I began the journey into regular spiritual fasting over a year ago directed by the Holy Spirit. I initially just started fasting to get my prayers answered, but it has now involved into a desire to have a closer, more intimate relationship with Christ.
I have to say spiritual fasting is a discipline, and you will not be able to fast from food from your own strength. Yes, I say fast from food, for me this is the fast that works for me hearing the Holy Spirit clearer. I know there are others who fast from electronics, or speaking negativity, while these can serve a purpose, ultimately, I fast from food only during my fasts. I have tried fasting from tv, and speaking negatively, these fasts did help to break bad habits, but did not necessarily lead me to hear the “still, small voice” clearer.
Pray and ask the Holy Spirit what type of fasting that He may want you to do. On a side note on this, when I fast usually weekly now, I only fast 1 or 2 meals. I found that when I fast completely from food, I get sick. What I find works better for me is to fast for 1 or 2 meals, and have water, herbal tea (matcha green tea works well), and if I am still feeling very fatigued and getting a headache, I will use a powdered electrolyte powder from Dr. Berg Nutrition (you can find him online). Don’t just use any electrolyte packet, as some are full of sugar and other added ingredients.
During the time that you fast make sure to use that time to pray, read the Word, sit before the Lord, worship, and/or read the Word. Sometimes, I just listen to soaking music and let the Holy Spirit minister to me if I am troubled or struggling in some area. Refrain from using social media, checking emails or texts, etc., otherwise it defeats the purposes of spiritual fasting.
Spiritual fasting is not the same as a normal fast for your health. While there are many health benefits to fasting, the main reason to do a spiritual fast is to commune with the Father. You may want to research the health benefits of fasting from food. I know it encouraged me to know while I am getting spiritually stronger, I am getting physically stronger as well.
Let’s now take a look at 7 benefits of fasting:
- Heightened spiritual awareness, leading to increased intimacy with God. Fastting clears mental clutter, and makes way to hear the Holy Spirit with clarity.
- If you have areas of addiction in your life (alcohol, shopping, eating, pornography), fasting can starve your flesh and feed your spirit. Fasting can reduce and eliminate the desires of the flesh from ruling your spirit man.
- Wisdom and clarity can come for decisions, and other areas that need direction.
- Encourages repentance, deep reflection, and turning away from sin.
- For God’s protection and for deliverance from bondages, generational strongholds, and demonic spirits.
However, this kind does not come out but by prayer and fasting, Mark 9:29.
- Deeper prayer and worship life.
- Stronger spiritual discernment and increase in the prophetic flow.
Reflect:
- Have you ever thought about fasting regularly? What do you see would be the advantages in doing so?
- Are there areas in your life that need more of the Holy Spirit’s influence (less of me and more of Him?)
- Do you need greater clarity and wisdom in your life?
- Have you become distant with the Lord, or just desire to know more of Him?
- Has the Lord already led you to fast on a regular basis? What can you share that can encourage those considering fasting, or share anything else that may be helpful to the readers.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Stephanie
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