As we bring in the New Year, we want to align our focus on Christ. Join us as we participate in the Daniel Fast together as a Church and grow spiritually January 7 – January 27, 2019.
What is Fasting?
Fasting is the abstinence from food with a spiritual goal in mind. The spiritual discipline of fasting seeks to spend time with God in prayer, bible reading, meditation or worship instead of preparing elaborate meals and/or giving up entertainment such as TV, social media, etc. It is when I pursue the God of Heaven to do something powerful and supernatural in and through my life.
Fasting is a biblical instruction for followers of Jesus.
16 When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Matthew 16: 16-18
Why Fasting?
Jesus modeled fasting for us.
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry.” Matthew 4:1-2
What are some biblical purposes of fasting?
- After receiving devastating news about yourself, other believers, or God’s work.
1Kings 21:27-29; 2Chron 20; Neh. 1:1-4; Ezra 9:1-5; Esther 4:3; Daniel 6:18 - During a time of personal or corporate confession of sin and repentance.
1Sam. 7:6; Neh. 9:1; Jer. 36:1-9; Joel 1:14, 2:12; Jonah 3:5 - Because of a difficult spiritual task for yourself or others.
Exodus 34:28; 2Chron. 20:3 Esther 4:16 - To get specific instruction/direction/answer from God.
Daniel 10:3; Ezra 8:21-23 - When praying, interceding, for the sins of God’s people.
Daniel 9:1-20; Joel 2:1-18 - When dealing directly with demonic forces.
Daniel 10; Mat. 17:21; Mark 9:29 - To seek the Lord for any reason.
Ex. 34:28; 1Sam. 1:7; 2Sam.2:15; Acts 10:30; 1Cor. 7:5 - Before or after choosing/sending spiritual leaders.
Acts 13:2-3; Acts 14:21-23 - When you are afraid.
2 Chronicles 20:3 - By doing what is right.
Isaiah 58:3-6 - During times of grief.
Judges 20:26; 1Sam. 20:34; 31:13; 2Sam 1:12; 1Chron. 10:12; Mat. 9:15; Mark 2:20; Luke 5:35 - In suffering for or serving the Lord.
Matthew 4:1-2; Luke 2:37; 2Cor. 6:5, 11:27
Steps to Prepare for your Fast
Make Your Commitment
Commit to the full 21 days of the partial fast. Determine how much time each day you will devote to prayer and God’s Word.
Prepare Yourself Spiritually
Meditate on the attributes of God. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, present everywhere, sovereign, holy. He is absolute truth, completely righteous and just. he is loving, merciful, faithful, and He never changes (Psalm 48:9, 10; 103: 1-9, 11-13). Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart (Hebrews 11:6). Do not underestimate spiritual opposition (Galatians 5:16, 17).
Record Your Experience
Keep a journal to record what you are hearing from God. At the end of your fast, you will likely see how God worked in your life as you sought after Him.
Types of Fasts
- Juice fast: A doctor’s consultation is recommended.
- Water fast: A doctor’s consultation is recommended.
- Partial fast: Partial fasts include when someone fasts one meal a day, or from a certain type of food.
- Liquid protein fast: A doctor’s consultation is recommended.
- Media fast
- Activity fast
It’s Not About the Food, But this eBook will Help You Get Started
We have put together a FREE Daniel Fast Participant Guide ebook to help you get started and stay on track during your 21 days of prayer and fasting.
The author of this study is not a medical doctor, and it is not the purpose of this study to address in depth the physical or medical aspects of fasting. The author recommends that anyone beginning a fast consult a physician before doing so. There are some people for whom a fast, because of medical conditions, would not be safe.
Comments 3
[…] https://eastwoodtulsa.org/daniel-fast-2019/ […]
I participated in the Daniel fast this year (2018). I encourage anyone to do the Daniel fast. During the fast i thought a lot about sacrifices. I recommend looking up recipes to help with making different types of meals. I wanted to try the Daniel fast while starting my new years resolution with weight loss / eating better.
[…] type of fast is not new. You can read more about fasting and download our free Ultimate Daniel Fast Participant Guide. There are a lot of positive benefits […]