Fasting
Fasting as a Christian
Fasting is a powerful discipline in the life of any Christ follower, meant to draw one closer to Him. It's a principle we see all throughout scripture as a tool to humble one's self and provide an increased amount of time to worship and seek Him.
Medical Note: If you have any medical conditions that would make it difficult or dangerous for you to go without food for any extended period of time, please check with your doctor as to what would be advisable for you. Also note that there are non-food ways you can choose to fast, such as TV, social media, or spending.
Fasting is a powerful discipline for any follower of Christ.
Fasting is a powerful discipline for any follower of Christ. Admittedly, denying yourself food or any other luxury for an extended period of time doesn't make much sense. How does going without eating make you grow closer to Christ anyway? But, when you understand the purpose and benefits of fasting, it becomes easier to make the decision to participate in a fast.
Here are a few reasons why fasting is important in the life of a Christ follower:
Fasting draws us closer to Him, empowers us to say no to temptation and sin, and humbles us before God so we can hear Him more clearly.
Here are a few ways you can get yourself and your family ...
Here are a few ways you can get yourself and your family ready for fasting:
Types of Fasts
Types of Fasts
The Bible records many different circumstances, types, and lengths of fasts.
Choosing Your Fasts
Like anything else, depending on your level of experience with fasting, you may want to learn to walk before you attempt to run.
Complete Fast:*
Selective Fast:
Partial Fast:
Soul Fast:
Tips for Fasting
Incorporating Fasting into Your Daily Life
Recommended Reading
Asking your children to fast from food for 21 days is obviously not an option.
Asking your children to fast from food for 21 days is obviously not an option. However, there are things your children, as part of your family, can sacrifice for a period of time. Remember, fasting isn't just about what we give up. It's about emptying ourselves to be filled with more of God. It's about using the time we would have used for whatever we give up, to press in to God. Even young children can take part in this and can begin to understand a little about this important spiritual discipline.
Fasting Options:
What Your Family Could Pray for:
Ways to Pray as a Family
Your options will differ, depending on the age of your children. We encourage you as parents to pray ahead of time about what God wants your family to do. Some ideas are:
Adapted from http://www.newlifeonline.org/documents/FastingAndPrayerForFamilies.pdf