Fasting in Disciple Making
Fasting can be an intimate and personal discipline like we see Jesus teaching in the sermon on the mount (Matthew 6), yet Biblically it is more often a corporate and communal activity (Acts 13). Disciple-makers fast and pray as they prepare to see God move in ways only he can.
"While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off." - Acts 13:2-3
When the Church first sent out disciple makers to plant the gospel in new communities that would eventually saturate the whole world, they first fasted to discern the specific context, work, and people to whom they were called. We must do the same to involve the Holy Spirit in our disciple making journey.
10 Steps to Plan a Successful Fast
Fasting is a spiritual practice that has been observed for centuries across various cultures and religions. It involves abstaining from food, or sometimes other things like social media or alcohol, for a specific period of time. If you're considering embarking on a fast for disciple making in order to draw near to God and rely on Him, it's essential to plan it carefully to ensure it's both meaningful and successful.
Step 1: Discern the Spirit's Influence
Before you begin your fast, take time to pray and discern the Holy Spirit's guidance. Consider the purpose of your fast – it may not be solely for personal needs; the Holy Spirit might place something or someone else on your heart. Being clear about your purpose will help you stay focused during your fast.
Step 2: Make a Specific Time-Bound Commitment
Set a specific duration for your fast. Decide whether it will be a daily, weekly, or longer-term fast. Having a clear timeframe in mind will prevent you from wavering or breaking your fast prematurely.
Step 3: Tell Those Who Need to Know
Inform those who may be affected by your fast. If you're fasting from food, let your family, especially those responsible for meals, know about your plan. This avoids unexpected temptations and provides a level of accountability.
Step 4: Choose a Specific Goal
Define a specific goal for your fast. Are you fasting for a particular person, to intercede for someone, or to repent of a specific sin? The more specific your goal, the more motivated you'll be to stick with your fast.
Step 5: Decide the Duration
Determine how long your fast will last. It's perfectly fine to start small, like fasting from one meal or for a single day. Remember, fasting is about commitment, not convenience.
Step 6: Determine the Nature of Your Fast
Decide what you will abstain from during your fast. You can include or exclude certain items like coffee or liquids, but it's generally advisable not to fast from water for more than a couple of days to ensure your health and safety.
Step 7: Start Your Fast with Confession
Follow the example of Nehemiah in the Bible by beginning your fast with confession. Fasting is a time of cleansing and purification, making it essential to confess your sins and seek God's forgiveness.
Step 8: Consume the Word of God
Read and meditate on the Bible throughout your fast. Regularly checking in with the scriptures will deepen your spiritual experience and help you stay focused.
Step 9: Pray with Quantity and Quality
Prayer is a vital component of fasting. Make sure to communicate with God sincerely and consistently during your fast. Avoid falling into a routine or getting too busy; instead, seek a heartfelt connection with God.
Step 10: Seek Solitude
In our busy world, finding moments of solitude is crucial during your fast. Escape the noise, be present with God, and make your fast a meaningful and personal experience. Consider activities like hiking or spending time in nature to enhance your spiritual journey.
Remember that fasting is a personal commitment to draw closer to God and seek His guidance. By following these ten steps, you can plan a successful fast that not only brings you closer to your disciple making goals but also helps you grow in your faith and self-discipline. God is pleased when you intentionally seek Him through fasting and prayer, and your efforts can lead to a deeper spiritual connection.
Start Small to End Big
Can you go without food for an hour, allowing your body and mind to engage in a brief exercise of self-control? How about extending that period to two hours, exploring the limits of your hunger and your ability to resist the urge to eat? The journey towards fasting is not an abrupt leap; it's a gradual progression, much like any other practice in life.
As you embark on this path, you'll find that the key to success lies in taking one step at a time. When you practice things gradually, they cease to be mere actions and start to evolve into ingrained habits, eventually weaving themselves into the very fabric of your lifestyle. These habits, when shared with a community or a congregation, can morph into the culture that surrounds you, creating a unique tapestry of spiritual discipline and growth.
But let's not rush ahead too quickly; remember, it all begins with those initial, cautious steps. In your pursuit of drawing nearer to God through fasting, there's no shame in taking baby steps. In fact, it's often the wisest course of action. Seek guidance from experienced individuals, consider discipleship to provide the necessary support and wisdom for your journey.
Over time, as you persist in your commitment to fasting, you'll discover that you won't always need external prompts or assistance. It will become a natural and integral part of your life, a testament to your dedication and spiritual growth. So, can you go without food for an hour? Yes, and with time, dedication, and a gradual approach, you may find yourself capable of much more, all while drawing closer to God through this sacred practice.
Extraordinary Modeled Becomes Ordinary
In Sierra Leone, Africa a certain disciple making movement has a three day monthly fast accompanied by a full night of prayer, a twenty one day fast at the start of the year, and a weekly one day fast. It's imperative to recognize that extraordinary prayer and fasting hold a central place in the multiplication of disciples and should be regarded as the very essence of normal Christianity. These spiritual practices are not intended to be intimidating, especially when it comes to engaging in lengthy fasts. Instead, they should serve as a wellspring of inspiration, reminding us of the incredible power and transformative potential that lies within our grasp through prayer and fasting.
