Fasting Resources
What is Biblical fasting?
It is denying yourself food for the purpose of prayer and to focus on Christ. You should always do it...
In humility
So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. (Daniel 9:3)
Discretely
So that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Matthew 6:18)
When making important decisions
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” (Acts 13:2)
In response to a specific need
Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD. (Joel 1:14)
Guide to Prayer & Fasting
There are two important spiritual disciplines that we have the privilege of participating in: prayer and fasting. Both take time, sacrifice, and focus. We encourage you to seek God on a deeper level. Through prayer and fasting, we can also impact the people in our community. Are you ready? Will you join us?
Guide to a 24 Hour Fast
A 24-hour fast is a time of denying yourself food for 24 hours. The purpose is to devote time to God in prayer and have a prayerful attitude throughout the day.
Be sure that you know why you are fasting. It’s not to lose weight.
Drink plenty of fluids. Water is best.
Have a specific prayer list to guide you (see our suggested list).
Journal what you prayed for. You will be amazed!
Consult a doctor if you have any medical issues before starting your fast.
Sample Prayer Schedule
The evening before you begin
Eat a normal, but not excessive, dinner at your regular dinnertime.
Before bed, spend time reading Scripture. (Suggested Scriptures to read: Psalm 1, Psalm 63, Luke 4).
Spend some time praying for God to increase your passion for Him. Confess any sins you know are hindering your relationship with God.
Once you get in bed, pray until you fall asleep.
Morning of your fast
Wake up at your normal time.
Instead of eating breakfast, spend time with God. Read Philippians 2:1-11.
Reflect on Christ’s sacrifice for you. Pray that God will enable you to have His attitude today.
During the hours when you are hungry, view those hunger pains as God nudging you to pray.
Pray quietly throughout the morning, even during your regular routine.
Engage your normal responsibilities, but do so with an awareness of His grace.
Lunchtime
During your lunch hour, remove yourself from the day-to-day rush and spend 20 or 30 minutes in prayer.
Walk around outside of your office or home. Shut off the noise and spend some time listening to God.
If there is a decision or a struggle in your life, ask God to give you clarity.
Afternoon
This will be the time when you are most hungry and weak.
Each time you are hungry, thank Him for filling you spiritually.
Each time you feel weak, thank Him for being the One who truly satisfies (Psalm 63:8).
Evening
The last few hours of the 24-hour fast are often the most intimate with God and the most clarifying.
Devote time praying for your personal spiritual health.
Spend time declaring God’s greatness and thanking Him for all He has done.
Confess any ongoing struggles or sins you wrestle with.
Yield to Him. Submit to Him.
Devote time praying for Christ Fellowship, your church.
Do not rush to eat. Eat at your normal dinnertime.
Conclude your fast. While you eat, reflect on God’s provision for all your needs.