This article explains how to fast and pray effectively. Fasting, when combined with prayer, is a powerful tool in our spiritual journey. Here are 7 easy steps to begin fasting and praying.
Throughout the Bible, we witness the incredible impact of fasting combined with prayer. It remains one of our most potent weapons in spiritual warfare.
Maybe you’ve considered fasting prayer before but never pursued it. I recently started taking it seriously and have already seen its effectiveness.
Before diving in, it’s important to note that fasting may not be suitable for everyone. If you have any medical concerns or doubts about fasting’s physical effects, consult your doctor first. The Bible doesn’t mandate fasting as essential for a fruitful life in Christ.
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While media and material fasts can be beneficial, this article focuses on fasting from food. For married couples unable to fast from food together, Paul discusses an alternative in 1 Corinthians chapter 7.
If fasted prayer has crossed your mind but you’re unsure where to start, I hope this article helps kick-start your journey in spiritual warfare.
How To Fast And Pray Effectively
Here are 7 easy steps to fast and pray effectively:
1. Start small
If you’ve never fasted before, the thought of going without food for any period might seem overwhelming. But remember, fasting isn’t a competition. It’s about your intentions behind it.
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God doesn’t reward fasting based on how much you deny yourself physically; it’s about your heart’s posture. So, think honestly about where to start.
Is it skipping one meal? A day? Maybe even a week? Pray about how to begin your journey of fasting and prayer.
As you grow in your spiritual practice, you can gradually extend the duration of your fasts if you feel led or if there’s something specific weighing on your heart.
2. Plan The Fast
When starting a fast, it’s crucial not to abruptly stop eating. Decide beforehand how long you plan to fast. This is where planning becomes important.
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Remember, the purpose of fasted prayer is to humble yourself before God and shift your focus from yourself to your prayers.
Jesus taught in Matthew 6:16-18 to avoid showing off your fasting to others but instead to maintain a normal appearance, focusing on God who sees your heart.
Once you’ve prayed about the duration of your fast, set a clear start and end time. Even if you’re starting with just skipping a meal, practicing this discipline prepares you for longer fasts in the future.
Knowing when your fast will end helps you keep your focus on prayer rather than on your next meal, lifting your petitions to God with a devoted heart.
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3. Pre-Fast Prayer
Before you start fasting, it’s crucial to prepare your heart and ask God to help you see not only the areas in your own life that need spiritual attention but also those in the lives of others.
Lately, I’ve been fasting for 24 hours each week, and it’s been truly transforming my prayer life.
The day before my fast, I pray, seeking God’s guidance on what to bring to Him in prayer and to reveal those who need His healing and deliverance around me.
This preparation helps me approach my fasted prayer with greater focus and purpose.
This practice not only gives my fasted prayer a clearer direction but also underscores its importance, motivating me further to engage in it. It’s helpful to maintain a list of people and situations that I want to pray for.
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4. Preparation For The Fast
Once you’ve planned your fast and prayed about it, it’s time to prepare yourself physically.
I’ve been practicing intermittent fasting for years as part of my diet routine and already follow a fairly strict diet.
But for most people, especially those new to fasting, preparing your diet beforehand is crucial.
Remember, fasted prayer isn’t about weight loss or food deprivation—it’s about dedicating focused time to prayer.
Even so, fasting can be a significant adjustment for your body. That’s why step one, starting small, is so important.
Regardless of how long you plan to fast, the safest approach is to clean up your diet a bit beforehand.
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This doesn’t mean making drastic changes; simply be mindful of what you eat in the week leading up to your fast and gradually reduce your intake. This gentle approach will help ease your body into the fast.
5. Fasted Prayer
When I first started fasting and praying, I wasn’t sure when to pray—whether in the middle or at the end of my fast, or if timing mattered at all. At first, I set aside an hour near the end of my fast for dedicated prayer.
Ultimately, it’s about what you sense God leading you to do. I found myself praying continuously throughout the day because God kept bringing people and situations to mind.
This has become the most meaningful part of my fasting and prayer journey. When I enter into my fast, it feels like entering into a battle, setting aside my concerns to pray for the needs of others.
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You’ll discover that your prayers extend well beyond the list you made during your pre-fast prayer time.
6. Drink Plenty of Water
During this fast, you’re abstaining from food, but it’s still important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Adjusting to this might be challenging because many people don’t drink enough water daily.
Remember, even if you’re not used to drinking much water normally, during this fast, getting enough water is essential since you’re not getting it from food or other sources.
While hydration is vital, don’t worry about calculating exact amounts. A simple way to stay hydrated is to drink a large glass of water whenever you typically eat a meal or whenever you feel hungry.
The great thing about water is it’s hard to overdo it—just listen to your body and drink according to how you feel, and you shouldn’t encounter any issues.
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7. End the fast slowly
After your first fast, you might be tempted to rush to your favorite fast-food place and indulge in everything on the menu. Not a good idea!
It’s really important, especially if you’ve fasted for more than 24 hours, to reintroduce food slowly. Otherwise, you could make yourself sick or feel very uncomfortable.
From experience, I would advise starting with something simple, like a salad and a large glass of water. Then maybe have some bread or a light snack. Remember, unless you’ve been fasting for weeks, you’re not “starving,” so take it easy as you ease back into eating.
As you near the end of your fast, you might feel like extending it. If so, don’t just continue without a plan. Take time to pray about it and then carefully decide how to proceed.
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Fasted prayer might seem daunting at first, and many people dismiss the idea without trying it. If you’ve been considering it, now is a great time to give it a go!
Follow these simple steps and adjust them as needed. Remember, fasted prayer is a personal journey between you and God. The duration of your fast or how hungry you feel won’t “improve” your prayers.
Instead, as you humble yourself and set aside your desires, you can focus more on the heart of prayer and break through spiritual barriers in Jesus’ name!
How To Fast And Pray Effectively FAQs
What is fasting and praying?
From my experience, fasting is when you voluntarily abstain from food (and sometimes drink) for a set period to focus on spiritual growth and prayer. It’s a way to draw closer to God and seek His guidance and presence.
Why should I fast and pray?
Fasting and praying help deepen your relationship with God by setting aside earthly distractions and focusing on spiritual matters. It’s a time to seek God’s wisdom, strength, and direction.
How do I prepare for a fast?
Prepare by praying beforehand to align your intentions with God’s will. Also, gradually adjust your diet leading up to the fast to ease your body into it. Stay hydrated with plenty of water during the fast.
What should I pray about during a fast?
Pray about personal concerns, spiritual growth, decision guidance, and intercede for others’ needs. Let God lead your prayers and bring to mind what needs His attention.
How long should I fast?
The length of your fast can vary. Depending on your health and spiritual goals, it could be a single meal, a day, or longer. Start with a duration you’re comfortable with and consider seeking advice if planning a longer fast.
What should I expect during a fast?
You might experience hunger, fatigue, or emotional ups and downs, especially if it’s your first time fasting. Stay focused on prayer, trusting that God will sustain you spiritually and physically.
How do I break a fast effectively?
After fasting, reintroduce food slowly with light, easily digestible meals. Avoid overeating or heavy foods immediately after fasting to prevent discomfort. Use this time to reflect on your experience and continue in prayer.