Session Four:Fasting

“…the voluntary abstaining from food for spiritual purposesspiritual purposes.” ~ Derek Prince

A hunger strike, on the other hand, is often undertaken to achieve some politicalpolitical power or

draw attention to a particular issue.

1) Did Biblical figures fast? Did Jesus?◦ Moses, David, Elijah, Esther, Daniel, Anna,

Paul, and yes – Jesus

2) The Sermon on the Mount◦ Matthew 6:16, Jesus said, “When you fast…”

3) Fasting occurs because we are apart from Jesus, the bridegroom

◦ Matthew 9:15

One primary purpose: 1) To glorify our Father in

heaven

Two secondary purposes 1) reveals the things that

control us2) helps us keep our

balance in life

Gives glory to God Praying with power Loosens bonds Frees the oppressed Brings obedience to

the Word Humbles us

Overcomes temptation

Purification Agreement with God Guidance in crisis Crucifies the flesh

Normal Fast Normal Fast – abstain from food but not water, e.g. Jesus in the desert, max. 40 days

Absolute Fast Absolute Fast – no food or liquid – detrimental after 3 days

Partial Fast Partial Fast – abstain from a certain food or food group, e.g. giving up chocolate or meat for Lent

One regular publicregular public fast – Day of Atonement (see Leviticus 23:27)

Other specificspecific public fasts – for national emergencies (see 2 Chronicles 20:1-4)

Most are privateprivate fasts – for the purpose of humility, not self-proclamation

1) What is our motivation?2) What sort of fast will we

observe, and how long will it last?

3) What are our spiritual objectives?

4) Is the fast self-directed or other-directed?

If you have any physical concern or a health issue that may be effected by a fast, please consult a physician for advice. If you have diabetes, heart

problems, are significantly underweight or pregnant, you

should not fast. If you have even intermittent issues with blood

pressure, or if you are on prescribed medication, you must seek a doctor

for advice before fasting.

First 3 days – headaches, stomach growling, bad breath, dizziness, loss of 2 lbs per day, feel cold◦ Brush often (tongue too!)◦ Rest when possible◦ Rise slowly◦ Dress in layers to stay warm◦ Read the Word of God often!

After 5 days – stronger, more alert, loss of just 1 pound per day, heightened taste & smell awareness

By days 9-10, toxins have been eliminated, minor stomach irritationBetween days 21-40, if you feel hungry, break the fast

Body begins to feed itself from within if you do not stop

“As thou are in church or cell, that same frame of mind carry out into the world;

into its turmoil and its fitfulness.”

Deep within us all there is an amazing inner sanctuary of the soul, a holy place, a Divine Center, a speaking Voice, to which we may

continuously return. Eternity is at our hearts, pressing upon our time-torn lives, warning us

with intimations of an astounding destiny, calling us home unto Itself.