How To Fast Christianity
For many generations, many faiths have embraced fasting as part of their spiritual practice. Christianity is no exception, with followers of the faith engaging in fasts as an expression of their devotion to God. But just what is fasting, and why is it so important for Christians?
Put simply, fasting is when a person voluntarily abstains from certain kinds of food and drink, usually for a period of time, either as part of their personal discipline or as a form of corporate spiritual practice. This means that a Christian might choose, for example, to fast for a week, or even the entire month, during which time they will not eat any solid food and drink only water. This type of fasting is known as “absolute fast” or “total fast”.
For many Christians, fasting as part of their spiritual practice is seen as an essential part of expressing their faith. Not only does it assist in spiritual reflection and growth, but it can also be a tool to help one develop a deeper connection with God. When fasting, a believer can find themselves in a better position to hear and receive the word of God, clear away the distractions of the world and focus more on their own spiritual journey.
To engage in a fast, a Christian should take time to prepare for the challenge ahead. Preparation for a fast should occur spiritually, with the individual creating a plan of what they expect from their fast, such as prayer, Bible study, and meditation, to name just a few. Additionally, physical preparation is also important, as during a fast, the body will be deprived of certain nutrients.
For optimal health and wellbeing, fasts should not be undertaken without professional medical guidance. Additionally, when opting for absolute fasts, it is important to ensure that the individual consumes low-calorie drinks and takes regular breaks from their fast in order to maintain energy levels and to allow for the body to process the nutrients it is receiving. This can also help to prevent feelings of light-headedness, dizziness, and dehydration.
Practical Tips for Fasting
In addition to ensuring adequate preparation ahead of a fast, there are a number of practical tips that can help to make the experience more comfortable. Firstly, it is important to keep adequately hydrated as this helps to protect the body from dehydration and fatigue. Additionally, it is beneficial to create a routine for prayer, reading the Bible and meditating which can help to structure the day and ensure that the individual remains focussed on the spiritual aspect of their fast.
To help with the fatigue and hunger associated with fasting, it is important to focus on feeling nourished and not on feeling deprived. This can be achieved through drinking lots of water and making sure to get plenty of rest. During the fast, it can also be beneficial to seek out distracting activities such as a walk, a game, or even a short nap when feeling especially tired.
Finally, it is important to remember that fasting should always be enjoyable, uplifting, and rewarding. This means that it should be treated as an opportunity to gain greater insight into the nature of God, rather than as an onerous moral obligation.
Observing a Fast
Fasting should never be undertaken without due care and attention. Here are some important tips for observing a fast:
- Seek medical approval from your doctor before beginning your fasting practice.
- Ensure that you are adequately nourished before beginning your fast.
- Take regular breaks from your fast, such as drinking a glass of water or a cup of tea. This will help to keep you hydrated and ensure that your body is not over-stressed.
- Ensure that you get plenty of rest and take regular breaks during fasting.
- Be mindful of food temptations and take steps to avoid them.
- Keep a fasting diary and record your experiences.
The Benefits of Fasting
The benefits of fasting are vast and varied, but here are some of the most important benefits:
- It enables Christians to develop a deeper connection with God.
- It provides an opportunity to focus on spiritual growth and development.
- It can assist in maintaining physical health and wellbeing.
- It can help Christians to better understand their own spiritual needs.
- It fosters self-discipline and spiritual determination.
- It offers an opportunity for prayer, contemplation and meditation.
- It enables greater clarity of thought and insight.
The Challenges of Fasting
There are a number of potential challenges that can be encountered when one embarks upon a fast. These include:
- Physical issues, such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
- Emotional issues, such as anger, sadness, and depression.
- High levels of fatigue.
- Hunger pangs and cravings for food.
- Lack of energy.
- Loss of focus and concentration.
- Loneliness and an increased sense of isolation.
Support and Guidance During Fasting
Whilst it is important to be mindful of the potential challenges associated with fasting, it is equally important to take steps to ensure that the experience is as enjoyable and rewarding as possible. This is why it is important to have a support system in place. One of the best ways to ensure this is to seek out advice and support from professionals, such as a doctor, pastor, or religious leader.
Additionally, it is important to seek out the assistance and support of family, friends, and other church members whilst fasting. This can help the individual to remain focused on the spiritual journey ahead, and to stay motivated and determined throughout their fast.
Getting Started With Fasting
Before embarking upon a fast, it is important to have the right mindset. This means setting the intention of the fast and understanding why it is important. Additionally, it is important to have a goal in mind, such as a change that one hopes to make to their spiritual lifestyle.
Before beginning a fast, it is also important to ensure that there is adequate preparation. This includes compiling a plan of activities, such as prayer, Bible study and meditation.
Finally, it is important to ensure that one has the right support structure in place. This means having medical advice, and seeking out the support of family and friends.
Conclusion
Fasting is a powerful part of the Christian faith and can help an individual to develop a closer connection to God. When embarked upon properly and with due care and attention, it can bring about significant spiritual and physical benefits. To ensure the best possible experience, it is important to ensure adequate preparation, seek professional advice when necessary, take regular breaks, and to seek out prayerful and supportive community.
