Fasting is a spiritual tool God uses to advance his kingdom, change the destiny of nations, spark revival, and bring breakthroughs in people’s lives. Every Nation churches and campus ministries begin each year with five days of prayer and fasting to humble ourselves before God, consecrate ourselves to him for the upcoming year, and corporately agree for breakthroughs.

​

We will conclude our week of fasting together with a Night of Worship and Prayer on Friday, January 10th at 7:00pm in Walker Auditorium. It will be an evening to worship, pray, and seek the Lord together.

​

​

Why Should I Fast?

• Jesus fasted (Matt 4:1-2). After His time of fasting, He was strengthened by the Spirit for the work of ministry. Fasting does the same for us. We are strengthened for our work as we draw close to God.

• Fasting is an act of humility and consecration (Ezra 8:21). As we humble ourselves through prayer and fasting, we can receive God’s answers to our prayers.

• Fasting helps us become sensitive to the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:2). When we deny ourselves of natural cravings and worldly distractions, we become more sensitive to God’s voice, allowing us to better focus on God and submit to his will.

• Fasting brings revival (Isaiah 58:12). Throughout history, God has brought revival and delivered nations from destruction in response to prayer and fasting. Fasting helps us persevere in prayer and intercession.

• Fasting is healthy. Fasting cleanses your digestive system from toxins. Doctors consider fasting a cure for certain allergies and diseases. The discipline of fasting helps break unhealthy addictions in our lives.

 

How Should I Prepare to Fast?

• Pray. Spend time reading the Bible before the fast. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in your prayers.

• Commit. Pray about the kind of fast you will undertake and commit to it ahead of time. Ask God for grace to help you follow through with your decisions.

• Act. Start eating smaller portions a few days before the fast. Avoid food high in sugar and fat. Plan to limit physical and social activities for the week of the fast. Ask someone to be your prayer partner throughout the fast.

​

What Are The Different Types of Fasts?

• Water Fast. No food, water only.

• Liquid Fast. No food, liquids only. This fast can do juice, broth, soup, etc.

• Daniel Fast. This fast can do vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and water only. No meats or animal products (meat, eggs, fish, dairy), no sweets (added sugar and natural sweeteners like honey or agave), solid fats, yeast, caffeine, alcohol, additives, or processed foods.

• Partial Fast. This fast is skipping a meal or two by fasting for a specific time period (ex. 6am-6pm).

• Total Fast. No food. No water. This fast should only be done after consulting with a physician and after having serious confirmation from the Lord. Basically, if you haven’t seen a burning bush talking to you, pick a different fast.

• Other Fasts. While food is the primary method of fasting, there are some who cannot do it based on a diet sensitivity. Other fasts include abstaining from social media, streaming platforms, news outlets, tv shows, or other things/activities that would take your time and attention away from God during the fast.

 

What Should I Do During the Fast?

• Focus. Set aside time to work through the devotionals. Be ready to respond to God’s Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

• Pray. Join at least one prayer meeting in your local church. Intercede for your family, church, pastors, nation, campuses, and missions throughout the week.

• Replenish. During mealtimes, read the Bible and pray. Drink plenty of water and rest as much as you can. Be ready for temporary bouts of physical weakness and mental annoyances like impatience and irritability.

​

How Should I End the Fast?

• Eat. Reintroduce solid food gradually. Your body will need time to adjust to a normal diet. Start with fruits, juices, and salad, then add more vegetables. Eat small portions throughout the day.

• Pray. Don’t stop praying! Trust God’s faithfulness and timing. Carry your newfound passion for God throughout the year. Be in faith for God to answer your prayers.