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Post by wonderbugg on Nov 18, 2016 13:26:18 GMT
I was raised in a church that never once taught fasting.
Sure, we learned about Jesus fasting 40 days.
But nothing about today for us.
Anyone here do it?
Could you educate me?
What have you experiened from fasting?
Can we...should we...call our own fasts?
Do you think it would help depression?
That's a lot of questions.
Sorry if I overwhelmed.
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Post by luke2231 on Nov 18, 2016 14:50:35 GMT
Wonderbugg, I've fasted on occasion throughout the years, usually because a situation is so drastic that prayer is more confusing than not, if that makes sense. I guess I mean that despite prayer, I don't feel I'm really hearing God's word, so I'll fast. More to be able to hear God, than for a "quick fix" to the situation at hand. In my experience, a lot of people think that fasting will provide some dramatic breakthrough to difficulties, be they financial, physical, spiritual, etc... And while I'm not saying that's not possible - it definitely is - when I've fasted, I've received clarity on HOW to pray for the situation at hand, and WHAT to pray for the problem, rather than a "boom!" problem-solved occurrence.
As for HOW to fast, that's really another ball of wax. I have fasted for days at a time which does bring a focus onto how weak one is and how little we have control of, but at the same time, I was a miserable, irritable person to everyone around me! I kind of felt like I was punishing everyone around me with my poor attitude because of the long fast, so I changed how I fasted when I did. While I haven't felt led to fast in a couple years, the last few times I did, I chose a specific day or two, like Monday, or Monday and Tuesday, and fasted those days for several weeks. For me, that had the effect of consistently bringing prayer into the situation instead of "just a one time, hope I get an answer this week" event. When I knew that each week I would fast, that helped develop within me a deeper prayer life. But... that's just me.
I know plenty of people who have never felt called to fast, others who often fast, and some who only fast if they are "told" by a pastor, mentor, spouse, etc... Personally, I think it's something that you have to pray about, if you are being led to fast. Like so many things that are different for different Christians - what kind of music to listen to, tattoos, watching R-rated movies, drinking, etc... - fasting is something between you and the Lord. I think. But that's just my opinion... ;-)
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Fasting?
Nov 18, 2016 17:37:00 GMT
via mobile
Post by lindajoan on Nov 18, 2016 17:37:00 GMT
I agree. Fasting is thing that is between you and the Lord. Much of my life I did not participate. Lately, I have been led to do it. It can be longer periods of time or a day or just a meal. I personally do not do long fasts. During the time you are fasting it keeps your focus upon prayer and praise.
No matter what, the important thing is to spend time with God in His Word and in prayer each day.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2016 2:23:46 GMT
I was taught when I was young, when you have prayed with no answer, try fasting. Pray about the fast and God will direct you as to when and how to fast. It is between you & God and should be kept private. I believe it is an expression of humbleness and faith. Anything done in the right spirit & attitude God will honor. ( (Deuteronomy 4:29 NKJV) “But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.)
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Post by JeepGirl on Nov 19, 2016 14:19:53 GMT
I was so fortunate to be discipled by a Godly woman in the very beginning of my Christian walk, along with attending a church which does expository teaching through the Bible. As a result, I learned that there are many scriptures throughout the Bible (Old and New Testament) regarding prayer and fasting. Wonderbugg, if you have time and want to dig deeper, you can do a word search of "fasting" in the Bible and I believe the Holy Spirit will lead you. Below, I listed just a few of the many scriptures.
I agree with everyone above, that fasting is a very personal decision and how and, if, you do it is really between you and the Lord. Just as we are all unique, I believe the ways in which we might fast will be unique also.
I prayed and fasted much more in the past and I am so glad for this post because it has motivated me to do it again. For me, I usually forego a meal or sometimes I give up eating anything between meals. I dedicate my fast to something/someone I am praying for. For me, it is about sacrifice, separating from the world and getting closer to the Lord. During the time I would normally eat, I spend reading the Word and praying. And throughout the day, if I feel hungry or think about how I won't be eating, it is at that moment that I change my selfish thoughts to thoughts of what I am praying about.
Again, how and the length of time we fast, is up to each of us individually.
I definitely don't look at this time of fasting as if God is a genie and will grant my wishes. I know He cares about all of our needs and desires, big and small but I, personally, tend to fast and pray when someone is ill, or there is a serious situation going on in my life or in the life of someone I know; or if something in me needs to be changed. My times of prayer and fasting have usually resulted in a sense of being cleansed and refreshed and direction. I regard fasting as time spent communicating with the Lord, seeking His will and becoming closer to Him than I was before I began.
Act 14:23 “ Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.”
Dan 9:3 “ So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.”
Mat 6:16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.”
Mat 6:18 “…so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Mar 9:29 “ So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”
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Post by wonderbugg on Nov 23, 2016 16:21:30 GMT
Thank you all so much.
I truly learned so much I did not know from all of you.
God bless you.
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