Fasting Advice (Beginner)

[glo.dif]

Hi everyone! New here, so nice to meet you
I saw the opportunity to post this, which I've been wondering about for about a year. But I've been too chicken to try it that I would end up doing it wrong and giving up. And then I'd feel kind of horrible for giving up. Hoping for some advice from Christians who've tried this before.

I have heard so much about what fasting can do for spirituality. But I want to make sure I do it right and that I really make the most of it in terms of how I can draw closer to God.

For context, I'm considering only a 1-2 day fast at most, but one that only involves drinking fluids (no food). So here are my questions, if you have any input for any of them:

1. To start the fast, do I basically just go cold turkey one morning? Is there anything I should do to prepare in advance?
2. Are there certain fluids (rather than just plain old water) that help you better maintain a fast? I intend to still drink my morning coffee. Thoughts on teas, flavoured sparkling water?
3. What day of the week is best to do the fast? In other words, should I do it on a regular working day? A day when I have no plans? I am mostly worried about messing up my focus that day for any work (in spite of it being work from home).
4. How do I make the best of the fast, spiritually speaking? For example, should I focus harder on prayer? Spend x amount of time doing it? Is there a "routine" I should follow to make the most of things?
5. Any other advice based on your personal experience? Things that messed up your fasts? Things that made them more positive?

Thanks ahead of time for any help and advice you can offer. God bless you!

 

[Junia]

@John Helpher this poster is talking about fasting...... i know you know about this topic

 

[Junia]

Hi everyone! New here, so nice to meet you
I saw the opportunity to post this, which I've been wondering about for about a year. But I've been too chicken to try it that I would end up doing it wrong and giving up. And then I'd feel kind of horrible for giving up. Hoping for some advice from Christians who've tried this before.

I have heard so much about what fasting can do for spirituality. But I want to make sure I do it right and that I really make the most of it in terms of how I can draw closer to God.

For context, I'm considering only a 1-2 day fast at most, but one that only involves drinking fluids (no food). So here are my questions, if you have any input for any of them:

1. To start the fast, do I basically just go cold turkey one morning? Is there anything I should do to prepare in advance?
2. Are there certain fluids (rather than just plain old water) that help you better maintain a fast? I intend to still drink my morning coffee. Thoughts on teas, flavoured sparkling water?
3. What day of the week is best to do the fast? In other words, should I do it on a regular working day? A day when I have no plans? I am mostly worried about messing up my focus that day for any work (in spite of it being work from home).
4. How do I make the best of the fast, spiritually speaking? For example, should I focus harder on prayer? Spend x amount of time doing it? Is there a "routine" I should follow to make the most of things?
5. Any other advice based on your personal experience? Things that messed up your fasts? Things that made them more positive?

Thanks ahead of time for any help and advice you can offer. God bless you!

keep it secret. dont tell anyone you are fasting because Jesus said not to.

 

[archer75]

Talk to a priest from a Christian body that encourages fasting as a discipline, is my advice. Someone like that will have a lot to say, and experience advising people about, how fasting and prayer go together, etc.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

Welcome!

I suggest reading up on fasting before beginning. Lots of good information out there. I would limit your fast to just skipping a couple of meals to begin with. It's pretty easy to do and you will get positive results without much discomfort. From there you can do longer fasts, unless you just want to fast as a spiritual 'rite of passage'. In that case one good fast will do.

 

[John Helpher]

keep it secret. dont tell anyone you are fasting because Jesus said not to.

It's fine to talk about the principles of fasting, like why it can be helpful, how to keep it secret, the benefits of a complete fast vs fasting in bits and pieces; the point is not to talk about whether you actually do or don't fast, since that should be between you and God.

It's probably also worth noting that Jesus did not necessarily say people would be punished for talking about their praying, fasting, and charity-giving, but that they would not receive a reward for it (as they would have already received their reward here on Earth in the form of respectability from those they tell about their actions). However, it's also possible that the reward is eternal life. While Jesus offers forgiveness for our failures, he's clear about the need to take him seriously when he gives orders on how we should behave as his followers. People who use his grace as a tool against obedience to his teachings are in for a pretty rude surprise.

 

[John Helpher]

Duplicate.

 

[Junia]

It's fine to talk about the principles of fasting, like why it can be helpful, how to keep it secret, the benefits of a complete fast vs fasting in bits and pieces; the point is not to talk about whether you actually do or don't fast, since that should be between you and God.

It's probably also worth noting that Jesus did not necessarily say people would be punished for talking about their praying, fasting, and charity-giving, but that they would not receive a reward for it (as they would have already received their reward here on Earth in the form of respectability from those they tell about their actions). However, it's also possible that the reward is eternal life. While Jesus offers forgiveness for our failures, he's clear about the need to take him seriously when he gives orders on how we should behave as his followers. People who use his grace as a tool against obedience to his teachings are in for a pretty rude surprise.

ah thank you, yes that explains that very well.,

 

[Junia]

Welcome!

I suggest reading up on fasting before beginning. Lots of good information out there. I would limit your fast to just skipping a couple of meals to begin with. It's pretty easy to do and you will get positive results without much discomfort. From there you can do longer fasts, unless you just want to fast as a spiritual 'rite of passage'. In that case one good fast will do.

am prediabetic and have metabolic issues. i dont think there are any fasts that can work for diabetes that last longer than skipping a couple meals tho could be wrong?

