FASTING

As Christians, we fast which means to abstain from physical nourishment (food). We do this in order to concentrate on the Lord or obtain a response to various situations and circumstances. Biblical fasting encompasses confession of sins, weeping and lamenting in the process of praying whilst making our request known to God. In Matthew 6:16-18, 16 “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth that is the only reward they will ever get. 17 But when you fast, comb your hair[a] and wash your face. 18 Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” (NLT) Here we see Jesus Himself gives clear instructions to believers regarding fasting. In Matthew 4:2, we see that Jesus Himself fasted. “And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.”(NKJV) According to Corinthians 6:4-6, But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watching, in fastings;6 By pureness, by knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,…” (KJV). Fasting must be part of the lifestyle of all practicing Christian.

In Leviticus 16:29-30; “This shall be a statute forever for you: In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall [a]afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether a native of your own country or a stranger who [b]dwells among you. 30 For on that day the priest shall make [c]atonement for you, to cleanse you, that you may be clean from all your sins before the Lord.” These verses demonstrate that fasting was originated by God as a commandment to mankind. Fasting was to be a designated time when man would not work but seek God with a repentant heart and ask forgiveness for ones sins. It was only after God has granted ones forgiveness that individuals could go to God with a personal request. Likewise, when Artos Zaho Global Vigil Ministries call a fast, we collectively, corporately and personally repent and ask God for His forgiveness, before we seek His direction and guidance throughout the year.
Joel 1:14, “Consecrate a fast, call a sacred assembly; Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land Into the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord.”(NKJV)
Prayer is the foundation of our vision as set out in Isaiah 56:7 “Even them I will bring to my holy mountain, and I make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on My Altar; For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.”

It is very important to ensure that when you fast, God is your focus. A typical fasting day begins 6am -6pm. A half day would finish at 12 noon. A guide for prayers times throughout your fasting day could be 6am, 12 noon, 3pm and 6pm. The fasting day can be divided into the following parts: Prayers, Confession of sins – Nehemiah 9:1-3; Daniel 9:3; Prayer, including weeping together with making your request to God – 2 Chronicles 20:3-4; Psalms 35:13; Joel 2:12; Matthew 17:21; Luke 2:37; Separation from worldly activities (this does not include your secular work or domestic responsibilities required of you) – Isaiah 58:3; Joel 1:14; Joel 2:15. We appreciate that not everyone will be able to abstain from food. However, there are alternatives which you can commit to as part of your fast. For example, A Word Fast – Refusal to speak any words which, when spoken, cause injury, fear, gossip, doubt, anger or guilt; A Media Fast – refusal to watch TV, Videos, DVD’s, to listen to the radio or to use the internet (unless work related)

Your body will respond to the fact that you are eating less in terms of salt, sugar, carbohydrates, protein and other nutrients. You are likely to feel weak, hungry, tearful, nauseous and irritable. You may find it difficult to absorb information mentally. This is all part of the internal processing of your body as it breaks up toxins. These toxins will be released from the body via sweating –increasing in body odour; Urine – becomes darker in colour; tongue –becomes darker; bad breath; acne; increase mucous from the nose; constipation – drinking prune juice / herb teas is helpful; cold hands and feet. All the above are a normal reaction to the fast.