FASTING GUIDE

WHAT IS IT?

Fasting is deliberately and purposefully giving up something we normally consume to focus more intentionally on God. Fasting is an important aspect of prayer, pursuing greater intimacy with God, and even in spiritual warfare.

WHAT ARE SOME OPTIONS?

Plan 1: Three-Day Fast

  • Purpose: To set aside a significant portion of time for spiritual renewal and seeking God’s favor.

  • Approach: Abstain from food for three consecutive days. Spend focused time each day praying for God’s guidance, breakthrough, and fresh anointing.

  • Focus: Deep dependence, intercession for the church, and openness to God’s direction.

Plan 2: One-Day Fast

  • Purpose: To dedicate an entire day to prayer and surrender, expressing dependence on God.

  • Approach: Choose one full 24-hour period to refrain from eating. Use meal times for prayer, reflection, or Scripture reading. Hydrate well throughout the day.

  • Focus: Personal renewal, gratitude, and seeking clarity for your own faith walk and the church’s mission.

Plan 3: One-Meal Fast

  • Purpose: To introduce fasting in a simple, practical way that still refocuses your attention on God.

  • Approach: Skip one meal—breakfast, lunch, or dinner—and use that time to pray, read Scripture,
    or journal.

  • Focus: Awareness of God’s presence, learning to replace physical hunger with spiritual hunger for Him.

Comments:

“Fasting from food may not be for everyone. Some health conditions keep even the most devout from the traditional course. As Martyn Lloyd-Jones said, “Fasting should really be made to include abstinence from anything which is legitimate in and of itself for the sake of some special spiritual purpose.”

If the better part of wisdom for you, in your health condition, is not to go without food, consider fasting from television, smartphone, social media, or some other regular practice that would bend your heart toward greater enjoyment of Jesus.”  [Adapted from “5 Myths about Fasting” by “Crossway”]