How To Fast

When the bible says, “this kind goeth not out by prayer and fasting “, what does it suggest? It suggests that, at some point in our Christian journey, we will need to fast in addition to prayer. For, this is the only way we are empowered to overcome life’s setbacks. 

Fasting is a spiritual activity that involves depriving ourselves of food, phone, or anything good or satisfying, so we can fully concentrate on God and divine empowerment happens

Fasting does not only occur in the New Testament, but it also occurs in the Old Testament as well. People have fasted for different reasons. Because most problems or challenges require fasting to go with prayer. No wonder the scripture says:

However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.

Matthew 17:21 NKJV

Inasmuch as fasting is beneficial, and largely recommended in your faith journey, there is equally an acceptable way to fast. That means not all fasts yield the desired result or expectations. 

Moreover, when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad. countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear. unto men to fast (Matthew 6:16).

Matthew 6:16 NKJV

Jesus Christ was specific when He said “when ye fast…” after which He spelt out what is expected of us each time, we carry out this spiritual exercise. 

 Isaiah 58:5-7 also highlights the kind of fast that works:

See Also

Four Inspiring Prayers To Turn Your Worries Into Trust In God

Is it a fast that I have chosen, a day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush, and to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Would you call this a fast, And an acceptable day to the Lord? “Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh?

Isaiah 58:5-7 NKJV

From the indications above, it is obvious that there is “How to fast”. The next question is, how then can we fast acceptably?

1. Set a specific goal: What the scripture means by “when ye fast”, is that there should be a reason to fast. And it is wise to specify those reasons even before you embark on the fast. This will keep you in check and equally help you to know when your fasting and prayer has produced results. Setting a goal should include whether you are fasting for directions, God’s healing, specific answers to questions, or revival… the list is endless. 
2. Make intense spiritual preparations: A fast is a spiritual exercise; hence it requires spiritual edification and preparation. If you do not prepare spiritually, you might go through a mere hunger strike. How can you prepare spiritually? First, make sure your salvation is intact. Confess your sins and renew your right standing in Christ, Also, endeavor to get scriptures and books that are in sync with your desires and goals for fasting.
3. Make out time to seek God in truth and in spirit: It is easier to connect to God during fasting period. Take advantage of this period to seek God in truth and in spirit and make use of all the spiritual materials you have gathered for your spiritual edification. 
4. Prepare physically too: There are different types of fasting. Some require you to go without food and liquid, or without one of them. Either way, make sure you make adequate physical preparations before, during, and after a fast. If you are under any medical condition, seek advice from your physician before embarking on a fast. 
5. Be expectant: Do not just fast! Fast with expectations. The Bible says “surely there is an end, your expectations shall not be cut off. 

Fasting should be a lifestyle, not a once and for all affair. Make sure to inculcate a fasting culture into your life. It strengthens your spiritual life and makes you a victor in the race of life.