Embedded Files
The Discipline of Fasting
The Discipline of Fasting
Pastor Richard Hovey
Pastor Richard Hovey
“Fasting is the voluntary denial of an otherwise normal function for the sake of intense spiritual activity. The focus of biblical fasting is always on spiritual purposes. The heart of one who is fasting is to seek God, most often privately and with no motive to gain approval from people. Fasting provides the opportunity to reveal those things that control us. It reminds us that we are sustained by every word of God and it restores balance in a believer’s life regarding priorities and nonessentials.”
“Fasting is the voluntary denial of an otherwise normal function for the sake of intense spiritual activity. The focus of biblical fasting is always on spiritual purposes. The heart of one who is fasting is to seek God, most often privately and with no motive to gain approval from people. Fasting provides the opportunity to reveal those things that control us. It reminds us that we are sustained by every word of God and it restores balance in a believer’s life regarding priorities and nonessentials.”
Richard Foster
"Fasting is an opportunity to lay down an appetite — an appetite for food, for media, for shopping. This act of self-denial may not seem huge — it’s just a meal or a trip to the mall — but it brings us face to face with the hunger at the core of our being. "
"Fasting is an opportunity to lay down an appetite — an appetite for food, for media, for shopping. This act of self-denial may not seem huge — it’s just a meal or a trip to the mall — but it brings us face to face with the hunger at the core of our being. "
Adele Calhoun
“Self-indulgence is the enemy of gratitude, and self-discipline usually its friend and generator. That is why gluttony is a deadly sin. The early desert fathers believed that a person’s appetites are linked: full stomachs and jaded palates take the edge from our hunger and thirst for righteousness. They spoil the appetite for God.”
“Self-indulgence is the enemy of gratitude, and self-discipline usually its friend and generator. That is why gluttony is a deadly sin. The early desert fathers believed that a person’s appetites are linked: full stomachs and jaded palates take the edge from our hunger and thirst for righteousness. They spoil the appetite for God.”
Cornelius Plantinga Jr.
Practicing the Discipline of Fasting
Practicing the Discipline of Fasting
Start with fasting from one meal per week.
Whenever you fast, be sure to drink lots.
Keep you Bible and journal nearby; fasting can lead to insights as it creates space for contemplation.
Work up to longer fasts (perhaps a day to start). Do not do fasts of several days without guidance (especially if you have any medical concerns).
Don’t break your fast (if longer than just one meal) with a big meal but rather small portions of food; the longer the fast, the more you need to break the fast gently.
You may also choose to fast from other things (though food would be the traditional thing to fast from) such as:
television
social media
shopping
specific kinds of food (dessert, coffee)
Resources
Resources
Fasting: A Practical Guide by Adele Calhoun
Fasting Unto God by Arthur Wallis
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse