What is fasting, and what is accomplished by this act of self-denial? In attempting to answer these questions, Intercessors For America has drawn from two excellent sources--GOD's Chosen Fast by Arthur Wallis, and How To Fast Successfully by Derek Prince. Both books are highly recommended for further study.
 
    We strongly encourage the practice of fasting, for just as faith needs prayer for its full development and growth, prayer needs fasting for the same reason. Fasting is the act of abstaining from food. The Bible illustrates three types of fasts--the normal, absolute, and partial.
 
    The normal fast excludes food, solid or liquid, but not water. It may last as long as GOD directs. However, if you have never fasted before, it is best to start by omitting one meal a day and slowly working up to a more extended fast. The wilderness fast of Jesus is considered a normal fast. We read in Luke 4:2 that "He ate nothing during those days." Later it says "He became hungry" and the devil tempted Him to eat. Had Jesus fasted without water, the more intense desire at that point would have been to quench His thirst. All of this implies that He fasted without food, but not without water.
 
    In the absolute fast, one abstains from both eating and drinking. This type of fasting is not recommended for more than three days, unless supernaturally inspired by GOD. Adverse physical effects may occur if the body is without water for a longer period of time. Queen Esther directed Mordecai, "Fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens will fast in the same way" (Est. 4:16). The absolute fast is usually reserved for spiritual emergencies--after prayer and normal fasting have not secured the victory.
 
    The third type of fasting, the partial fast, emphasizes restriction of diet rather than total abstention. Only selected foods are omitted here. An example of this fast is found in Daniel 10:3. "I did not eat any tasty food, nor did meat or wine enter my mouth...until the entire three weeks were completed." A partial fast is convenient when circumstances or health do not permit the normal fast. Also, it can be used as a stepping stone to the normal fast by those who have never fasted before.
 
    Fasting is not harmful to the body if conducted properly. In fact, it is very good for the body. The stomach and digestive system are given an opportunity to rest. Blood which is usually involved in digestion is free to purify other areas of the body.
 
    Discomfort is not uncommon during a fast. GOD never intended for it to be pleasant. It is a time for denying ourselves the desires of the flesh to become more in tune with the Holy Spirit. We are showing our Heavenly Father that we are willing to sacrifice physically in order to communicate more clearly with Him, to attain all that He called us to receive (1Pet5:10), and for His kingdom work.
 
    GOD expects His people to fast. Jesus, instructing His disciples on fasting, said "...when you fast..."(Matt. 6:17). He did not say "if" you fast. Fasting is the rule in GOD's mind, not the exception.
 

    Fasting helps to rid our hearts of pride, and humble us before the LORD. The Psalmist said, "When I humbled my soul with fasting, it became my reproach" (Psalm 69:10). When we approach the LORD in prayer, we must do it with all humility and supplication. Fasting brings us to a state of humbleness that is acceptable to GOD.
 
    Our Father in Heaven listens more intently to our prayers when we fast. Ezra tell us, "So we fasted and sought our GOD concerning this matter, and He listened to our entreaty" (Ezra 8:23). If we truly want GOD to hear our prayers, we can demonstrate our sincerity by fasting.
 
    Fasting puts down our flesh, and increases our spiritual strength and awareness. This makes us more effective for spiritual warfare. "Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in heavenly places" (Eph. 6:12). Daniel knew that. He fasted, prayed, and sought the LORD for three weeks. During that same time span, a messenger of GOD enroute to Daniel was struggling against the spiritual forces of the kingdom of Persia. Finally, as a result of Daniel's persistent fasting and praying, the messenger was able to break through and reach Daniel. (Dan. 10:2-5, 11-13).
 
    As satan has strongholds today similar to those of the kingdom of Persia, we need to pray and fast as Daniel did to bring down these strongholds and reclaim that territory for GOD. Fasting enables us to be more sensitive to spiritual activity and to be a greater asset to GOD as He works His will through us.
 
 
 
 
 

GOD's work of baptism and circumcision Col2:11,12 for purging, refining, sanctifying, washing away sin absolutely requires diligent fasting, since soul salvation is thru or after full sanctification 2Thes2:13.   GOD in Job33 proves this:   v20,21 fasting into higher grace v24 as in 1Pet2:3 and "access..into this grace" Rom5:2 or soul saving grace, v26 sees His face, receives His righteousness, v28 redeemed soul, eternal life and light, v30 redeemed soul, enlightened to light of life.   GOD in flesh, Jesus, says "except by" and "nothing but" Mat17 and Mk9, a clear demand for fasting "that He might deliver us" Gal1:4 into true "partakers..having escaped" 2Pet1:4 which is His "true grace" 1Pet5:12.