INFORMATION ABOUT FASTING

At Harvest Life, we believe that God does mighty things through the power of fasting and prayer! At designated times throughout the year, we join together as a church for a special time of fasting to draw closer God and seek His face. Our fasts normally begin at midnight and end at 4:00 pm the next day. In January, we also have a special time of fasting which we call “21 Days of Consecration”.

Please see the information below to gain a better understanding of what fasting is and what God desires to do in and through you as you fast. If you have any medical conditions or concerns, always consult your medical physician first, before fasting.

WHAT IS FASTING AND PRAYER

In the Biblical sense, fasting is abstaining from food and/or liquids for a period of time for spiritual purposes.  Fasting and prayer are powerful tools used to develop our sensitivity to those things which are important to God, and should be motivated by humility and a sincere desire to draw nearer in relationship with Him. Fasting and prayer develops perseverance and promotes personal and spiritual discipline, while denying the flesh of personal wants and desires.  Together they are a mighty force against spiritual warfare that ushers healing and spiritual breakthrough into our lives (2 Chronicles 7:14).

THREE TYPES OF FASTS: ABSOLUTE, NORMAL AND PARTIAL

There are three types of fasts are described in the bible.

1. Absolute Fast: Refraining from both food and water – Esther 4:16, Acts 9:9, Exodus 34:28, Ezra 10:6

2. Normal Fast: Refraining from food but not water – Luke 4:1-2 (This is the type of our fasts that start at midnight and end at 4:00 pm the next day)

3. Partial Fast: Refraining from only selected foods – Daniel 1:12-15; 10:3 (This is the type of or 21 Days of Consecration)

WHY SHOULD WE FAST

•  To seek God’s help and His purpose (Joel 2:12-13; Ezra 8:21-23; Daniel 9:3)

•  As an act of repentance (Nehemiah 9:1-2; Jonah 3:5-10; Acts 9:9)

•  To avert God’s wrath or seek His mercy (1 Kings 21:27-29; 2 Samuel 12:16-22; 2 Chronicles 20:2-3)

•  In preparation and/or setting apart for ministry (Acts 13:2-3; 14:23)

•  In intercession for others (Ezra 10:6, Isaiah 58:6-8)

•  For healing and deliverance (Psalms 35:13)

HOW SHOULD WE FAST

We should fast unto the Lord and not to be seen by men. Read Matthew chapter 6 and Luke 18:11-14. Also, consider the following when you fast (Read Isaiah chapter 58).

•  Determine your purpose – why you are fasting (spiritual renewal/focus, deliverance, healing, etc.)

•  Determine the type of fast, length of your fast and also your fast schedule

•  Always begin and continue in prayer for strength and God’s guidance

ADDITIONAL REFERENCE SCRIPTURES FOR FASTING AND PRAYER

Please see the following scriptures as additional references for information about fasting and prayer: Psalm 116:1-2; 1 John 5:14; Jeremiah 29:13; Acts 10:30-31; Nehemiah 1:4; Matthew 7:7-8; John 16:23-24; 2 Samuel 12:16; 1 Samuel 7:6; Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18