Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?… And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. Isaiah 58:6, 9 (KJV)

The Bible says we are to fast.  Yes, the Bible tells us to deny ourselves in order to experience a greater measure of God’s power and presence.  Fasting is not taught in many churches, because Christians have become too accustomed to comfort.  If our stomach growls, we think we’re going to die!

Fasting will bring renewal and refreshing.  It breaks the control of the flesh and allows our spirit to more clearly hear and fellowship with God.

There are many different fasts. I have listed few of them here.

Water Fast:

This is just the way it sounds, you eat nothing and you drink only water. The human body can go for an extended period of time without food, but medical science says we can only go three days ithout water before there are physical issues. Therefore, if you decide to fast, use wisdom and do not go without water for long. I personally would never fast for any period of time without drinking water.

Liquids Only Fast:

This fast means the person can drink clear liquids, such as juice or broth, but they cannot eat solid food.

Daniel Fast:

This fast is modeled after the fast that Daniel and the children of Israel did when taken captive in Babylon. It is a liquid and vegetable fast.

Modified Daniel Fast:

This fast involves giving up cetain foods. You may decide to fast sugar or coffee or some other food that you like to eat.

Fasting Something Other than Food:

We can fast social media, watching television or any number of things we like to do.The denial of something that our flesh likes is powerful, even if it doesn’t involve abstaining from food.

Corporate Fasting:

Corporate fasting involves fasting as a group, rather than one individual fasting alone. Corporate fasting is often initiated by a call to fast from a pastor or other spiritual leader. However, we don’t have to wait for a leader to call a fast- we can decide as a group to do it. Corporate fasting is powerful because the power is greater with more people participating (Deuteronomy 32:30).

Fasting is not something we do to get God’s approval. As His children, we already have that. Fasting quiets our flesh so we can hear God better. You may decide to fast just to be obedient, or to get answers from the Lord. God may direct you to fast, or you may decide on your own do it simply as an act of worship and obedience.

Fasting must be done with wisdom.  Prepare yourself physically in advance to fast, and come off a fast gradually. If you have not previously fasted, start with a short fast- maybe a day. First, check with your physician that you are physically able to fast before embarking on any fast. As you fast, you will find it easier to fast for longer periods of time.I would recommend that you read some books on fasting to know how to prepare yourself physically to fast and how to end a fast wisely. If not done properly, a fast may cause you serious physical issues. The preparation is important. Your fast could be sabotaged if you don’t adequately prepare and if you come off a fast the wrong way.

Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. Matthew 6:16-18 (KJV)

An obedient life is one that includes fasting.  Fasting is not really an option. Jesus said we are to fast. When you do, you will experience the presence of God more strongly and you will hear His voice more clearly.