The success of your fast depends on how you start and conduct it. By following these simple steps, you can make your time with the Lord more meaningful and spiritually rewarding.
Step 1: Set Your Objective
What is the purpose of your fast? Is it for spiritual renewal, guidance, healing, problem resolution, or special grace to handle a difficult situation? Knowing your objective will help you focus your prayers.
Step 2: Make Your Commitment
Jesus expected his followers to fast (Matthew 6:16-18; 9:14-15). Pray about the type of fast you should undertake and decide the duration, the type of fast, physical or social activities to restrict, and the time you will devote to prayer and God’s Word. Making these commitments ahead of time will help you sustain your fast, even when faced with physical temptations and life’s pressures.
Step 3: Prepare Yourself Spiritually
The foundation of fasting and prayer is repentance. Unconfessed sin will hinder your prayers. Prepare your heart by seeking forgiveness from those you have offended, forgiving those who have hurt you, making restitution as the Holy Spirit leads you, asking God to fill you with His Holy Spirit, and surrendering your life fully to Jesus Christ.
Step 4: Prepare Yourself Physically
Fasting requires reasonable precautions. Consult your physician first, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic ailment. Physical preparation makes the drastic change in your eating routine a little easier so that you can turn your full attention to the Lord in prayer. Eat smaller meals before starting a fast, avoid high-fat and sugary foods, and eat raw fruit and vegetables for two days before starting a fast.
Step 5: Put Yourself on a Schedule
Set aside time in the morning, afternoon, and evening for worship, study, and prayer. The more time you spend with God, the more meaningful your fast will be.
Step 6: End Your Fast Gradually
Do not eat solid foods immediately after your fast. Begin eating gradually with smaller meals or snacks each day. If you end your fast gradually, the beneficial physical and spiritual effects will be sustained.
