Fast Prep Day 5: A Simple Fasting Plan

Write down a simple plan in a journal you will use for your 30 Day Fast. Take into account all of the preparation work you have done and ask God to help you capture it more clearly and succinctly.

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 daily 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.

Tips:

There is no need to share your plan with anyone, this is an intimacy between you and God (Matthew 6: 16-18).

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.

Patient God, I will do my best to focus on You and not on what I am fasting from. I trust You to make this month a sacred time of following You. You are what I want most. Amen.