By: Felipe Chicas
HOW TO FAST CORRECTLY FOR GOD? REFLECTION ON THE BIBLICAL FAST
How to Fast? How to fast correctly? How to fast for God?
This article answers the question How to fast for God correctly? I hope you find it useful and at the same time serve as a basis to continue with the Bible study on such an important topic for our spiritual life.
How to fast correctly, how to fast for God?
Fasting is a necessity for everyone, therefore we must practice it, because the purpose of fasting is to afflict the body and soul before God with one or several objectives in mind. The way you start and develop your fast will largely determine its success, but how to fast for God correctly?
For this reason I want to share some practical steps to make fasting more meaningful and you will receive many spiritual benefits.
HOW TO FAST RIGHTLY FOR GOD: IN BIBLICAL FASTING, SET YOUR GOAL
How to fast correctly for God?
Why are you fasting? Is it for spiritual renewal, for guidance or direction, for healing, for problems to be resolved, for special grace to deal with a difficult situation? Ask the Holy Spirit to clarify His direction and goals for the prayer fast. This will help you to pray more specifically and with a better strategy.
PREPARE YOURSELF SPIRITUALLY TO FAST CORRECTLY
How to fast correctly? Prepare yourself spiritually, how to fast for God?
The basis of fasting and prayer is repentance (2 Chronicles 7:14). His prayers will be hindered by unconfessed sins. Therefore:
• Ask God to help you make a complete list of your sins.
• Confess every sin the Holy Spirit brings to mind and accept God’s forgiveness. (I John 1:9) “If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us…”
• Seek forgiveness for all those you have offended, and forgive those who have hurt you (Mark 11:25, 26; Luke 11:4; 17:3,4).
• Give your life completely to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Master; refuse to obey his worldly nature. (Romans 12:1,2).
• Meditate on the attributes of God, His love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace, compassion, and more (Psalm 103:1-5, 11-13).
• Begin your time of fasting and prayer with a willing heart (Hebrews 11:6). “But without faith it is impossible to please God; because it is necessary…”
• Don’t underestimate spiritual opposition. Satan sometimes intensifies the natural battle between the body and the spirit (Galatians 5:16,17).
WHILE YOU FAST CORRECTLY
• It is not advisable to take natural or homeopathic medicines, for this you should consult your doctor. If he tells you no, just pray.
• Limit your physical activity, that is, you should not work… fasting is having time with God.
HOW TO FAST CORRECTLY?: FOR THE BIBLICAL FAST, ESTABLISH YOUR OWN SCHEDULE
In order to gain maximum spiritual benefit, set aside plenty of time to be alone with the Lord. The more time you spend with him, the more meaning your fast will have.
In the morning, how to fast correctly, how to fast for God
• Ask God to use you. Ask him to show you how you can influence his world, his family, his church, his community, his country, and the world.
• Pray that God will give you a vision for your life and empower you to do His will.
After noon, how to fast correctly, how to fast for God
• Return to prayer and the Word of God.
• Pray for the plans of the church, leaders, pastors and their families…
• You can make a list of brothers you have not seen and pray for them…
• Spend time in intercessory prayer for your community and for the leaders of nations, for the millions of unreached people, for your family, and for special needs.
AFTER FASTING CORRECTLY (BIBLICAL FASTING), EXPECT RESULTS
The results after how to fast for God correctly
If you sincerely humble yourself before the Lord, repent, pray and seek God’s face; If you constantly meditate on his Word, you will be able to experience his presence clearly (John 14:21).
• The Lord will give you spiritual discernment.
• Your trust and faith in God will be strengthened.
• You will feel a mental, spiritual and physical refreshment.
• You will receive answers to your prayers.
Biblical fasting has achieved great victories, combined with prayer and faith – eg Daniel 9:3, 20-22.