What could my fast look like?

A fast can be many things. Normally it is a plan to deny yourself some kind of food or something that is habitual. You want the lack of it to be noticed regularly by your body and/or your mind. And you want to experience a sort of hunger for it. It can be a good thing or a bad thing. A fast, by design, will turn your thoughts toward God when the moment comes that you say No. These posts will help you focus on how He will spiritually provide what you need, in the moment and beyond. There are a lot of reasons to commit to a fast. To identify your specific frame of mind, ask yourself …

How do I want to change up the way I hunger for God, for a short time?

What special aspect or new area of growth do I want to focus on in my walk with God?

What extraordinary prayer request might I want to lift up to God with more fervor?

What bad habit or unhealthy focus do I want to see God’s control over?

Write down a simple plan:

What will I fast from, exactly? (note if there will be an accepted replacement)

Which hours in the day will I fast from it? (put it in your schedule)

How will I support my fast with prayer and the Word? (write out prayers, get on my knees, designate a specific spot to pray, ask others to pray for me, identify Scripture to focus on, write Scripture on post-its, copy verses into my journal)

How could I capture my progress and my experience? (journal, note in your phone, or voice record)

Examples:

I will fast from all food from 6:00a until 10:00p, and will eat soup instead. I will write out a prayer to God about how I want to hunger more for Him, before and after each meal, in a small notebook.

I will fast from all sugary drinks, creamers and desserts for 30 days. Once a day, I may have a healthy, non-sugar smoothie instead. I want to pray more for others. I will stop what I am doing and pray for 5 minutes each hour I am awake.

I will fast from alcohol for 30 days. I will drink water or LaCroix instead. With my clearer mind, heart and soul, I will ask God whether I should [move back home to take care of my aging parents].

I will fast from all social media (except this fast!) for 30 days. Instead, I will spend an hour every morning at 6:00a being quiet with God, reading His word and writing in my journal, and 30 minutes every evening at 10:00p.

There is no need to share your plan with anyone, this is an intimacy between you and God. It is okay to adjust the plan as you get into it. If you stray, that is also okay! Remember that this fast is NOT a vow, but an intention to hunger more for God. Just hop back on as soon as you realize it.

When you fast, don’t make it obvious to others … you only want your Father in heaven to notice. Your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:16, 18

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30 Day Fast: The Habit of Spiritual Hunger

If you want help or prayer, or just a conversation, please get in touch with me.