work your way up to fasting for longer periods of time. Short absolute fasts can be mixed in. Many people have found regular fasting, perhaps one or two days a week, to be particularly helpful.

There are examples of all kinds of fasts in the Bible. Esther (Esther 4:16) and Paul (Acts (9:9) had three-day, absolute fasts. Jesus fasted in the wilderness for 40 days, drinking only water (Luke 4:2). Moses (Deuteronomy 9:9) and Elijah (1 Kings 19:8) both had absolute fasts of 40 days, obviously with God’s help. We cannot survive for 40 days without f

Prayer. Fasting. It’s possible to pray without fasting. And it’s certainly possible to fast without prayer. People do either one all the time. But as many have learned, when you combine prayer and fasting properly, tremendous spiritual power is released. What I’d like to explore is why we should pray and fast, how its done, when to do it, and what preparation is needed. With this information, you can be on your way to experiencing the power of prayer and fasting in your own life.

Just to be clear, there is no Biblical requirement for Christians to fast. But Jesus himself assumes we will fast. Read Matthew 6:16. He says neither “You must fast” or “If you fast.” His words are “When you fast…” Later on in Matthew (9:15), he explains when we are to fast. Within the context of that chapter, we are currently living in the age when we are to fast, before the Second Coming. Again, Jesus assumes; not “they might fast” or “they must fast,” only “they will fast.”

A proper fast allows the Holy Spirit to work deep within us. He can help reveal the things that control us, like pride, anger, unforgiveness. Fasting and prayer can help the Holy Spirit provide needed guidance on a specific issue, help in the process of confession and repentance, and more strength in our spiritual lives. All are good reasons to fast.

There are physical benefits to fasting as well, but they should be secondary, if considered at all. The focus must be on God, before, during and after the fast. More on that in a moment.

How to fast is pretty straightforward. First, of course, you should check with your doctor, especially if you have chronic health issues, are taking prescription drugs, are pregnant and/or nursing, etc. Use your common sense. Once cleared, you should know there are two types of fasts: partial and absolute. An absolute fast means no food, no water. Partial fasts can allow water but no food, only vegetables and water, or giving up any food item or items while allowing everything else. Fasts vary in length from 12 hours (overnight) to the Biblical 40 days.

The generally accepted recommendation is to start with partial, short fasts and gradually work your way up to fasting for longer periods of time. Short absolute fasts can be mixed in. Many people have found regular fasting, perhaps one or two days a week, to be particularly helpful.

There are examples of all kinds of fasts in the Bible. Esther (Esther 4:16) and Paul (Acts (9:9) had three-day, absolute fasts. Jesus fasted in the wilderness for 40 days, drinking only water (Luke 4:2). Moses (Deuteronomy 9:9) and Elijah (1 Kings 19:8) both had absolute fasts of 40 days, obviously with God’s help. We cannot survive for 40 days without f

to fast. But Jesus himself assumes we will fast. Read Matthew 6:16. He says neither “You must fast” or “If you fast.” His words are “When you fast…” Later on in Matthew (9:15), he explains when we are to fast. Within the context of that chapter, we are currently living in the age when we are to fast, before the Second Coming. Again, Jesus assumes; not “they might fast” or “they must fast,” only “they will fast.”

A proper fast allows the Holy Spirit to work deep within us. He can help reveal the things that control us, like pride, anger, unforgiveness. Fasting and prayer can help the Holy Spirit provide needed guidance on a specific issue, help in the process of confession and repentance, and more strength in our spiritual lives. All are good reasons to fast.

There are physical benefits to fasting as well, but they should be secondary, if considered at all. The focus must be on God, before, during and after the fast. More on that in a moment.

How to fast is pretty straightforward. First, of course, you should check with your doctor, especially if you have chronic health issues, are taking prescription drugs, are pregnant and/or nursing, etc. Use your common sense. Once cleared, you should know there are two types of fasts: partial and absolute. An absolute fast means no food, no water. Partial fasts can allow water but no food, only vegetables and water, or giving up any food item or items while allowing everything else. Fasts vary in length from 12 hours (overnight) to the Biblical 40 days.

The generally accepted recommendation is to start with partial, short fasts and gradually work your way up to fasting for longer periods of time. Short absolute fasts can be mixed in. Many people have found regular fasting, perhaps one or two days a week, to be particularly helpful.