It's not merely about abstaining from food; it's about aligning your heart and soul with a higher purpose. During this sacred time, consider keeping a record of your petitions, dreams, and aspirations. Write down what you are praying for and outline the vision that fuels your fast. This act of recording your intentions not only serves as a tangible testament of your commitment but also allows you to witness the profound synchronicity between your prayers and the movement of God.
As you observe the unmistakable hand of God moving in harmony with your fast, you solidify your faith in the power of fasting in order to rely on God. This firsthand experience generates a profound sense of confidence, reinforcing your belief that you got this!
What may initially appear as extraordinary gradually transforms into the ordinary fabric of your life. Extraordinary prayer and fasting, when consistently practiced, become woven into the very tapestry of your existence, shaping your character and illuminating your path as a disciple. So, embrace the extraordinary, let it inspire you, and watch as it becomes an inseparable part of your extraordinary disciple making journey.
"You will always reproduce the environment around you that you cultivate within you."
Avoid Legalism
To establish a genuine and enduring prayer and fasting culture within a movement, community, or church, it is paramount to navigate the delicate terrain of spirituality with grace, sensitivity, and a profound commitment to authenticity. This means steering clear of two potential pitfalls: hypocrisy and legalism.
Hypocrisy can easily seep into any religious practice when it becomes a mere outward display, devoid of genuine conviction or intention. Therefore, the core principle guiding this culture should be an unwavering authenticity. Disciples should be encouraged to approach prayer and fasting not as a performance for others to see but as a deeply personal and sincere expression of their faith.
Likewise, legalism, which rigidly adheres to a set of rules or laws, must be replaced with a more nuanced and spiritually enriching approach. Grace-centered discipleship, coaching, and mentoring emerge as essential tools in this endeavor. These practices help individuals understand that prayer and fasting are not merely checkboxes to be ticked off on a spiritual to-do list but profound disciplines that can transform their relationship with God.
In this culture, prayer and fasting should be framed as acts of obedience to God, motivated by a desire to draw closer Him, rather than as mechanisms to manipulate or demand. The emphasis should always be on the heart's alignment with God's will, seeking to reflect Him in all actions.
The creation of a prayer and fasting culture that endures and thrives hinges on these foundational principles: authenticity, grace-centered discipleship, and obedience rooted in love. By adhering to these principles, a community can forge a deep and transformative connection with God, fostering a culture where prayer and fasting become not mere rituals, but powerful pathways to spiritual growth and enrichment.
"You don't rise to the level of your goals; you fall to the level of your systems" - James Clear
10 Biblical Reasons to Fast
Reason #1: Fasting Strengthens Our Prayers
Fasting acts as a megaphone for our prayers, sharpening their focus and sincerity. When we fast, it drives us to seek God in prayer with greater intensity. In Daniel 9:3, we find an example of prayer accompanied by fasting, emphasizing its power to bring us closer to God.
Reason #2: Turning from Sin
Just as David expressed repentance through fasting in the Psalms, fasting can help us deeply repent and turn away from sin. Fasting demonstrates our earnest desire for change and forgiveness, as seen in Psalm 69:10.
Reason #3: Spiritual Preparation for Ministry
Before embarking on his ministry, Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Fasting can provide clarity and direction when seeking God's purpose in our lives.
Reason #4: Receiving Power for Ministry
In 2 Corinthians 4:7 and Ephesians 3:16, we learn about the power that comes from God. Fasting, when coupled with obedience and prayer, can help us access this divine power, enhancing our ministry.
Reason #5: Discerning God's Will
Fasting can be a tool for seeking God's specific will in our lives. Throughout the Bible, individuals fasted to gain divine guidance for significant decisions, such as the example in Judges 20:18-48.
Reason #6: Mourning the Departed
In times of great loss, fasting can draw us closer to God for solace and healing. Biblical figures like King Saul (1 Samuel 31:8-13) and David (2 Samuel 12:15-22) turned to fasting during moments of mourning.
Reason #7: Protection from Danger
Disciples who obey Jesus may encounter danger. Psalms 109:24 and stories like Esther's call for fasting (Esther 4:9-17) and Ezra's reliance on fasting for protection (Ezra 8:21-23) illustrate how fasting can be a shield in perilous times.
Reason #8: Fasting to Mourn a Loss
Nehemiah's fasting and mourning in Nehemiah 1:1-4, as well as Daniel's fasting in Daniel 9:1-6, reveal how fasting can be a powerful response to grief, worry, or anxiety, helping us turn to the Lord for comfort.
Reason #9: Praise and Worship
Fasting can enrich our worship experience, as seen with the prophetess Anna in Luke 2. It allows us to draw nearer to God and deepen our connection with Him through praise and worship.
Reason #10: Calling People into Ministry
Fasting plays a pivotal role in identifying and raising leaders for ministry. Acts 14 and Acts 13 demonstrate how prayer and fasting were used to discern God's calling for individuals and set them apart for important work.
Whether you seek to strengthen your prayers, turn from sin, discern God's will, or prepare for ministry, fasting can be a powerful tool on your disciple making journey. As you embark on this discipline, may you find clarity, purpose, and a deeper relationship with God.