Fasting For Fullness
Fasting isn't just an optional discipline for the Christian on rare occasions, nor is it reserved for the "super-spiritual," though that is what we may often feel.
Richard Foster defines fasting as "the voluntary denial of a normal function for the sake of intense spiritual activity."
Why would we only want that on rare occasions?
But why Fast? What's the point? No matter what "normal function" one Fasts from, it should be done to focus intently on God. The ultimate goal is not always an answer to a problem or a blessing per se; the central goal is to draw nearer to God. God himself is the goal.
Fasting also reveals what controls us. It is easy to cover up those things inside of us in the normalcy of daily life. When one fasts, all types of vices rise to the surface. Once these sins surface, we turn to Jesus, meditating on our forgiveness and standing with God, and putting these things to death by the power of the Spirit. In this turning, we find our proper sustenance: "every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).
We turn to the Word for nourishment and healing. As Foster says, "In experiences of Fasting, we are not so much abstaining from food as we are feasting on the word of God. Fasting is feasting!" Finally, Fasting focuses us on prayer. The pangs of hunger as we Fast remind us that from God comes our help. We meditate on Him, and in Him, we find our greater joy and solace in times of lack.
Methods of Fasting
Seek the Lord in prayer as you decide which fast you will take part in with the church:
The first is a total food Fast. You must sense a strong call from the Lord and should only attempt this Fast if you have fasted regularly for long periods. Please consult a doctor beforehand and talk it over with someone you trust. It is best to work in fruit juices and smoothies during such a fast, and drinking 7-10 glasses (8oz) of water daily is essential. You should not attempt this fast if you are under eighteen, have a severe medical condition, or take medicine regularly. When you decide to end the fast, be sure to transition your body well by eating fruits and vegetables only at first.
Last is the selective Fast. In this Fast, you Fast one meal per day or from specific items that are most pleasurable to you, such as eating out, desserts, alcohol, coffee, etc. In this fast, pick a meal to skip or an item that is pleasurable to you, during which time you can seek the Lord in prayer and Scripture meditation. Again, the purpose of Fasting is not to starve yourself of food but to feast on the Lord. When the pain of hunger comes, use it as a reminder to centre yourself spiritually on God's character, his goodness toward you, and expectation of what he has for you in this time of Fasting.
Third is the Daniel Fast. Here is an excerpt from the Daniel Fast website: The Daniel Fast is a method of Fasting used by hundreds of thousands of Christians worldwide. The Fast is based on the prophet Daniel's fasting experiences and standard Jewish fasting principles. The Daniel Fast is a partial fast, meaning that some foods are eaten, and others are restricted. The Fast is typically followed for 21 consecutive days and is like a vegan eating plan with more restrictions, and the only beverage on the Fast is water. Here is a food list from the creator of the Daniel Fast. The Daniel Fast is much better suited for those unable to perform the total food Fast but still want to alter their consumption for this fasting period to draw near to the Lord. Warning: Pregnant, breastfeeding, or Menstruating women should not attempt food-related Fast until they consult their doctor. We suggest that, instead of fasting from food, you Fast from things such as coffee, social media, video games, or other consistent gratifications or unnecessary uses of your time.
Last is the "soul fast," in which you choose to Fast those things that most draw your attention when you could be seeking the Lord, such as social media, shopping, watching television, etc. Instead of foods, this Fast focuses on Fasting activities or distractions you have come to rely upon regularly.