Step 1 — Purpose
When you plan your fast, first reflect on an area in your life you are needing God to bring you a breakthrough. What will be the purpose of your prayer and fasting? It might be for the purpose of intercession, repentance, seeking the Lord’s will and direction etc.
This step is very important to have clarity on, so during your fasting hours, when you begin to experience those hunger pains, you can focus on and pray into what you have prepared for.
Step 2 — Commitment
Once you have decided on the purpose for your prayer and fasting, you need to mentally and spiritually prepare to see it through to completion. Prepare to be tempted in breaking your fast early, which is why it’s important to prepare mentally and spiritually to have the resolve to remain committed. Take time to give this fast to the Lord, that the Spirit would give you strength as you begin, and while you’re in it.
Step 3 — Communicate
Depending on your relationships, you may need to communicate to your spouse, coworkers etc. that you are fasting. Who needs to know your fasting plan in relation to meal schedules? It’s important to take into consideration those in your life that may be affected.
Step 4 — Duration
Whenever you plan to fast, you must pre-determine the time frame. You can fast through one meal, two meals, three meals (12 hours), or longer. For beginners, start slowly by beginning with one meal. You could then increase to two meals, and then for longer. Also what’s important to know is: there is never a “convenient time” to fast.
We will plan to break-fast together in our prayer meeting by receiving communion together, so make sure to factor that in the timing of when you start your fast.
Step 5 — Decide
Will you participate in a ‘normal’ fast or in a ‘partial’ fast? For the purposes of our prayer meetings, you will need to decide on the type of fast that best fits your present situation, circumstances, and occasion.
If you have never fasted before, we recommend you start with a “Partial” fast.
Step 6 — Scripture
During your fast, if possible, take in meaningful sections of the Word. Filling your heart and mind with the Word of God will nurture your soul and spirit. Take advantage of this important discipline as your circumstances allow. It is one of the most important parts of deepening your fasting experience.
Step 7 — Pray
Prayer should be a major part of your fasting experience. This is one of the necessary elements of a fast. During a fast, we seek our Father, we spend time with Him, we engage Him, we communicate clearly and specifically with Him, we soak Him up, and we enjoy His Presence. Be sure to plan as much time with the Father as possible during this time.
Health Advisory
Drink water! Water is vital to human life and should not be withheld for long periods of time (greater than twenty-four hours). Water is necessary to maintain basic bodily and organ functions.
Check with your doctor, especially if you are on daily medications for your health. If you are diabetic or hypoglycemic, make sure to follow the doctor’s orders. If fasting from food is a problem, you may choose other ways to participate in the fast.
If you are pregnant, plan on finding a way to fast that does not involve eliminating food.
If you have struggled with any eating disorder in the past or at present, please talk to someone who can advise you about carefully navigating this situation.
If you are involved in high-energy or highly physically demanding work, especially during the summer heat, be careful about the fasting regimen and how to conduct it.
There are definitely physical factors involved during a fast. Be aware of these: fatigue, possible headache, sleepiness, and mild dizziness. These are temporary and will subside when your fast is over.
When breaking a fast of 24-48 hours, begin slowly by taking fruit or vegetable juices, a leafy green salad, or a baked potato.
When breaking longer fasts, be very careful to start eating again slowly. Begin with bland food such as salads with no dressing, baked or sweet potatoes, and soups. Do not take fatty or greasy foods for several days to allow your system to adjust to food again. The key is to go slowly and take your time re-entering.