Do you fast?

[Madeline]

I don't want to know your fasting schedule, or when and why you fast...just if you fast or not?

For those who do not know the significance of fasting. Fasting is biblical (cf. Dan.9:3; 1Cor.7:5). It is an "accelerator factor" for prayer because it forces deeper concentration on the Lord and spiritual things when practised correctly whilst at the same time it promotes the divorcing of one's concentration on the secular world and its necessities and priorities. Fasting does not make a person "more spiritual", but it is an important and sacrificial method of drawing closer to the Lord especially for the purpose of particularly important petitions. Fasting is not for everyone, and in my view should be considered a rare and exceptional activity (otherwise it loses its special importance). To fast correctly, the first thing to emphasise is that one should never ever let other people know they are fasting (cf. Matt.6:1-18). For if a person fasts to get recognition from others they are not going to get it from God. Since privacy is key in fasting, it is also clear that for most of us the times when we will have opportunity to fast are very rare indeed. Few of us are so free from the responsibilities of work, school, family, church, "life" that we can take an entire day or two off to close the door, turn off the phone, and devote ourselves to fasting and praying. In my experience and, much more importantly, my understanding of scripture, fasting does have an impact on the power of prayer if only because it focuses the person on the power of God more clearly and intensively. Fasting, unless it is done right, the potential for harm through self-righteousness or through spiritual immaturity is very likely to offset the additional good that is done in the prayer life. In short, it is a specialized and special means of shutting out the world in order to concentrate on the petition that one is laying before the throne of grace.

Love,
Madeline

[Evan57]

Also Fasting is healthy but not to overdo it. It help to cleanse in the body: http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/is_fasting_healthy

Evan57

[John81]

Great post Madeline!

[TheBibleSender]

I have actually been trying to get a group together on my board. We fast every Monday. So far we have 5 people. Please pray that more will get involved. God bless. :)

[Sophie]

I have fasted for both physical and spiritual reasons. Years ago when I was in Bible School, my room mate and I used to fast together on Mondays. I've found that it is important to seperate the physical from the spiritual. I can't do both at the same time. If I'm thinking about the physical reasons for fasting it interferes with the spiritual, and it seems I end up failing in both areas. As far as not telling anyone, that makes it difficult, as I work evenings and eat with my employer almost every night. Therefore, if I plan a fast, I usually do it on the weekend. I do think there are times when its necessary to tell someone, not to say "look what I'm doing" but out of consideration. A friend of mine often will fast on Wednesdays, and will tell his wife so she knows how to prepare for meals. I do think this is something that most christians neglect, but then, unfortunately, many neglect prayer. Fasting without prayer is of no spiritual value.

[Flourgirl]

It would be impossible for me to fast..... I can not go to long without something to eat. I get extremely bad headaches when I do not eat, so therefore it would not be in my best interest to fast. :sick:

[Madeline]

I have fasted for both physical and spiritual reasons. Years ago when I was in Bible School' date=' my room mate and I used to fast together on Mondays. I've found that it is important to seperate the physical from the spiritual. I can't do both at the same time. If I'm thinking about the physical reasons for fasting it interferes with the spiritual, and it seems I end up failing in both areas. As far as not telling anyone, that makes it difficult, as I work evenings and eat with my employer almost every night. Therefore, if I plan a fast, I usually do it on the weekend. I do think there are times when its necessary to tell someone, not to say "look what I'm doing" but out of consideration. A friend of mine often will fast on Wednesdays, and will tell his wife so she knows how to prepare for meals. I do think this is something that most christians neglect, but then, unfortunately, many neglect prayer. Fasting without prayer is of no spiritual value.[/quote']

I agree. I believe wherever it is mentioned, fasting goes together with prayer and in general prayer is the reason behind the fast (i.e., to intensify concentration and accelerate result). I can't speak to every situation so I think I'll stick to the principle. Jesus told us to go to lengths not to let anyone know we were praying or fasting or giving. God knows what's really in our hearts and can easily sort out whether what we are doing is for Him or for us. So it's about fasting for the purpose of recognition as the religious hypocrites in Jesus's day did, which we should avoid.

Love,
Madeline

[kevinmiller]

Low blood sugar = inability to fast. I am very supportive of it though, for both physical and spiritual reasons.

[Anon]

I've tried fasting a few times but although I don't have any official medical reasons not to, it makes me feel really awful. Its hard to pray when you are feeling really yucky.

A few times we have done it "Jewish style".... i.e. sundown to sundown, and that's almost do-able.

Something easier to do for those with lower blood sugar is have a one-meal fast (nobody says it has to be a whole day) and just skip lunch and pray instead or something like that.

[sarcrew]

I did not vote - as you so clearly and correctly state, "To fast correctly, the first thing to emphasise is that one should never ever let other people know they are fasting (cf. Matt.6:1-18)", I feel answering could/would jepardize or forfeit the blessing.

PS - I must admit, however, it is nice to know that in this day and age there are those whose dedication still extend to the pratice. Perhaps I am being too severe since no one that would read my response actually knows me - on the other hand some could still consider it a boast as to ones peity. Something I'll have to ponder. Must have been asked for a reason if it helps a fellow believer to ponder and search the Word :roll .

[sarcrew]

I didn?t vote - as you so clearly stated, ?To fast correctly, the first thing to emphasise is that one should never ever let other people know they are fasting (cf. Matt.6:1-18)?. I feel answering could/would jeopardize/negate the blessing.

Perhaps I am being too severe since no one that would read my response actually knows me - but it could be considered by some as being boastful of ones piety.

Either way it led me to ponder the issue and search the scripture more and one would think that any question or statement that leads another to more thoroughly search the Word was put forth in righteousness. Thanks!

Wayne :roll

[sarcrew]

Sorry for the double post - I'm on WIFI and my connection dropped just as I posted it the first time so just re did it when I reconnected. :ooops

[Anon]

Well unless you are fasting today and say "Yep I'm fasting today" then you would not be against God's Word. Especially regarding group fasts, you have to tell each other somehow that you are having a day of fasting. :smile

[John81]

There are many forms of fasting. One doesn't have to fast for a week or even an entire day to have a fast.

Some folks will determine to fast for one meal. For instance, rather than eat from noon to 12:30, they abstain from eating (fast) and instead they devote that time to prayer or specific Bible reading and prayer.

[Madeline]

I did not vote - as you so clearly and correctly state, "To fast correctly, the first thing to emphasise is that one should never ever let other people know they are fasting (cf. Matt.6:1-18)", I feel answering could/would jepardize or forfeit the blessing.

Nobody here knows who voted yes or who voted no. If the poll were to reveal the names of those who fasted, then I wouldn't have started the poll in the first place. :wink