TYPE OF FASTS
FULL FAST
This fast calls for drinking only liquids, typically water with light juices as an option. Always consult your doctor first before entering this type of fast.
SELECTIVE FAST
This type of fast involves removing certain elements from your diet. One example of a selective fast is the Daniel Fast, during which you remove meat, sweets, and bread from your diet and consume water and juice for fluids and fruits and vegetables for food.
PARTIAL FAST
This fast is sometimes called the Jewish Fast and involves abstaining from eating any type of food in the morning and afternoon. This can either correlate to specific times of the day, such as 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or from sunup to sundown.
SOUL FAST
This fast is common for those who do not have much experience fasting food, who have health issues that prevent them from fasting food, or who wish to refocus certain areas of their life that are out of balance.
MEDIA FAST
You might select to abstain from using social media or watching television for the duration of the fast, and then choose to carefully bring that element back into your life in an orderly fashion at the conclusion of the fast.
Scripture References: Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-15, Luke 18:9-14, Acts 27:33-37, Nehemiah 9:1-3
FULL FAST
This fast calls for drinking only liquids, typically water with light juices as an option. Always consult your doctor first before entering this type of fast.
SELECTIVE FAST
This type of fast involves removing certain elements from your diet. One example of a selective fast is the Daniel Fast, during which you remove meat, sweets, and bread from your diet and consume water and juice for fluids and fruits and vegetables for food.
PARTIAL FAST
This fast is sometimes called the Jewish Fast and involves abstaining from eating any type of food in the morning and afternoon. This can either correlate to specific times of the day, such as 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or from sunup to sundown.
SOUL FAST
This fast is common for those who do not have much experience fasting food, who have health issues that prevent them from fasting food, or who wish to refocus certain areas of their life that are out of balance.
MEDIA FAST
You might select to abstain from using social media or watching television for the duration of the fast, and then choose to carefully bring that element back into your life in an orderly fashion at the conclusion of the fast.
Scripture References: Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-15, Luke 18:9-14, Acts 27:33-37, Nehemiah 9:1-3
FASTING FAQ’S
CAN CHILDREN FAST?
The best way to show your children the power of fasting is to lead by example. If they want to participate in fasting or if you want to have a family fast, consider giving up desserts or soft drinks. In addition to giving up a food item, you could also give up television as a family and spend that time reading and discussing Bible stories.
WHAT IF I HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION?
Consult your doctor before starting any fast. Decide together what is possible. If your health condition prohibits you from fasting food, try fasting something else and concentrate on prayer and Bible study.
WHAT IF I START AND CAN’T FINISH OUT THE FAST…HAVE I FASTED FOR NOTHING?
Seeking God through prayer and fasting is never a waste of time. When you make the effort, God takes notice. Just determine within your heart that you will make an even better effort next time. Or try finshing up with a partial fast.
I FORGOT AND ATE SOMETHING THAT WASN’T ON MY FAST…DO I START AGAIN?
Think of fasting as a marathon, rather than a sprint. Don’t give up! If you fall down, get up and keep trying. Conquering “king stomach” is difficult, but you’ll make it.
DO I CONTINUE TO EXERCISE WHILE FASTING?
Moderate exercise is good. But it is best to always consult a doctor about fasting and exercise. If you are on a complete fast, you may not have the energy for a high level of exercise.
CAN CHILDREN FAST?
The best way to show your children the power of fasting is to lead by example. If they want to participate in fasting or if you want to have a family fast, consider giving up desserts or soft drinks. In addition to giving up a food item, you could also give up television as a family and spend that time reading and discussing Bible stories.
WHAT IF I HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION?
Consult your doctor before starting any fast. Decide together what is possible. If your health condition prohibits you from fasting food, try fasting something else and concentrate on prayer and Bible study.
WHAT IF I START AND CAN’T FINISH OUT THE FAST…HAVE I FASTED FOR NOTHING?
Seeking God through prayer and fasting is never a waste of time. When you make the effort, God takes notice. Just determine within your heart that you will make an even better effort next time. Or try finshing up with a partial fast.
I FORGOT AND ATE SOMETHING THAT WASN’T ON MY FAST…DO I START AGAIN?
Think of fasting as a marathon, rather than a sprint. Don’t give up! If you fall down, get up and keep trying. Conquering “king stomach” is difficult, but you’ll make it.
DO I CONTINUE TO EXERCISE WHILE FASTING?
Moderate exercise is good. But it is best to always consult a doctor about fasting and exercise. If you are on a complete fast, you may not have the energy for a high level of exercise.