Corporate Friday Fasts
'But the days will come when the Bridegroom [Jesus] will be taken away from them [the disciples] and then they will fast.' Matthew 9:15
We want to be a people who pursue personal revival and make a kingdom impact. You are voluntarily invited to set aside something to fast on Fridays. Maybe its a meal, maybe your phone, or maybe it is as simple as breaking normal routine for an hour so you can pray. In any instance, fasting is a wonderful time to encounter God's presence and see breakthroughts in our lives. Please let us know if you are fasting and what the LORD is saying to you in your fast.
Below are practical steps to answer any questions you might have about fasting. Please know at Downfield Mains we see fasting as a gift, not as a legal requirement to following Jesus. If you have any more questions about whether you should take part, please contact us: office@downfieldmainschurch.org.
“Fasting begets prophets and strengthens strong men. Fasting makes lawgivers wise; it is the soul’s safeguard, the body’s trusted comrade, the armor of the champion, the training of the athlete.”— Basil, Bishop of Caesarea (AD 330–379)
“Fasting… opens the way for the outpouring of the Spirit and the restoration of God’s house. Fasting in this age of the absent Bridegroom is in expectation of His return. Soon there will be the midnight cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ It will be too late then to fast and to pray. The time is now.”—Arthur Wallis
The following is a general overview of biblical precedent and guidelines for wise fasting to help and encourage you.
Fasting Is Biblical
The practice of regular fasting as normal Christian behavior was taught by Jesus (Mt. 6:16–17, 9:15), exercised by the early church (Acts 13:2), and has been the regular discipline of believers throughout church history. The practice of fasting in Scripture usually includes (but is not limited to), abstinence from food (Dan. 10:3). Abstaining from all food for extended periods of time is biblical but was rare and unusual in Scripture (Ex. 34:28; 1 Kgs. 19:5-8; Lk. 4:2), and thus should never be undertaken without counsel and appropriate supervision. Normally it was just understood that fasting was part of the early Judeo-Christian lifestyle.
Fasting Is Always Voluntary
Fasting is never compulsory! We promote and encourage it as a biblical and historical means of positioning our hearts to receive more of God’s presence and grace (Joel 2:15). The level at which a person engages in fasting (particularly food) should always be determined by their age and with regard to physical limitations. Those with a known underlying health conditions, are pregnant or have any history of an eating disorder should never fast except under the supervision of a qualified GP.
Minors/Children
Minors are discouraged from fasting food and should never engage in fasting without express parental consent and oversight. Minors who desire to fast are encouraged to consider non-food abstentions such as TV, movies, Internet, video games, and other forms of entertainment.
Fasting Regularly
Participation in regular fasting as a lifestyle necessitates a healthy lifestyle on days when food is not being fasted, and should include exercise and a proper diet. A “fasted lifestyle” is a disciplined lifestyle, in which we steward our bodies and time with wisdom and diligence. Fasting is not only abstention; it is an exchange where we abstain from certain things in order to “feast” on God’s Word and prayer whereby the abundance of His grace is made more readily available to us. When undertaken with this type of commitment a fasted lifestyle is sustainable on a long-term basis just as it was for Daniel and his friends (Dan. 1).
The Benefits of Fasting
While the physical impact of fasting is real, the spiritual benefits of fasting are undeniable. Any fast undertaken is done with spiritual wisdom when dealing with our physical body; we must count the cost honestly and honor the temple of the Holy Spirit. Whether we are partaking or abstaining everything should be for the glory of God.
Helpful Hints for Your Fast (Physical)
Helpful Hints for Your Fast (Spiritual)
Breakthroughs often come after a fast, not during it. Do not listen to the lie that nothing is happening. It is our conviction that every fast done in faith will be rewarded.
Important Medical Information
Please do fast if you have any underlying health conditions without consulting with your GP.
“Fasting… opens the way for the outpouring of the Spirit and the restoration of God’s house. Fasting in this age of the absent Bridegroom is in expectation of His return. Soon there will be the midnight cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ It will be too late then to fast and to pray. The time is now.”—Arthur Wallis
The following is a general overview of biblical precedent and guidelines for wise fasting to help and encourage you.
