VIDEO: How (and why) to fast
What fasting is:
A dedicated time of self-denial where you seek the Lord in a dedicated fashion. You are choosing to enter a state of dependence physically to be a representation of the constant need for the Lord spiritually.
What fasting is not:
It’s not a form of punishment or asceticism. It is not a manipulation of God’s hand.
A few tips:
- Make a plan and decide to stick to it. In the weak moments, you have to remember your why. You also have to plan your days appropriately.
- Replace that time you would drink a cup of coffee/ eat/ scroll etc. to pray and seek the Lord
- eliminate temptation (don’t have a jar of candy in your office at work if you’re avoiding sugar e.g.)
-SET INTENTION: What are you praying for you? Is there a specific thing you’re talking to God about during this time?
"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. And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this:
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 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."
Matthew 6:6-18