Fasting Guidelines: Matthew 26:38 – Stay Here and Watch With Me

FASTING GUIDELINES

Prayer and Fasting: Jesus’ recommendation
Matthew: 6:6, 17-18
But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.…But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

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BUT WHEN YOU FAST……

FAST. WORD. PRAY. REPEAT.
6AM – 6PM
Start with praise and worship songs.
Meditatively read all the scriptures given with the prayer points. Throughout the day, meditate on the word.
Personalise the scriptures where appropriate
Allow the Holy Spirit to carry you daily. Seek Him. Communion with Him. Love Him. Love you. Love others.

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SICK? ON MEDICATION? PREGNANT?….

BEFORE YOU FAST:
Many people ask, “ Should I speak to my Doctor first?”
The answer is Yes. By all means, consult your doctor before you begin your fast. If you have health issues, are pregnant, on medication. BE SAFE whatever you choose to do. I would recommend that those who are sick and on medication, should NOT engage in the abstaining from food and water. Rather they should give themselves to hourly prayer and study, meditation on the word.
You can abstain from all but important telephone conversations, no social media, etc. That’s a good fast!
It is also equally important to REMEMBER your doctors perspective is flesh and knowledge based, not spirit led. Be led by the Spirit! Hallelujah.
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I must emphasise that if you KNOW it is by the leading of the Holy Spirit, then His instructions will not be grievous or injurious. But if not, stay with your doctors’ advice, you are NOT sining by not joining the food fast.
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The following guidelines apply to all fasts.
It is very important to ensure that you both take care of your spirit and body during and after a fast.
Spiritual fasts are God-directed, purposeful and goal oriented, but tough on the body.
Central to this fast is scripture reading and meditation, worship and prayer with listening.

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THE FEAST

Word Feast. Feed the Spirit, Reduce the Flesh.
Mt 4:4Man shall NOT live by bread alone, BUT BY EVERY (close attention to what God’s word is saying) WORD THAT COMES OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.
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WHEN THE FLESH KICKS,
ANSWER BACK WITH:
Phil 4:13
“ I can do all things (including this fast), through Christ my strength and strengthener” Use the word to come against any doubts or fears.
I speak this scripture over my body, mind and spirit, commanding it to be subject to the fast
  1. I like to have a small note pad for my fast. I write down what I am waiting on the Lord for, scriptures, dreams, visions or word of prophecy (very important), during the Fast.
  2. BE INTENTIONAL: Remove all possible distractions. For a fast like this, you can decide to go without social media, unnecessary telephone conversations, TV, etc.
  3. Inform only the necessary people. Try and secure the co-operation of your spouse, if you are married. (1 Cor 7:5)
  4. STAY FOCUSED: Get your bible, bible study helps, concordance, etc Also messages that will build your faith and encourage/challenge you. PRAY. PRAY. PRAY.
  5. USE THE TOOLS PROVIDED: For our fast, you will have Scriptures for Meditation and Prayer Points. Use it.
START SMALL
A week or so before the Fast, start preparing your body, spirit and mind for the Fast.
As part of your plan begin by eating smaller meals portions and gradually progress to whole meals.
Cut out caffeine, replace with water.
Start with cutting out Breakfast, add Lunch and then supper.
Maybe go on a juice fast, this means abstaining from all food and beverage, except for juice and water.
Do whole day water only fast.
Your body should be ready and more willing to corporate, when you then embark on the 3-day fast.
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IF YOU ARE AT WORK, PLEASE DO NOT FAST BEYOND 3PM AND KEEP WATER HYDRATED THROUGHOUT.
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WHAT TO EXPECT FROM FASTING:

Weakness
Tired and irritable
Dry mouth and cracked lips
Feeling faint and light headed, dizziness
Aches and pains (usually from day 3)
Headaches
Coldness, especially on the extremities- fingers, toes,etc.
Changes in sleep patterns
More dreams and sometimes for some vision dreams. Full colour and very vivid.

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DURING THE FAST:

Ask the Lord to increase your FAITH
Do not engage in high energy activities.
Saturate yourself and your environment with praise and worship
Meditate on the word of God:
We will cover Matthew chapters 24-28
Pray utilising “Pray along with Pastor Christina” videos on our website via our ‘Videos’ page and YouTube.
Use the prayer points provided and as led.
Pray in Jesus Name

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BREAKING YOUR FAST:

Follow the same pattern as for preparation for the fast.
Recommend:
Drink plenty of water (preferably warm water)
Add Yoghurt, especially natural Yoghurt
Fruits (Avoid the more acidic ones, like orange)
Fruit smoothies
Soft solids
Solids
Avoid hot and spicy foods soon after fasting.
EAT SLOWLY.
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Joyful fasting.