The art of the Fast (2)
Personal Spiritual Disciplines • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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1. The short fast
1. The short fast
1 day or less
The short fast, generally no more than 1 day, requires little preparation or special attention.
These fasts may range from one meal to a special day.
This type of fast is typically used for urgent prayer request or routine fasting.
Someone engaging in a short fast can simply start and finish at anytime, and then continue with their standard diet.
Are you sure you are fasting to please God?
2. The extended fast
2. The extended fast
1-2 days
This fast requires a little more attention.
A. Mental and spiritual preparation
A. Mental and spiritual preparation
An extended fast, 1-2 days, requires physical and spiritual preparation.
Spiritually their should be a plan.
Why are you fasting?
Do you have a prayer and bible plan for the fast?
How long will you fast?
B. Physically preparation
B. Physically preparation
Have you communicated the fast with your family?
Will you begin in the morning or evening?
Are the physical limitations to your fast? If so, have you discussed this with your Dr.?
How will you navigate off of the fast?
3. The Long-term fast
3. The Long-term fast
3 days and up
A. The same planning as the extended fast, plus additional aspects.
A. The same planning as the extended fast, plus additional aspects.
B. Are there any long-term health benefits or concerns?
B. Are there any long-term health benefits or concerns?
This type of fast should not be taken lightly.
Although it can be a tremendous spiritual revival in your heart, it can also be very taxing on the physical body.
Depending on the duration of the fast, the body can suffer from nutritional and vitamin deficiencies.
C. How will you start the fast?
C. How will you start the fast?
Some health experts have recommended that the fast begins with 1-2 days of preparation that includes a diet of vegetables or fruit. This slow introduction may help prepare the body for a dramatic nutritional change. It may also help ease you into a the caloric restriction and help with long-term success.
Typically this type of diet is a food restricted diet and not a full abstinence.
It often includes water and avoids food, but may also include small meals or restricted items.
However, the food restriction may still lead to nutritional deficiencies, if proper attention is not given to your diet.
D. How will you come off the fast?
D. How will you come off the fast?
With the extended fast you may want to eat something light for a meal or two. However, with a long-term fast 4 days+, careful consideration myst be given for exiting the fast.
It is highly recommended that you east soft easily digested foods for 1-2 days, and then slowly reintroduce solid foods. Many suggest that juice is a great way to break the fast.
One should take electrolyte supplements and a multi-vitamin during the fast.
11 David’s men found an Egyptian in the open country and brought him to David. They gave him some bread to eat and water to drink.
12 Then they gave him some pressed figs and two clusters of raisins. After he ate he revived, for he hadn’t eaten food or drunk water for three days and three nights.
E. Listen to your body and the Lord.
E. Listen to your body and the Lord.
If your body tells you that their are health complications arising, stop the fast and talk to your Dr.
If you feel that the Lord has worked in your heart in the way that was needed, it is okay to come off of the fast, regardless of where you are at.
