Fasting Well - Practicals for Fasting

February 25th, 2025
by Sam Blinson
FASTING 101
 
BEFORE YOU FAST

  1. Clarify what you are praying for as you fast. Consider writing these down and choosing things to pray, including topics that are personal, corporate, familial, or others related.
  2. If this is your first time to fast, start slowly (fasting from one meal, fasting for one day, etc.) and move up to longer fasts over a period of time. 
  3. Set the beginning and ending time. If it is an extended fast, be accountable to someone who can encourage you and support you.
  4. Begin the fast with faith that fasting will lead your to draw close to Jesus and his plans and purposes.
  5. Plan ahead - Look at your schedule and make it a part of your planning for the week (set specific prayer times throughout your day) 
  6. You may experience some physical discomforts (headache, nausea, backpain, etc.). Decide ahead of time that you will let these times lead you to desperation for God. Walk by faith and not by feelings. Focus on the face that you are obeying God. 
  7. Always drink lots of water and/or 100% juice (if you are including juice in your fast) 
  8. On longer fasts, you may need to rest more than normal. It is normal to be tired or feel emotional when your body is weak. 
  9. Break the fast with healthy food - soup, broth, bread, fruit, etc. Avoid greasy food, lots of meat, or heavy carbs. 
  10. If you have a medical condition (hypoglycemia, pregnant, etc.) or are taking medication, please consult your physician if you have any questions about fasting. In this case you may consider a different kind of fast (i.e. a Daniel fast or fasting from another item you rely on each day).

DAILY PRAYER AND FASTING PLAN

MORNING
  • Begin the day with worship and praise, place yourself in a posture of worship (on your knees, standing, etc.).  
  • Open your hands and surrender your day and your life to God. 
  • Clarify and write down what you believe for as you fast today. 
  • Drink water until you start to feel full, then drink some juice (if drinking juice is a part of your fasting plan).

OTHER MEAL TIMES
  • Set aside specific times for the Word and prayer. Don’t just starve. 
  • Sample prayer time (30 minutes): 
    • LOOK UP: worship and thanksgiving (5-10 minutes) 
    • LOOK IN: Word of God, confession, prayer, listening (15 minutes) 
    • LOOK OUT: Intercession for others (5-10 minutes) 
  • Keep a journal of what you hear God saying throughout the fast. 
  • Pray with someone for at least one prayer time.
  • Drink 8-16 oz. of 100% juice or vegetable drink.

THROUGHOUT THE DAY
  • Play worship music throughout the day to “feed” your spirit. 
  • Abstain from any media unless absolutely necessary. 
  • Drink lots of water throughout the day. 
  • Develop a prayer declaration to say when your stomach growls. For example, “I do not live by bread alone, but by the Word of God”. 
  • Pray in the Spirit to yourself often. 

BREAKING THE FAST
  • Give thanks to God before you eat for what He has done. 
  • Take it slow! Don’t gorge or eat fatty foods. 
  • Break your fast with raw fruit, salad, or other vegetables. 
  • Continue to drink lots of water and 100% juice.