Pray fully consider the following before you start a fast
Your Motive/reason for the fast. Ensure that you are motivated to prayer and fast for God's perfect will and not your own. Your time of prayer and fasting must be based on the truth in God's word. "The LORD is near to all them that call on him, to all that call on him in truth." Psalm 145:18; "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
The timing and duration of the fast. "In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps." Proverbs 16:9. It is written that "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens." Ecclesiastes 3:1
The type of fast to achieve the will of God in the situation. Read our blog on "Spiritual Fasting."
Support during the fast. "Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders [and] all the inhabitants of the land [into] the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD." Joel 1:14. Seek the counsel of the Holy Spirit to determine if you should invite others to agree with you in the prayer and fasting or if you should "shut-in." There are times when you should "go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:6 (NIV) and then there are times when you engage in group or corporate prayer and fasting "if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven." Matthew 18:19-20.
If you choose group or corporate prayer and fasting ensure all are in agreement with what the word of God says concerning the situation as in the days of Acts. "These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication" Acts 1:14.
Pray for God to sustain and strengthen you during the period praying and fasting. "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
You may start reducing your meals a few days before the fast starts so that your body can get accustom to fasting.
Use hot soups or fruit if on a partial fast. Drink at least 1 litre or more of water while fasting.
Saturate your environment with the word of God; play the audio Bible and worship music. John chapter 4, "But the hour is coming, and is now here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him."
Reduce social media communication as much as possible. Avoid frivolous speak and distracting activities; instead, obey Psalm 119:15 ESV "I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways." Philippians 4:8 ESV and "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
Repeat scriptures that directly apply to your situation to establish God's will. Job 22:28 (KJV) " Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways."
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