Daniel 1:8-14 (ESV) But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore, he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs, and the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who assigned your food and your drink; for why should he see that you were in worse condition than the youths who are of your own age? So, you would endanger my head with the king.” Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had assigned over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, “Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink.
This story in the Sacred Scriptures illustrates one of the best-known fasts. It can truly serve as a great introduction to fasting for everyone who wants to deepen their relationship with God and experience a needed spiritual breakthrough.
Guide to Fasting
Prayer and Fasting is one of the most powerful weapons God has given us for our daily lives! We believe that prayer and fasting is one of the major keys to living successfully as a believer. As we pray and fast for the will of God to be done, we can expect to reap the benefits and promises that our obedience to His word produces. Such as doors opening, miraculous provision, favor, healing and supernatural breakthroughs.
What is Fasting?
Fasting is intentionally abstaining from food (not fluids) for spiritual purposes; it is humbling your soul (Psalm 35:13, Matthew 23:12). Fasting brings you into a deeper, more intimate and powerful relationship with the Lord.
Fasting is an act of humility before God to seek His divine intervention in the events of our physical world, it brings revelation by the Holy Spirit of our true spiritual condition, leading to brokenness, repentance, and change, and allows the Holy Spirit to work in a powerful way. Fasting transforms prayer into a richer, more personal experience and draws you closer to God. (James 4:8)
Purpose for Fasting
1. TO SEEK ANSWERS FROM GOD
Ezra 8:21, 23 (ESV) 21 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. 23 So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.
2. TO PRAY ON BEHALF OF OTHERS
Ezekiel 22:30 (ESV) 30 And I sought for a man/woman among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none.
3. TO HAVE BREAKTHROUGHS IN DIFFICULT SITUATIONS
Isaiah 58:6-8 (ESV) 6 “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? 8 Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
HOW TO FAST
1. DISCREETLY Matthew 6:17-18 (ESV) 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,18 that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
2. WITH FAITH Hebrews 11:6 (ESV) 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Here is a guide to get you started. God bless you immensely as you begin to fast as part of your spiritual routine.
