As a church family, we’re leaning into Prayer & Fasting to start 2025.  We encourage you to read the enclosed poem each day which is based on the Lord’s Prayer. We will use one stanza each day as a prompt and pray in response. There’s nothing quite like praying back to the Lord what he’s spoken to us in His Word. We hope this week blesses you, prepares you for a year of immense growth, and positions you to fulfill your God-given commission for the kingdom!

Biblical fasting is abstaining from food for a spiritual purpose.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:16, "When you fast ..."  He did not say, 'if you fast.' It is an expected spiritual practice for followers of Christ.

Decide in advance:

• the duration of the fast (sunset to sunset is a great way)
• what/how you will fast
• the primary reason for your fast

There are several types of fasting:

• Total - consume nothing (very rare and short, it is not recommended for most, and at most for 1 day)
• Normal - consume only water
• Liquid - consume water, juices and other liquids but no solid food
• Partial fast - Daniel in the Old Testament did not partake of the "king's delicacies" (Daniel 1:8).  This means that he limited his diet, while still eating.  So this type of fast may include: no sweets, no meat, or anything God may put on your heart.

Practical Tips:

• It is best to start small, and then build up to doing longer fasts.
• Talk with your doctor before fasting if you have medical conditions.
• Fasting food is usually not recommended for youth or anyone with an eating disorder.  
• It is best to prepare by eating less often, and more lightly the day(s) prior to a fast.
• Cut out red meat 3 days before, all meat 2 days before and eat lots of veggies the day before to help clear your system out.
• For normal fasts (water only), it generally takes 3 or 4 days to begin to feel the benefit and overcome the discomfort and hunger.
• It is common to experience a headache for the first day or two as your body adjusts, especially if you drink caffeine daily. It is still a fast if you continue to drink coffee (coffee beans are actually the pit of the coffee cherry - so coffee could be thought of as a juice, and part of a juice fast). Otherwise, you may choose to break your caffeine habit before doing the fast so that the caffeine withdrawal doesn’t distract you from the benefits of fasting.
• While you fast it is best to minimize activity. Set aside focused time for prayer each day of your fast. Bible reading, soaking (resting, contemplative prayer with music), and other spiritual disciplines are additionally beneficial.
• Do not parade your fast, but you do not have to keep it a secret.
• Take vitamins and a pinch of salt each day if your fast is longer than a couple of days
• Fasting takes practice. The more you practice the better you will get at it.  
• Develop a lifestyle of fasting as a part of your spiritual discipline.
• Practice grace-based fasting – it is okay to make adjustments based on how you feel. A slice of peanut butter toast may be necessary to enable you to sleep through the night. Eating a bite of something won’t violate your fast, just don’t have a whole meal.
• Set your expectations that during a fast you may need to move more slowly and your thinking may also be slowed. Praying in tongues can be wonderful when you can’t formulate what to pray.  
• It is still worth fasting even if the rest of your family/housemates are not. You can experience blessing from fellowship around the table and connection with loved ones even if you aren’t eating with them.
• While you are fasting you may experience an increase in spiritual sensitivity including spiritual oppression. Respond sensitively and take time to pray through these issues, and believe that just as Jesus overcame the devil, you can too.
• While you are fasting, emotional issues may surface, and you may be much more emotionally sensitive - this is a benefit as fasting often reveals hidden things in our hearts and spirits. Take the time to pray through these with the Lord.
• To end your fast – prayerfully dedicate it to the Lord and give thanks.  Then begin with juice and something light (like toast or crackers).  Wait some time and then introduce more food gradually.  The longer the fast, the longer the recovery.  
• After a fast, intentionally eat small portions at first to avoid overeating. Continue to teach your body that your spirit is leading even when the fast is over.
• Sometimes the benefits of your fast won’t be experienced during your fast, but afterward.