Fasting Is Biblical
The practice of regular fasting as normal Christian behavior was taught by Jesus (Mt. 6:16–17, 9:15), exercised by the early church (Acts 13:2), and has been the regular discipline of believers throughout church history. The practice of fasting in Scripture usually includes (but is not limited to), abstinence from food (Dan. 10:3). Abstaining from all food for extended periods of time is biblical but was rare and unusual in Scripture (Ex. 34:28; 1 Kgs. 19:5-8; Lk. 4:2), and thus should never be undertaken without counsel and appropriate supervision. Normally it was just understood that fasting was part of the early Judeo-Christian lifestyle.
Fasting Is Always Voluntary
Fasting is never compulsory! We promote and encourage it as a biblical and historical means of positioning our hearts to receive more of God’s presence and grace (Joel 2:15). The level at which a person engages in fasting (particularly food) should always be determined by their age and with regard to physical limitations. Those with a known underlying health conditions, are pregnant or have any history of an eating disorder should never fast except under the supervision of a qualified GP.
Minors/Children
Minors are discouraged from fasting food and should never engage in fasting without express parental consent and oversight. Minors who desire to fast are encouraged to consider non-food abstentions such as TV, movies, Internet, video games, and other forms of entertainment.
Fasting Regularly
Participation in regular fasting as a lifestyle necessitates a healthy lifestyle on days when food is not being fasted, and should include exercise and a proper diet. A “fasted lifestyle” is a disciplined lifestyle, in which we steward our bodies and time with wisdom and diligence. Fasting is not only abstention; it is an exchange where we abstain from certain things in order to “feast” on God’s Word and prayer whereby the abundance of His grace is made more readily available to us. When undertaken with this type of commitment a fasted lifestyle is sustainable on a long-term basis just as it was for Daniel and his friends (Dan. 1).
The Benefits of Fasting
While the physical impact of fasting is real, the spiritual benefits of fasting are undeniable. Any fast undertaken is done with spiritual wisdom when dealing with our physical body; we must count the cost honestly and honor the temple of the Holy Spirit. Whether we are partaking or abstaining everything should be for the glory of God.
Helpful Hints for Your Fast (Physical)
- Drink plenty of water. (Drinking at least half of your body weight in ounces of water per day is a good rule of thumb whether you are fasting or not.)
- It is wise to abstain from strong stimulants such as caffeinated and sugary drinks during a fast, including the artificial sweeteners found in diet drinks. Also avoid soy protein drinks which have been known to cause health problems during a fast.
- Expect some physical discomforts because of the detoxification process, especially on the second day. You may have fleeting hunger pains or dizziness. Withdrawal from caffeine and sugar may cause headaches, but it is a part of the detoxification process. Physical annoyances may also include weariness, tiredness, nausea, and sleepiness.
Helpful Hints for Your Fast (Spiritual)
- Seek advice and permission before the fast. Seek medical advice before the fast, especially if you have any existing medical concerns or conditions. If you are under 18 years of age, discuss your desire to fast with your parents. Spiritual covering, submission, and unity are important factors when fasting. Discuss your plans with your church leaders. Remember, fasting is an attitude of the heart! Ask them if they would consider fasting with you.
- Fast and pray in order to humble yourself and purify your worship. In fasting we are not trying to get something from God but seeking to realign our heart with His. In fasting we can more readily say, 'We love you, Lord, more than anything in the world.'
- Don’t boast about your fast. Let people know you won’t be eating only if necessary (Mt. 6:16–18).
- Do the fast with someone else. Two are better than one!
- Have a clear target as your prayer focus. Write down your vision, so you can run with it (Hab. 2:2).
- Take time to pray and read the Word.
- Expect to hear God’s voice in the Word, dreams, visions, and revelations. Daniel prepared himself to receive revelation through fasting (Dan. 10:1–2). There is a fasting reward (Mt. 6:18).
- Prepare for opposition. Satan tempted Jesus on the fast, and we must expect the same. Discouragement may come in like a flood, but recognize the source and take your stand on the victory of Christ.
- If you fail, don’t give in to condemnation. The “to fast or not to fast” dilemma can be a major tool of the enemy. Even though you may fail several times God always extends grace. Just hit the “delete” button and continue on your fast.
- Feel free to rest a lot and continue to exercise with supervision.
Breakthroughs often come after a fast, not during it. Do not listen to the lie that nothing is happening. It is our conviction that every fast done in faith will be rewarded.
Important Medical Information
Please do fast if you have any underlying health conditions without consulting with your GP.
