In January 2025,  we want to call the church to prayer and fasting as part of a new year focus on ‘spiritual breakthrough.’

Starting at our monthly church prayer meeting on Saturday 4th January and finishing on Saturday 1st February, we are encouraging the YCC church family to consider fasting through this four week period. This may look different for each of us but please do think, pray and prepare for how you will join in. 

What is Fasting?

 

Fasting is abstaining from eating for a period of time. It is an outward expression of an inward commitment to pursue God. When you fast, you slow down to hear from God. Fasting can take various forms and last different lengths of time. Christian fasting is always combined with prayer

In one sense fasting is a very personal way to offer praise to God and be in extended communion with Him. In another sense, fasting is a very communal activity. When we fast together for a common purpose with our friends, family, or church, it’s especially powerful.

Fasting is for everybody: children, adults; busy working people, retired people; stay-at-home parents, students . . . Even those with health issues can fast. Everyone can fast from something for some length of time.

Here’s a few further tips, points for thought and answers to questions you may have about fasting…

What's the point of fasting?
  • It is a way to praise God, by tangibly denying ourselves and making a sacrifice to him.

Jesus said:

“Whoever wants to follow me must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

It helps us to focus and pray more intensely, and hear from God more clearly.

  • It is a spiritual discipline: it helps us grow in our faith.
  • Jesus fasted (Matthew 4:1-4). Fasting is one way we follow Jesus.

Jesus promoted fasting to his disciples in Matthew 6:16 “when you fast . . . the Lord will reward you in secret.” 

He says ‘when’ not ‘if’ assuming that we will fast.

How long should I fast for?

If you’ve never fasted before, you might start by giving up one meal for one day or think in terms of a 24-hour period, e.g. from 6pm to 6pm, therefore missing any evening snacks on day 1 and breakfast and lunch on day 2. You could do this once or twice a week over the four-week period.

You could build up the length of your fast each week, throughout the 4 week period.

You could give up one type of food or drink (desserts, coffee, alcohol, for example) for the entire four-week period.  

As you grow in the discipline of fasting over time, you will be able to work up to fasting for days at a time, or maybe fasting from lunch or dinner each day.

If you have fasted before, make it your goal for this church-wide fast to somehow intensify your fast, either in duration or substance. Ask God how long He wants you to fast, and what He wants you to fast from.

If you are experienced at fasting you might consider a 3, 5 or 7 day fast.

Always drink plenty of water throughout the fast.

What fasting is not...
  • Fasting is not a body cleansing exercise. This may well be a by product of the fast but it is not the reason for fasting.
  • Fasting is not a dieting technique. Although it may cause weight loss, that is not our motivation.
  • Fasting is not a way to twist God’s arm to get the things you want. It is about asking for his will to be done and for his Kingdom to come.
  • Fasting is not about inflicting suffering on yourself or punishing yourself, to try to please God in some way. Rather it is a joyful opportunity to get to know God better.
Different ways to fast.

The simplest kind of fast is to give up food, and drink only water for a certain period of time.
Here are some other ways to fast:

  • Abstain from food, but drink only water and fruit juice.
  • Do a “Daniel fast,” where you eat only fruit and vegetables. (See Daniel 1:1-17, where he describes this kind of fast.)
  • Fast from desserts, junk food, or some other type of food you really enjoy.
  • If you have health issues and cannot fast from any kind of food, you could choose to fast from TV or social media. The point of this kind of fast is to take all the time you’d spend doing these things and spend it instead with God.
What happens when I fast?
  • When you fast from meals, you will have extra time! If your family situation allows, use that time for extended prayer, listening to God, reading the Bible, and resting in God’s presence. 
  • The Holy Spirit guides us when we fast. The disciples found direction through fasting. Acts 13:2 says “while they were worshiping and fasting, the Holy Spirit directed them . . .”
  •  God gives us an invitation with a promise in Hebrews 11:6b – “the Lord is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Fasting with prayer brings us the greatest reward: His presence in our lives.
  • Hunger pangs of fasting are a great reminder that God satisfies all our hungers.
  • Your “spiritual ears” will become more acute, so you can better hear from God.
  • Fasting enables your spirit to be yielded to God’s will. It’s a concrete way to say, “Not my will, but yours, God!”
  • Fasting renews your spiritual vision and strengthens your faith.
  • Fasting brings power! “Fasting and prayer is a powerful means for causing the fire of God to fall again in a person’s life. This fire produces the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—but especially the fruit of righteousness and spiritual power over the lusts of the flesh and the lies of the enemy of our souls.” (Bill Bright)
  • When you fast, you will experience a heightened awareness of His presence. You will be spiritually, physically, and mentally refreshed!
Fasting Tips

 “When you fast, don’t make a production out of it like the hypocrites do. Shampoo and comb your hair; brush your teeth, wash your face. God doesn’t require attention-getting devices. He won’t overlook what you are doing; he’ll reward you well.” – (Matthew 6: 16-18, The Message and TNIV).

  • If you take medications or have health concerns, check with your doctor before you fast.
  • Fasting isn’t a way to get extra “points” with God. You don’t have to earn His love.
  • Frame your fast positively in your mind as a wonderful privilege and opportunity to get to know God better, not just a time of feeling hungry!
  • You will feel tired more quickly during a fast. Get extra sleep and rest. Drink plenty of water. Avoid caffeine. Keep exercising, but listen to your body and adjust accordingly. 
  • Carry around gum/ mints/ mouthwash—many people have bad breath when they’re fasting.
  • You will lose weight during a fast- but this isn’t our motive for fasting. The purpose is to grow spiritually during the time set aside for fasting.
  • If you do a full fast, and you normally drink a lot of tea and coffee, it is worth cutting that out first, before your fast, in order to get through the side-effects that you will experience before starting the fast, so they don’t make it more difficult. 
  • Before fasting, it is generally better to cut down rather than stock up and eat a lot. If you eat a big meal prior to a fast, it will expand your stomach, which can unhelpfully increase food cravings in due course.
  • Break your fast slowly. After fasting, eat a small piece of fruit or have a glass of milk. The longer your fast, the more gradually you’ll want to work back up to your normal eating patterns.

More information in video form: