Here is a fasting guide for you to use during the next 14 days. Remember that the act of seeking and focusing on God is more important than ‘what’ or ‘how much’ you fast. We should never feel guilty about our level of fasting or feel competition from others. This is about you and God. This community-wide fast is 14 days but that does not mean you must go without for all of the 14 days. Determine the timing and duration ahead of time and pray about it.

During the fast, seek God for yourself and also for our church.

What is fasting? Fasting is sacrificing an everyday craving (social media, food, hobby, etc) to have greater clarity as we seek God. Put simply, prayer is strengthening our connection to God, while fasting is weakening our connection to the world.

The Bible doesn’t command fasting but it presents it as something that is good and beneficial for our lives. You can use this time to seek God and grow spiritually. 

• FASTING TEACHES US THAT GOD’S WORD NOURISHES US

Matthew 4:1-4 records the only example of Jesus fasting, just prior to his being tempted in the wilderness. He faced temptation with these words “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” Jesus is quoting Deuteronomy 8:3-5 which talks about the 40 years Israel spent in the wilderness, depending daily on manna to sustain them. He says that God humbled them and let them be hungry in order to teach them to depend on God’s Word to sustain them. By His example of fasting, Jesus reminds us that food alone can’t sustain us. We need to be nourished by God’s Word.

• FASTING TEACHES US THAT DOING GOD’S WILL SUSTAINS US

John 4:31-35 records Jesus' encounter with the woman at the well. When the disciples return they encourage Jesus to eat. He responds by saying “I have food to eat that you know not of,” then He adds “My food is to do the will of the Father.” Again, Jesus reminds us that food alone is not enough. We are sustained by doing God’s will.

Fasting reveals and heals our dependence on food (and other things) to fill the discomfort caused by low self-esteem, unfulfilling work, unloving relationships, uncontrollable circumstances, etc. It removes the false peace derived from the pleasure of eating. It also reveals the things that control us. If things such as pride, anger, bitterness, jealousy, strife, or fear are within us, they will surface during fasting. David writes, “I humbled my soul with fasting” (Psalm 69:10).

• FASTING TEACHES US WE CAN GO WITHOUT GETTING WHAT WE WANT AND SURVIVE.

Fasting can free us from the need to always have what we want. It can teach moderation or self-control, not only in relation to food, but in other areas as well. It teaches contentment (1 Timothy 6:6).

• FASTING EXPRESSES AND DEEPENS OUR HUNGER FOR GOD.

Fasting reminds us that we are sustained “by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4). Food does not sustain us; God sustains us. In Christ, “All things hold together” (Col. 1:17). We are not so much abstaining from food as much as we are feasting on the word of God and on Christ Himself. Fasting for other reasons, such as to look more spiritual or to lose weight, is not the Biblical way. Jesus instructed us on how to fast in Matthew 6:17-18. It must always, first and foremost, center on God. It must be about Him. 

Fasting is designed to intensify our dependence on God by weakening our dependence on food and other things.

Why are you fasting? Is it to strengthen your relationship with God? Are you needing wisdom or an answer from God about something? Ask the Holy Spirit to help lead you. Remember that the act of seeking and focusing on God is more important than ‘what’ or ‘how much’ you fast.

If it is your first time fasting, start small and don’t go completely without food. Consider fasting one meal a day or all meals for one day of the week. You can also consider changing the way you fast throughout the 14 days. Different types of fasts can include: 

• All food and liquids (except water)
• Drink liquids only (water, juice and plain broth)
• Daniel Fast (eat only fruits and vegetables)
• Entertainment fast (fast one or all of television, social media, video games, all reading except the Bible, texting, etc..) 

The very foundation of fasting and prayer is repentance. Unconfessed sin can hinder your prayers. Here are several things you can do to prepare: 

• Consult your physician first if you take prescription medication or have a chronic ailment. Prepare your body by eating smaller meals before starting a fast. Avoid high-fat and sugary foods and do not fast water.

• Confess every sin that the Holy Spirit calls to your remembrance and accept God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9).

• Seek forgiveness from anyone you have offended, and forgive all who have hurt you. (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3-4) Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ. (Romans 12:1-2) Meditate on the attributes of God, His love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace, compassion, and others (Psalm 48:9-10; 103:1-8, 11-13).

• Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart. (Hebrews 11:6) Consider starting a Bible reading plan such as the ones available through the YouVersion Bible app.

• Do not underestimate spiritual opposition. Satan sometimes intensifies the natural battle between body and spirit. (Galatians 5:16-17)

• Finally, Jesus instructs us in Matthew to not let others know about your fasting. The strict details of your fast should not be something you constantly talk about to others. It should remain between you and God. 

• DANIEL FAST: ABSTAINING FROM CERTAIN TYPES OF FOOD (MEAT, SWEETS, ETC.) - DANIEL 10:3

This type is a good first step for beginners to fast or those with health needs, special or restrictive diets. Choose to abstain from something like breads, sweets, sodas, coffee or even red meat. Perhaps spend some time reading through Daniel’s fast in Daniel chapter 1 and chapter 10. Stick to only fruits and vegetables like Daniel, or try something similar. You may choose to go without a specific type of food only on certain days like Fridays, or during the weekdays only, or perhaps every day.

• ABSTAINING FROM ALL FOOD (ESTHER 4:16; ACTS 9:9)

This kind of fast is more difficult but can be broken up by timing and duration. This seems to be the most common type of fast we see in the Bible. It is also the most intimidating, but don't let it scare you. Fasting from all food is not scary if you determine beforehand when you will do so and for how long.

Here are some ways to get started:

• Start slowly. Begin with fasting for only a part of a day (lunch, or lunch and dinner). Do this for one day a week, or perhaps three days a week. You determine the timing and duration. Take a step of faith. Fasting is risky and involves our faith.

• Next, try fasting from food but not beverages. This means that according to your timing and duration, you would not eat any solid foods but only water, juices, smoothies or perhaps simple soup broths.

• Do this for the first one or two weeks. Devote the time that you would normally be eating to Scripture reading and prayer.

• Next try a 24-hour fast. This means that you get up and eat a good breakfast and drink only water or juice until the following breakfast the next day. Set aside specific time, during normal meal times if possible, to pray and seek God. Finally, you may progress to a two- or three-day fast. For some, progression may lead to a multi-day, even a multi-week, fast.

• ABSTAINING FROM THINGS BESIDES FOOD (DANIEL 6:18)

The king’s voluntary “fasting” from entertainment in the time of Daniel helps us further understand yet another type of fast. Fasting from non-food items like entertainment can be particularly helpful and accessible for everyone. Think of abstaining from television, social media, video games, all reading except the Bible, music, texting, etc. for the duration of your fast. This can be a very powerful decision and even an addition to food fasts.