 

[OldWiseGuy]

am prediabetic and have metabolic issues. i dont think there are any fasts that can work for diabetes that last longer than skipping a couple meals tho could be wrong?

True, there are those with medical conditions that definitely shouldn't fast. That's why one should consult with their doctor before attempting a serious fast.

 

[Carl Emerson]

A good read is 'God's chosen fast' by Arthur Wallis

 

[bèlla]

I maintained a weekly fasting practice for several years. It included periods when I'd fast for several days (usually 2-3) for spiritual issues. I recommend reading Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough by Elmer Towns. It is a good book for beginners. He describes the various fasts mentioned in the bible and how you can employ each in your life.

To start the fast, do I basically just go cold turkey one morning? Is there anything I should do to prepare in advance?

I plan my fasts in advance. Noting the objective, duration, scriptures, and special instructions from the Lord (if applicable).

Are there certain fluids (rather than just plain old water) that help you better maintain a fast? I intend to still drink my morning coffee. Thoughts on teas, flavoured sparkling water?

I drink water and one cup of coffee to prevent headaches. If I didn't want coffee a cup of tea would suffice.

What day of the week is best to do the fast? In other words, should I do it on a regular working day? A day when I have no plans? I am mostly worried about messing up my focus that day for any work (in spite of it being work from home).

For a full day fast, I prefer a day when I'm not working. For same day fasts (sunrise to sunset) I maintain my routine.

How do I make the best of the fast, spiritually speaking? For example, should I focus harder on prayer? Spend x amount of time doing it? Is there a "routine" I should follow to make the most of things?

I commune with the Lord to review my objectives and request His input. Oftentimes He's given it to me in advance. But I check-in nonetheless. Prayer follows. I may have a period of worship too. For serious issues I have hourly sessions.

Any other advice based on your personal experience? Things that messed up your fasts? Things that made them more positive?

You'll develop a routine that works best for your circumstances. Don't be afraid of messing up. Sometimes I listen to an audio bible reading of the Psalms the night before to prepare myself for the fast. There have been moments when I've forgotten I'm fasting and eaten! But I don't let that derail me. I begin the fast from that point and carry on. I didn't have preconceived notions going in. I embraced the experience and increased my frequency over time.

~Bella

 

[ddepos]

Hi everyone! New here, so nice to meet you
I saw the opportunity to post this, which I've been wondering about for about a year. But I've been too chicken to try it that I would end up doing it wrong and giving up. And then I'd feel kind of horrible for giving up. Hoping for some advice from Christians who've tried this before.

I have heard so much about what fasting can do for spirituality. But I want to make sure I do it right and that I really make the most of it in terms of how I can draw closer to God.

For context, I'm considering only a 1-2 day fast at most, but one that only involves drinking fluids (no food). So here are my questions, if you have any input for any of them:

1. To start the fast, do I basically just go cold turkey one morning? Is there anything I should do to prepare in advance?
2. Are there certain fluids (rather than just plain old water) that help you better maintain a fast? I intend to still drink my morning coffee. Thoughts on teas, flavoured sparkling water?
3. What day of the week is best to do the fast? In other words, should I do it on a regular working day? A day when I have no plans? I am mostly worried about messing up my focus that day for any work (in spite of it being work from home).
4. How do I make the best of the fast, spiritually speaking? For example, should I focus harder on prayer? Spend x amount of time doing it? Is there a "routine" I should follow to make the most of things?
5. Any other advice based on your personal experience? Things that messed up your fasts? Things that made them more positive?

Thanks ahead of time for any help and advice you can offer. God bless you!

Hi! Im looking for a fasting partner for a five day water fast on May 31- June 4. Would you like to join me ?

 

[Daniel Marsh]

Hi everyone! New here, so nice to meet you
I saw the opportunity to post this, which I've been wondering about for about a year. But I've been too chicken to try it that I would end up doing it wrong and giving up. And then I'd feel kind of horrible for giving up. Hoping for some advice from Christians who've tried this before.

I have heard so much about what fasting can do for spirituality. But I want to make sure I do it right and that I really make the most of it in terms of how I can draw closer to God.

For context, I'm considering only a 1-2 day fast at most, but one that only involves drinking fluids (no food). So here are my questions, if you have any input for any of them:

1. To start the fast, do I basically just go cold turkey one morning? Is there anything I should do to prepare in advance?
2. Are there certain fluids (rather than just plain old water) that help you better maintain a fast? I intend to still drink my morning coffee. Thoughts on teas, flavoured sparkling water?
3. What day of the week is best to do the fast? In other words, should I do it on a regular working day? A day when I have no plans? I am mostly worried about messing up my focus that day for any work (in spite of it being work from home).
4. How do I make the best of the fast, spiritually speaking? For example, should I focus harder on prayer? Spend x amount of time doing it? Is there a "routine" I should follow to make the most of things?
5. Any other advice based on your personal experience? Things that messed up your fasts? Things that made them more positive?

Thanks ahead of time for any help and advice you can offer. God bless you!

Before starting fasting, have your doctor check you out. Let them know you want to start fasting.