A biblical fast involves not eating food for a period of time.  It is a way of dedicating time to God to seek Him but it is also a way of taking authority over what the New Testament describes as ‘the flesh’.  The flesh is what the body and ‘the self’ wants, which we unfortunately often allow to trump what the Spirit wants. 

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The Holy Spirit – who lives inside believers – leads, encourages, empowers and teaches you about God’s ways that lead to overflowing life, but the challenge is how the ‘flesh’ cries out for quick answers and immediate gratification. The flesh does not like to be kept waiting and is hostile to God (Romans 8:7). It wants to please itself while the Spirit wants to live for and please God. This is how the flesh and the Spirit are in conflict.

 

Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:27: “I discipline my body and bring it into subjection.” Fasting is a way of ruling over the flesh and ensuring it’s not the other way around.  When you fast, your spirit and its connection with God is strengthened, your ‘appetite’ for the things of God increases. It is a powerful spiritual tool for breakthrough and to tell the Lord you mean business.

 

At IMPRINT some people will choose to fast from solids

 

• until 5pm each day (Mon-Sat, with a rest day on Sundays)

• for 12 hours every day

• every other day

• one meal a day

Some may add social media to the fast as well but if you are thinking about engaging in a more radical fast than this or if you are under medical supervision for any physical or mental condition, please consult a medical professional beforehand. It is important to remember, this fast is not a competition for God’s attention, but an opportunity to set aside time to forge a deeper relationship with Him through surrender to Him and His ways and plans.