Before you Begin a Fast: Tips for Preparation

Lent III

What is Fasting?

Christian fasting is abstaining from food, drink, sleep, pleasures of the world or sex to focus on a period of spiritual growth and examination of conscience.  Specifically, we humbly deny someething of the flesh to glorify God, enhance our spirit, go deeper in our prayer life and focus on our relationship with God.

Step 1: Objective of Fasting

Understanding why you have chosen to fast.  This will enable you to pray specifically and strategically.  Also, be reminded tthat fasting is not an end in itself, but serves as one part of our spiritual growth and development.

Step 2: Make a Commitment

Making a commitment ahead of time will help you sustain your fast when physical temptations and life's pressures tempt you to abandon it.  Therefore, pray about the kind of fast you should undertake.  Consider the following:

1. Length of the fast - onemeal, one day, onw week or several weeks
2. Type of fast such as water only or water andjuices, what kind of juices and hw often
3. What physical or social activities will be restricted
4. How much dainly time will be devoted to prayer and bible reading.

Step 3:  Prepare Yourself Spiritually

Unconfessed sin will hinder yourprayers.  to prepare your heart, note the following:

1. Ask God to help you make a comprehensive lst iof your sins
2. Confess every sin that the Holy Spirit calls to your remembrance and accept God's forgiveness. 1John1:9
3. Seek forgiveness from all whom you have offended and forgive all who have hurt you.  Mark 11:25, Luke 17:3-4
4. Make restitution as the Holy Spirit leads you
5. Ask God to fill you with his Holy Spirit according to His command in Ephesians 5:18 and His promise in 1 JOhn 5:14-15
6. Surrender youf life fully to jesus Christ as your Lord and master. Romans 12:12
7. Meditate on the attributes of God, His love, sovreignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace, compassion and others.  Psalms 48:9-10, 103:1-8, 11-13
8. Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart. Hebrews 11:6
9. Do not underestimate spiritual opposition.  Satan sometimes intensifies the natural battle between body and spirit.  Galatians 5:16-17

Step 4: Prepare Yourself Physically

Fasting requires reasonable precautions.  If you take prescription midication or have a chronic ailment consult your physician first.  Physical preparation makes a drastic change in your eating routine so note the following:

1. Do not rush into a fast
2. Prepare your body by eating smaller meals.  Avoid high-fat and sugary goods
3. Eat raw fruits and vegetables for two days before starting a fast

Links:

http://www.creatingfutures.net/fasting.htm

http://www.allaboutgod.com/christian-fasting.htm