Originally Posted by revlynn

Fasting is denying yourself something physical (usually food) in order to focus your attention on the spiritual. It may take a number of forms, from a "Daniel fast" (nothing but vegetables and no fancy foods) to a juice fast, to a water only fast, to a total fast (nothing, not even water.) Periods can also range from missing one meal to a 40 day water-only fast. Three days is the longest you can safely do a total fast, and even then you need to take care. There are also those who prefer to live a "fasted lifestyle" in which they permanently deny themsleves fancy foods, choosing instead to live on just the basics.

I've done a lot of fasting over the years, though I don't do very much these days. I've done several long fasts (21 to 28 days) as well as lots of smaller ones. I have also done a couple of 3-day total fasts.

Some of my experiences are:
If I'm called to the fast by God, I can go as long as it takes and never really have a problem with hunger. If I try to do it simply because I think it's a good idea, I don't get past the first meal.

For me, juice fasting does not work. I know some people use this method very effectively, but the only thing that works for me is water only. What I am saying here is that we are all different, so you need to find the method of fasting that works for you.

I have never had the luxury of being able to go away "on retreat" while I was fasting, I have always had to carry on with my normal life. However, you do need to spend as much time as possible during your fast in prayer and the Word, and try to keep a spiritual focus even while going about your normal business, or you will not achieve anything from fasting.

If you are fasting in cold weather you need to be particularly careful. Your body has no fuel to keep it warm, and you will feel the cold far more than normal. Make sure you keep well rugged up.

If you are on a total fast or a water-only fast DO NOT TAKE VITAMINS! I know it may seem that you should, given that you have no food source for them, but in a fasted state your body will not be able to handle them. Believe me, this is one I learned the hard way!

If you're fasting for anything more than a day, coming off the fast is as important as the time you spend on it. Once your body takes in food, it will suddenly start screaming for more! more! more! However, the longer you have been fasting, the slower you need to take it in re-introducing food. Eating too much too soon after coming off your fast will make you very sick (another of those hard-learned lessons!)

For spiritual reasons, the less people who know you are fasting the better. You will get more out of your fast if you are able to keep it just between you and God.

A book I really recommend is God's Chosen Fast, by Arthur Wallis. It's been around for more than 30 years, but I'm fairly sure it is still in print. It really is an excellent resource.

blessings,

Lynn