [7]
5 a.m. – 8 a.m. Fruit juices, preferably freshly squeezed or blended and diluted in 50% distilled water if the fruit is acid. Orange, apple, pear, grapefruit, papaya, or other fruit are good. If you are unable to prepare your juices, buy juices without sugar or additives.
10:30 a.m. – noon Green vegetable juice freshly made from lettuce, celery and carrots in three equal parts.
2:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Herb tea with a drop of honey. Make sure that it is not black tea or tea with a stimulant.
6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Broth made from boiling potatoes, celery, and carrots with no salt. After boiling about half an hour, pour the water into a container and drink it.
In Conclusion
Fasting has been given to us by God as a tool for seeking Him. The Bible instructs us to “seek the Lord while he may be found.” Jesus instructed us to “seek the kingdom first” in our lives. Prayer with fasting is a kingdom way of seeking the Lord. Is this a time in your life that God may be calling you to a deeper relationship with Him? Is this a time that God is calling out to you to seek Him for answers in your life? If so, this may be the time to learn how to seek the Lord with fasting. Enjoy the process. I pray this will be a great adventure in your relationship with Jesus Christ. And watch out! God is going to answer your prayers.
Carpe Diem Gloriae Dei,
Pastor Steve
[1] Lee Bueno, Fast your Way to Health (Springdale, PA: Whitaker House, 1991) p. 77.
[2] Bill Bright, The Coming Revival: America’s Call to Fast, Pray, and Seek God’s Face (Orlando, FL; New Life Publishers, 1995) p. 123.
[3] James Balch, MD and Phyllis Balch, CNC, Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing (Garden City Park, NY: Avery Publishing, 1995) p. 325.
[4] From comments on fasting at a Campus Crusade for Christ conference on Prayer and Fasting, December 5-7, 1994, Orlando, Florida.
[5] Bill Bright, idid, p. 122.
[6] Derek Prince, Fasting (Springdale, PA: Whitaker House, 1986) p. 15.
[7] Bill Bright, ibid, p. 139.
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