Spiritual Disciplines

Prayer & Fasting

Drawing closer to God through intentional sacrifice and focused prayer

A Biblical Practice

Why Fast?

Fasting is a spiritual discipline that has been practiced by God's people throughout history. It's not about earning God's favor, but about positioning our hearts to hear from Him more clearly.

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14

Spiritual Focus

Fasting quiets the distractions of daily life and creates space to hear God's voice more clearly. When we set aside physical appetites, we make room for spiritual hunger.

Biblical Obedience

Jesus said 'When you fast...' not 'If you fast.' Fasting is an expected practice for followers of Christ, demonstrated throughout Scripture by Moses, David, Esther, and Jesus himself.

Breakthrough Prayer

Throughout Scripture, fasting accompanied prayer in times of seeking God's intervention, direction, or breakthrough. It demonstrates earnestness and dependence on God.

Choose Your Approach

Types of Fasting

There's no one-size-fits-all approach to fasting. Choose a method that works for your lifestyle, health, and spiritual goals. The key is intentionality, not perfection.

1

Daniel Fast

A plant-based diet excluding meat, dairy, sweets, and caffeine. Based on Daniel 1:12, this fast focuses on whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

2

Intermittent Fasting

A 16-hour fast with an 8-hour eating window. This practical approach helps beginners develop discipline while maintaining energy for daily responsibilities.

3

Liquid Fast

Consuming only water, clear broths, and fruit juices. This allows the body to rest while maintaining hydration. Consult a healthcare provider before starting.

4

Selective Fast

Abstaining from specific foods or food groups such as meat, sugar, or processed foods. A flexible approach that helps develop self-control and spiritual focus.

Getting Started

How to Fast

Follow these steps to prepare your heart and body for a meaningful fasting experience.

01

Pray First

Before beginning any fast, seek God's guidance. Ask Him what type of fast He's calling you to and for how long. Fasting without prayer is just a diet.

02

Choose Your Fast

Select a fasting approach that works for your lifestyle and health. There's no one-size-fits-all. Whether it's Daniel, Intermittent, Liquid, or Selective—choose what allows you to focus on God.

03

Set Your Duration

Start with a realistic timeframe. If you're new to fasting, begin with one meal or one day. You can always extend your fast as you grow in the discipline.

04

Prepare Your Heart

Replace meal times with prayer and Scripture reading. Use the SOAP or Lectio Divina methods to engage deeply with God's Word during your fast.

05

Stay Connected

Consider fasting alongside others in your City Group. There's power in community, and accountability helps sustain your commitment through difficult moments.

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During Your Fast

Bible Study Methods

Replace meal times with intentional Scripture engagement using these proven methods.

SOAP Journaling

A structured approach to reading Scripture during your fast

S

Scripture

Write out a verse or passage that speaks to you

O

Observation

What stands out? What is God saying in this passage?

A

Application

How does this apply to your life today?

P

Prayer

Respond to God based on what you've read

Lectio Divina

An ancient practice of prayerful Scripture reading

Lec

Lectio-Read

Read the passage slowly, multiple times

Med

Meditatio-Meditate

Reflect on words or phrases that stand out

Ora

Oratio-Pray

Speak to God about what you've read

Con

Contemplatio-Contemplate

Rest silently in God's presence

God's Word

Scriptures for Fasting

Meditate on these passages as you seek the Lord through prayer and fasting.

Fasting in Secret

"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do... But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen."

Matthew 6:16-18

True Fasting

"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?"

Isaiah 58:6

Returning to God

"Even now, declares the LORD, return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning."

Joel 2:12

Ready to Begin Your Fast?

Start with prayer and invite others to join you. There's power in fasting together as a community seeking God's presence.