It’s Time To Fast
by Pastor Jack Hayford

Fasting is scriptural: The Word of God makes it clear that fasting is an instrument of spiritual power; a key by which bonds of evil are broken, and by which God’s counsels are received and established in the affairs of men or women (Isaiah 58:6-8; Mark 9:29; Acts 13:2,3).

Jesus taught fasting: By His own word and example, Jesus taught fasting and He said that in the era following His earthly ministry, after His ascension, it would be a part of the disciplines of His people to fast (Matthew 4:2, 6:16; Mark 2:20).

The Bible nowhere suggests that fasting is to be thought of as a means by which we earn God’s favor or improve our status with God. Therefore, we do not fast as a religious or superstitious exercise, hoping thereby to gain God’s special attention or to tip invisible scales of blessing in our direction. We believe that every good thing that comes from God is a gift (James 1:17) and is the product of His grace, not human endeavor (Ephesians 2:8-9).

The Bible makes clear that there are certain means by which Christ’s people partner with God’s almightiness through the acceptance and application of certain principles—"Kingdom Keys." The Scriptures teach, by both precept and example, a number of means by which believers may enter into the exercise of spiritual dominion through simple obedience to disciplines shown there. Prayer, joined with fasting, is a proven means of advancing spiritual objectives. By fasting, we know that we earn nothing. However, by fasting, we do believe that we learn something; we learn a simple, dynamic pathway to spiritual conquest. We do not claim to know exactly why fasting with prayer is so powerful, but the Bible makes clear that it is effective and important, and that Jesus directed it as a part of His Church’s life.

Observing the Fast

We are not trying to convince God of our worthiness, but rather are simply observing a biblically-taught discipline. Therefore, it is not unspiritual to recognize that there will be functional realities at physical levels which ought to be understood when observing a fast.
  1. Do not fast if there are medical or dietary reasons which prohibit it.
  2. Always drink plenty of water while fasting, for it washes out physical impurities released into your system by the fast. (A squeeze of lemon in the water is helpful to this end.)
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  3. People, whose work is of such a heavy energy expenditure that a total fast is outside reason, often find that measuring back their food intake, as a kind of "offering," becomes a contemporary example of Daniel’s "partial fast." Daniel 10:3 describes the prophet’s taking "no pleasant food" for an extended period of fasting, while he still served his role of duty in government offices. This voluntary reduction of intake, denying the flesh delicacies while still answering to the basic need for energy, is a fast which might be applicable to some.
  4. Those, who for any reason are unable to participate at all in going without food, often find the "spirit of the fast" is sustained by their disciplined giving of regular times of prayer beyond their usual pattern of devotion or intercession.
  5. Some, whose regimen cannot seem to tolerate a total fast, find that drinking fruit juices helps them remain in the "spirit of the fast."
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The observance of a fast involves special prayer and waiting upon God; the idea of a fast being not the issue of self-denial but the issue of seeking God. Therefore, as a part of your time of fasting:

  • Set aside special times of prayer, praise, and intercession during the day—perhaps 5-minute "prayer-breaks," or an entire lunchtime given to the Lord.
  • Seek out brothers and sisters in Christ who will join you daily in prayer. Their partnership becomes a strong body of fellowship in the fast. Even telephone contact is dynamic, and through agreement in prayer the purpose of the fast is advanced.
  • Ask the Lord how you should fast, and then obey Him. Jesus said, "My meat is to do the will of Him who sent me" (John 4:34). In fasting, one may sense the delight of feeding upon obedience to that degree to which God has called you.
  • Take added time in the Word of God. David said, "Your Word is sweeter than the honeycomb" (Psalm 19:10). Jesus made clear that the Word of God is nourishment to the soul, as well (Matthew 4). Feed on it and you will find strength for the fast.

Offerings from the Fast

Fasting is not a mystical, ascetic exercise of piety. It is a normal and powerful participation point in seeing the release of God’s purposes and benevolent intent toward mankind.

It is a biblical practice (Isaiah 58) to give an offering in conjunction with fasting. Convert those monies not spent for food and sustenance into resources to feed the hungry and clothe the needy. By this means, human need at a physical dimension is relieved, while paving the way for the Gospel’s advance at a spiritual one:

...Food made available to the needy (v.7);

...Genuine concern and service for those who are without (v. 7b, see
   I John 3:17);

...Life/health-giving ministry begins to flow from you (v.8);

...Personal answers to prayer begin to be released (v.9a);

...A removal of the spirit of criticism graces your own life (v. 9b);

...Fruitful and God-directed living ensues (v.11);

...An edifying life of reconciliation follows (v. 12).

"My meat is to do the will of Him who sent me; My meat is to do the will of God. I will wait upon Him and be glad In His presence; My meat is to do the will of God." (JWH)

"Brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which He consecrated for us..." Hebrews 10:19-20

Jack Hayford Ministries 14800 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, CA 91405-2233
(800) 776-8180 * FAX: (818) 779-8411

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Last updated on: 7/09/03