There are examples of all kinds of fasts in the Bible. Esther (Esther 4:16) and Paul (Acts (9:9) had three-day, absolute fasts. Jesus fasted in the wilderness for 40 days, drinking only water (Luke 4:2). Moses (Deuteronomy 9:9) and Elijah (1 Kings 19:8) both had absolute fasts of 40 days, obviously with God’s help. We cannot survive for 40 days without f

at control us, like pride, anger, unforgiveness. Fasting and prayer can help the Holy Spirit provide needed guidance on a specific issue, help in the process of confession and repentance, and more strength in our spiritual lives. All are good reasons to fast.

There are physical benefits to fasting as well, but they should be secondary, if considered at all. The focus must be on God, before, during and after the fast. More on that in a moment.

How to fast is pretty straightforward. First, of course, you should check with your doctor, especially if you have chronic health issues, are taking prescription drugs, are pregnant and/or nursing, etc. Use your common sense. Once cleared, you should know there are two types of fasts: partial and absolute. An absolute fast means no food, no water. Partial fasts can allow water but no food, only vegetables and water, or giving up any food item or items while allowing everything else. Fasts vary in length from 12 hours (overnight) to the Biblical 40 days.

The generally accepted recommendation is to start with partial, short fasts and gradually work your way up to fasting for longer periods of time. Short absolute fasts can be mixed in. Many people have found regular fasting, perhaps one or two days a week, to be particularly helpful.

There are examples of all kinds of fasts in the Bible. Esther (Esther 4:16) and Paul (Acts (9:9) had three-day, absolute fasts. Jesus fasted in the wilderness for 40 days, drinking only water (Luke 4:2). Moses (Deuteronomy 9:9) and Elijah (1 Kings 19:8) both had absolute fasts of 40 days, obviously with God’s help. We cannot survive for 40 days without f

ally if you have chronic health issues, are taking prescription drugs, are pregnant and/or nursing, etc. Use your common sense. Once cleared, you should know there are two types of fasts: partial and absolute. An absolute fast means no food, no water. Partial fasts can allow water but no food, only vegetables and water, or giving up any food item or items while allowing everything else. Fasts vary in length from 12 hours (overnight) to the Biblical 40 days.

The generally accepted recommendation is to start with partial, short fasts and gradually work your way up to fasting for longer periods of time. Short absolute fasts can be mixed in. Many people have found regular fasting, perhaps one or two days a week, to be particularly helpful.

There are examples of all kinds of fasts in the Bible. Esther (Esther 4:16) and Paul (Acts (9:9) had three-day, absolute fasts. Jesus fasted in the wilderness for 40 days, drinking only water (Luke 4:2). Moses (Deuteronomy 9:9) and Elijah (1 Kings 19:8) both had absolute fasts of 40 days, obviously with God’s help. We cannot survive for 40 days without f

work your way up to fasting for longer periods of time. Short absolute fasts can be mixed in. Many people have found regular fasting, perhaps one or two days a week, to be particularly helpful.

There are examples of all kinds of fasts in the Bible. Esther (Esther 4:16) and Paul (Acts (9:9) had three-day, absolute fasts. Jesus fasted in the wilderness for 40 days, drinking only water (Luke 4:2). Moses (Deuteronomy 9:9) and Elijah (1 Kings 19:8) both had absolute fasts of 40 days, obviously with God’s help. We cannot survive for 40 days without food and water without God’s intervention. For the rest of us, no absolute fast should last more than 3 days unless you are absolutely certain of God’s involvement. And even then a doctor's supervision during the fast is advisable.

Which brings us to the key component of fasting and prayer. Done correctly, this is not something we decide. We don’t choose to fast and then pick a type and length of fast. Instead, as part of an active prayer life, God leads us to fast. He’ll also lead us to the type of fast and the length of time the fast should be. Then, during the fast itself, we are to go to God in prayer often, especially when pangs of hanger strike and when we’d normally be eating our meals.

There are a number of excellent books on the subject of prayer and fasting. They can help with the technical details. But the most important preparation you can make is to have or develop a close relationship with God through regular prayer.

Cultivate your discernment of God’s will with an active prayer life. Then you’ll be open to His leading when He wants you to add fasting to your prayer regimen. And you’ll be ready for the surge of spiritual power He’ll bless you with when you combine fasting with prayer.