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How to enjoy your fast? July 24, 2007

Posted by Han in : Prayer , trackback

Fasting brings a sacrificial dimension to prayer. Biblical fasting is most often the abstaining from food for a spiritual purpose; and there are various ways to fast. Some people also fast from a non-food item.

A partial food fast refers to giving up either a meal or two or a type of food (like meat) over a period of time.

A full food fast refers to giving up all food except water and/or juices over a period of time.

An absolute food fast is refraining from both food and drink, but should be done for 3 days.

Non-food fasts include giving up something (for e.g. television) that interferes with your spiritual life.

Anyone with medical conditions or on meditations should consult their physician before a food fast; and anyone attempting a full or absolute fast should consult their physician.

Decide what type of fast would be best for you. If this is new to you, begin with a partial fast.

Partial Fast Options:

- Give up a meal a day.
- Give up two meals on two days (for e.g. Wednesday and Friday)
- Give up two meals a day (breakfast and lunch)
- Give up meat or some other food

Full Fast Option:

- Give up food, drinking only water and juices for 24 hours.

Non-Food Fast:

- Give up something that distracts you from prayer and spiritual pursuits.

Taken from NECF 40-day Fast and Prayer booklet 2005, pg 5.