Think FAST . . . For The Next Generation
Have you ever tried fasting? Perhaps you’ve fasted for one meal, and used that time instead for prayer. Perhaps you’ve fasted an entire day, using that day to seek the Lord’s will on an important decision. Maybe you’ve even fasted multiple days at a time.
I have to admit that fasting is one of the spiritual disciplines that I don’t do very well. Does that surprise you to hear a pastor admit that? I’m just being honest: I struggle with fasting. I’m not very good at making this a regular part of my walk with God.
And yet, when I have fasted, I have found tremendous blessing. I have gained insight about people for whom I was fasting and praying. I have heard God direct me about major life decisions. I have seen God work in powerful ways in the life of a person for whom I was praying and fasting. I have experienced depths of intimacy with Christ during times when I have fasted and prayed. The practice of fasting (however sporadic) has definitely brought some great blessings in my life.
The Cotter Family feels the same way and here is a story that John recently shared.
“Peggy had been called to fast during the period leading up to our auto accident, (now coming up on two years ago). She had told me that the Holy Spirit just ‘wouldn't let her alone,’ convicting her to fast all day once a week for a few weeks leading up to what we now know retrospectively was that extraordinary day when
God protected me in the face of what so many felt was otherwise ‘impossible’. I can't get my head
around what an amazing God we love.” For those of you who don’t know the Cotter Family, John
by all medical accounts, should not have survived. His aorta was severed in the accident and went undiagnosed for many hours because the aorta just stayed perfectly lined-up. A cardiac surgeon explained, “This doesn’t happen, this is literally a miracle because he should have died within a few seconds.”
Highland has set aside Tuesday, February 17, as a day of church-wide fasting and prayer. We have chiefly established this as a day to seek the Lord’s blessing on our upcoming capital campaign. But we have also broadened the focus so we can fast and pray about anything God places on our hearts that day; a wayward child, a hurting marriage, the need for a job, spiritual warfare, seeking victory over a besetting sin, etc. We can do this on our own, or come to any of Highland’s campuses during from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., or 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. to pray together with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
Whether you fast regularly, struggle with fasting like I do, or maybe haven’t ever tried fasting before, may I encourage us all to try fasting at least one meal – or even the whole day – on February 17? As we fast and pray as a united body of Christ, we may find that God will do some amazing things.
Some practical guidelines for prayer with fasting are listed below.
Some Guidelines for Prayer with Fasting
What kind of fast?
- A limited fast – A person limits part of their diet for a time as a part of seeking to do the will of God. (Daniel 1:8-13)
- A standard fast – A person eats no food but does drink liquids. This is the most common fast in the Scriptures.
- An absolute fast – A person does not eat or drink for a period of time. Esther called for a three day fast of this kind (4:1-17).
How is a fast to be done?
- Keep your focus on the Lord trusting Him in the situation and need. (Hebrews 11:6).
- Stay in an attitude of prayer throughout the day. Set aside segments of time for specific prayer. Pray often.
- Read Scripture during your time of prayer and fasting. Praying is as much listening as talking. Record any insights you gain. You may want to write down some of your specific requests in a journal or notebook.
- Concerning meals missed, skipping one, two, or three consecutive meals is a normal fast. Drink plenty of juices and/or water as you fast.
- For those on medication, pregnant, or who have been ill, be very cautious and get an OK from your doctor before you fast. Some are not able to fast because of a physical condition. They must have regular meals. The Lord may lead you to “fast” from certain foods (for instance, some “fast” from desserts for an extended time and spend extra time in prayer). Remember, the important thing is the heart attitude, not the calorie count.
- Sometimes there may be a little dizziness, headache, or nausea from not eating. Don’t be alarmed. Remember to drink extra liquids.
- At the end of your fast it is helpful to eat fruit or soup, etc. Don’t eat a big meal. Your eyes may be bigger than your stomach so watch out for gluttony (The fruit of the Spirit is self-control – Galatians 5:22-23).
Adopted from an article by Richard L. Shepherd