Fasting allows us to redirect our focus to God by willingly renouncing certain things for a defined time. Below are queries to guide you in integrating fasting into your devotional routine:
“Then John’s disciples came and asked him, ‘How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?’ Jesus answered, ‘How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.’” — Matthew 9:14-15
Why the need to fast?
Primarily, the rewards of fasting are inward. It rejuvenates your soul. Choosing to fast is an intentional move towards seeking God’s presence. The sensation of hunger serves as a reminder of a satisfaction deeper than that derived from food, leading you to a spiritual connection. Your purpose for fasting could range from seeking a particular answer to striving to develop a closer bond with God, or it could be a routine practice to enhance your spiritual connection.
What’s the right way to fast?
Fasting is versatile, and there’s no one-size-fits-all. It’s about personal sacrifice and no journey of fasting is without its challenges. If you’re a novice, start with a more moderate approach to acclimatize both body and spirit. A few fasting methods include:
- Complete Fast: This involves consuming only liquids. The choice of liquids is yours, but staying hydrated is crucial.
- Selective Fast: You decide what to consume and when. For instance, you might abstain from eating during daylight hours for several consecutive days.
- Daniel Fast: Drawing inspiration from Daniel’s practices, this entails avoiding meat, refined sugars, caffeine, dairy, alcohol, and bread. The diet is limited to water, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, and vegetables.
Is food the only fasting option?
While abstaining from food is the prevalent mode, it’s not the sole option. If health concerns bar you from food fasting or if you aim to reset another facet of your life, consider other forms of fasting. This could span from abstaining from social media, alcohol, intimate relations, to TV, and much more.
Regardless of your fasting method, the essence lies in consciously relinquishing a daily habit to foster a deeper communion with God.
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