FASTING
Fasting is an important spiritual discipline in the life of a Jesus follower. Fasting allows us to draw closer to God, express repentance, seek guidance, and overcome temptation by denying our physical hunger to focus on our spiritual hunger.
Fasting is not like a spiritual ‘hunger strike’ because by fasting we do not and cannot force or obligate God to act on our behalf. God remains sovereign and independent. Hence, we fast to seek God, not to manipulate God.
One result of fasting is this: not only do we become more sensitive to God’s will [His desires, His plans]; we also become more willing to do it. Generally, when our physical hungers are satisfied (or over-indulged), our spiritual hungers diminish. However, when our physical hungers are held in-check and we turn to God through scripture reading and prayer, our spiritual hungers grow stronger.
In scripture and throughout church history people have fasted for a variety of reasons including the following:
1. As routine spiritual maintenance
2. To beseech God for help in and through a pressing time of need
3. To be kept safe during approaching danger
4. To be equipped for a bigger-than-normal ministry assignment
5. To add earnestness to sincere repentance; to demonstrate a true sorrow for sin
6. To break an addiction or stronghold
7. To humble oneself before God
8. To deal with a national emergency
9. To be empowered to deliver people who are demon possesed
How to Fast
There are many ways a person can fast from food. At Trinity Church, we typically encourage our church family to participate in 1 of the 3 fasts listed below.
1. The Absolute Fast - This fast consists of drinking nothing but liquids that are natural. Examples include water, juices, shakes, broth, and teas. Protein powders and supplements can be added to your drinks to ensure you are recevieng a balanced daily diet. While we encourage fasting, we ask the you would consult your doctor if you have any conditions to see if this is a safe fast for you.
2. The Daniel Fast - This fast consists of eating natural fruits and vegetables and other natural unprocessed foods that do not contain any type of meat, bread, or dairy. Examples include: Nuts, Fruits, and Fresh Salads. For a full list of foods, click below.
Fasting is not like a spiritual ‘hunger strike’ because by fasting we do not and cannot force or obligate God to act on our behalf. God remains sovereign and independent. Hence, we fast to seek God, not to manipulate God.
One result of fasting is this: not only do we become more sensitive to God’s will [His desires, His plans]; we also become more willing to do it. Generally, when our physical hungers are satisfied (or over-indulged), our spiritual hungers diminish. However, when our physical hungers are held in-check and we turn to God through scripture reading and prayer, our spiritual hungers grow stronger.
In scripture and throughout church history people have fasted for a variety of reasons including the following:
1. As routine spiritual maintenance
2. To beseech God for help in and through a pressing time of need
3. To be kept safe during approaching danger
4. To be equipped for a bigger-than-normal ministry assignment
5. To add earnestness to sincere repentance; to demonstrate a true sorrow for sin
6. To break an addiction or stronghold
7. To humble oneself before God
8. To deal with a national emergency
9. To be empowered to deliver people who are demon possesed
How to Fast
There are many ways a person can fast from food. At Trinity Church, we typically encourage our church family to participate in 1 of the 3 fasts listed below.
1. The Absolute Fast - This fast consists of drinking nothing but liquids that are natural. Examples include water, juices, shakes, broth, and teas. Protein powders and supplements can be added to your drinks to ensure you are recevieng a balanced daily diet. While we encourage fasting, we ask the you would consult your doctor if you have any conditions to see if this is a safe fast for you.
2. The Daniel Fast - This fast consists of eating natural fruits and vegetables and other natural unprocessed foods that do not contain any type of meat, bread, or dairy. Examples include: Nuts, Fruits, and Fresh Salads. For a full list of foods, click below.
3. The Skip-A-Meal fast - This fast consists of skipping 1 meal during the day. Any types of food may be eaten during the rest of the day. In place of the meal you skip, read God's word, worship, or enjoy a time of prayer. Remember that fasting is not simply what you are giving up, but what you are choosing to do instead, seek God first!
In addition to food, you may also prayerfully decide other things you will say “No” to.
Some options include these:
We hope you consider fasting along side of us as we know it will be of great benefit to your spiritual walk with God!
In addition to food, you may also prayerfully decide other things you will say “No” to.
Some options include these:
- Say “No” to television and/or limit internet usage to business essentials.
- Say “No” to social media.
- Say "No" to distractions from seeking God.
We hope you consider fasting along side of us as we know it will be of great benefit to your spiritual walk with God!