7 STEPS

TO FASTING

How you begin and conduct your fast will largely determine your success. By following these seven basic steps to fasting, you will make your time with the Lord more meaningful and spiritually rewarding.

STEP 1: SET AN OBJECTIVE FOR YOUR FAST

Why are you fasting? Is it for spiritual renewal? For guidance? For healing? For the resolution of problems? For special grace to handle a difficult situation? Ask the Holy Spirit to clarify what He wants you to take away from this time.

Through fasting and prayer, we humble ourselves before God so the Holy Spirit will stir our souls, awaken our churches and heal our land according to 2 Chronicles 7:14. Make this a priority in your fasting.

STEP 2: COMMIT TO YOUR FAST

Pray about the kind of fast you should undertake. Jesus implied that all of His followers should fast (Matthew 6:16-18; 9:14-15).

  • How long you will fast
  • The type of fast God wants you to undertake
  • What physical or social activities you will restrict
  • How much time each day you will devote to prayer and God's Word

Write these commitments down and share them with someone you trust. This helps sustain your fast when challenges arise.

STEP 3: PREPARE YOURSELF SPIRITUALLY

The foundation of fasting and prayer is repentance.

  • Confess sins and receive God's forgiveness (1 John 1:9)
  • Forgive others and seek reconciliation (Mark 11:25)
  • Surrender fully to Jesus Christ (Romans 12:1-2)
  • Meditate on the attributes of God
  • Begin with an expectant heart (Hebrews 11:6)

STEP 4: PREPARE YOURSELF PHYSICALLY

Consult your physician if necessary. Prepare your body by eating smaller meals, avoiding high-fat and sugary foods, and consuming fruits and vegetables before beginning your fast.

STEP 5: PUT YOURSELF ON A SCHEDULE

Limit physical activity. Expect some discomfort early on. The first few days are often the hardest, but many experience a renewed sense of well-being as the fast continues.

STEP 6: BREAK YOUR FAST GRADUALLY

How you end your fast is extremely important. Begin slowly with fruit, juices, and light foods before returning to a normal diet.

STEP 7: EXPECT RESULTS FROM YOUR FAST

Fasting humbles us before God and heightens our awareness of His presence. You will gain fresh spiritual insight, renewed faith, and see answers to prayer.

Do not be discouraged if your first fast is difficult. Spiritual growth takes time, and God honors faithfulness.

We encourage you to join us in fasting and prayer again and again until we truly experience revival in our homes, our church, our nation, and our world.