Prayer & FASTING GUIDE

 The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day.
Mark 2:20

PRAYER

what is prayer?

Prayer is one of the most important ingredients for a balanced Christian life that is solidly grounded in God, it is one of the foundational pillars by which relationship with God rests on. Jesus, the Son of God and very God Himself, was constantly engaged in prayer with His Father. If Jesus prayed constantly, how much more do we need to pray?

According to Easton’s Bible Dictionary, prayer is “conversation with God; the intercourse of the soul with God, not in contemplation or meditation, but in direct address to him.” Prayer is a means of grace to know Him and communicate with Him in an intimate way.

We have been granted access through Jesus Christ by God to use His power to advance His plans. The power is in praying God's purposes into the world. We must pray Biblically to advance God's will and His Kingdom.

Different ways to pray

Contrary to popular belief and practice, prayer is more than just pleading to God. In the Scriptures, we find that prayer is also:

  • Intercession – pleading on the behalf of another in trouble as a mediator (Ps 5:2)

  • Worship – as a pleasing aroma of incense to the Lord (Ps 141:2)

  • Conversation – talking out loud with God (Ps 55:17)

  • Blessing – to love enemies and bless them (Mt 5:44)

  • Supplication – to ask, desire, ask, or implore (Jn 14:16)

How to pray

Different expressions and modes of prayer:

  • Standing (Mk 11:25)

  • Sitting (2 Sam 7:18)

  • Kneeling (Dan 6:10)

  • Bowing your head (Gn 24:26)

  • Lifting your head (Jn 17:1)

  • On your face (Mt 26:39)

  • With your hands spread out (Isa 1:15)

  • With your hands lifted up (Ps 28:2)

  • With singing (Jer 7:16

  • In the morning (Acts 3:1)

  • At night (Ps 63:6)

  • Multiple times a day (Ps 55:17)

  • All the time (1 Thess 5:17)

praying in the spirit? (tongues)

As we give our voices over to the Holy Spirit for prayer in tongues, we allow our own spirit to be used by God to pray directly without interference from our mind or our emotions. By praying in the Spirit or in "tongues," we are allowing the Holy Spirit to bring our innermost needs to God. This gift of tongues is given to us as a tool to build us up in the faith.

Praying in tongues:

  • Helps us in our weakness and when we don’t know what to pray (Rom 8:26)

  • We intercede for things on the Lord’s heart (Rom 8:26)

  • The Lord searches our heart (Rom 8:27)

  • Is in the will of God (Rom 8:27)

fasting

Fasting is a spiritual discipline found in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. It involves abstaining from food, and sometimes drink, for a specified period to focus on prayer, repentance, and seeking God's guidance. Fasting is also a way to humble ourselves before God, drawing nearer to Him in times of need, crisis, or spiritual pursuit. The purpose of fasting goes beyond physical deprivation; it is about fostering a deeper spiritual connection and relying on God's power and provision.

How to prepare for a Fast

To prepare for a time of fasting, first examine your heart through prayer, and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any unconfessed sin. In your prayers, confess not only the obvious sins that come to mind, but allow yourself to linger in His presence, giving Him time to show you the less obvious ones as well.

Although fasting is primarily a spiritual discipline, it also very much involves the physical. Depending on the length and type of fast as well as your own medical restraints, you should prepare yourself physically for fasting.

If you plan on fasting for several days, you will find it helpful to begin by eating smaller meals before you abstain altogether. Resist the urge to have that “last big feast” before the fast. Cutting down on your meals a few days before you begin the fast will signal your mind, stomach, and appetite that less food is acceptable.

Some health professionals suggest eating only raw foods for two days before starting a fast. It is also recommended to wean off caffeine and sugar products to ease your initial hunger or discomfort at the early stages of your fast.

Ways to fast

  • Complete Fast

    Abstaining from eating altogether and only drinking water/liquids.

  • Partial/Intermittent Fast

    Abstaining from eating for certain meal(s) or for a specific period each day (usually sun up to sun down.

  • Daniel Fast

    Abstaining from eating meats (and animal products), processed sweets and treats, and alcoholic drinks.

  • Soul Fast

    Biblically, fasting is abstaining from food and/or drink, but if your current circumstance or any medical condition prohibits you from fasting, you may choose to abstain from something else, such as social media, video games, television, or any other activity that might consume your time and devotion.