Fasting has been an important part of the doctrine and practice of our church. Fasting is a voluntary, private, and Spirit-led separation from one’s usual activities of life. Typically it is practiced individually by members in the church body by means of eliminating certain foods and liquids from one’s diet. Normally fasts are held in accompaniment with prayer, and are intended to heighten focus, intensify fervor, and gain control over one’s fleshly cravings and human will. The main point is to draw near to the Lord and allow Him to be the main focus of your life.

There are some cautions to consider as you contemplate a food fast. It is wise to consult your doctor before you begin your fast to make sure there are not medical reasons why it would be harmful to radically change your diet short-term or long-term.

Persons who should not fast without professional supervision are those who...

• are too thin or are prone to anorexia or bulimia.
• suffer weakness or anemia.
• have tumors, bleeding ulcers, cancer, blood
• disorders, or heart disease.
• have chronic problems with kidneys, liver, lungs, or heart.
• are on insulin for diabetes or are hypoglycemic.
• are pregnant or nursing.

Set reasonable goals for this week of fasting. Consider the following options:

• Fast one meal a day.

• Fast one or two meals per day.

• Fast one, two, or three entire days or more.

If you go completely without food for a full day or longer:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Drink some fruit juice for energy.
• Remember that some medications should not be taken without food.

DANIEL 1 & 10

NEHEMIAH 9:1-3

MATTHEW 3:16-4:2

MATTHEW 6:16-18

MATTHEW 7:21

MATTHEW 9:14-15

LUKE 18:9-14

ACTS 27:33-37

This type of fast involves removing certain elements from your diet. During the Daniel Fast, during which you remove meat, sweets, and bread from your diet and consume water and juice for fluids and fruits and vegetables for food.

This type of fast involves removing certain elements from your diet that you enjoy the most, such as ice cream, coffee, soda, chocolate, fast food or something like that. Usually it would be something you enjoy or crave often.

This fast is a great option if you do not have much experience fasting food, have health issues that prevent you from fasting food, or if you wish to refocus certain areas of your life that are out of balance.

For example, you might choose to stop using social media or watching television for the duration of the fast and then carefully bring that element back into your life in healthy doses at the conclusion of the fast.

Ready to start your fast? We can't wait to know that you are participating and believing God with us for greater things in 2025.