Helpful Hints on Fasting

Here are some helpful hints and encouragements for you as join together in this fast.

1) This is not a success of fail exercise. This is about seeking God - not accomplishing a goal. Jesus said, "everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."  Matthew 7:8   Focus on Jesus. Seek Him. Do what you can do. Step out in faith and try. If you cannot go 3 days, you still stepped out to seek God and He will answer your prayers. He will meet you when you seek Him.

2) Be healthy. We have said this over and over but do NOT risk your health. If you cannot do this for medical reasons, then DON"T. Do something else.

3) Drink plenty of water. Whether one or three days, you must drink lots of water.

4) Ask a friend you serve with or in your Lifegroup to do it with you. Meet together for prayer instead of breakfast. Hold each other up as you do it together.

5) Share an encouraging word with someone you are close to about met you. Do not make anyone feel guilty about not fasting. We only want to encourage and build up - not tear down.

6) If you go more than one day, please consider drinking something more substantive than water. That is especially true if this is new for you. The point is seeking God, not gutting it out as if you are dieting. Milk, fruit juice, etc. has nutrients and vitamins that will keep you going and strengthen you.

7) Find a verse over the next day that will be a promise and an anchor. Use it when you get hungry to anchor your thoughts to prayer. You can use one on the prayer card or find one from your quiet time.

8) It is often helpful to have a focal point, especially as the hours move on. Use the prayer focus from the prayer card to start. When you are hungry, then focsu on that prayer. As you go along, especially in a multi-day fast God, will lay something else on your heart. The important thing is to get started. Once you get started God will guide you. Just focus and seek.