10 Thoughts on Fasting               1. You have to Prayerfully Expect to draw closer to God 2. You have to prayerfully set your objective:  Why am I fasting?     * Appreciation of Jesus during Passion Week      * Personal Guidance      * Personal Healing (emotional or physical)      * Spiritual Renewal (repentance from spiritual atrophy)      * Success in some upcoming venture      * Protection of a loved one      * Confronting Fears      * Restoration of Relationship (marriage, friendship)      * The health and growth of the church 3. You have to prayerfully agree on the time with God.      a. A meal?   b. A day(s)?   b.  A week? 4. You have to prayerfully determine the type of fast for you      a. Water & Juices, slim fast, nutritional shakes      b. Water Only      c. No Water or Food      d. Your fast is between you and the Lord; no else’s one’s business 5. You have to prayerfully factor in your physical limitations        a. If you have medical concerns, consult your physician        b. Avoid strenuous exercises or duties if possible        c. You will have hunger pangs, especially the first 2 days        d. Your body will need good rest to function efficiently 6. You have to prayerfully prepare yourself spiritually        a. Ask God to reveal areas in your life that are sinful        b. Confess those with a heart like David        c. Seek forgiveness from all you offended        d. Grant forgiveness from those who hurt you        e. Expect spiritual opposition from someone        f.  Pray throughout day to keep you focused        g. Read Scripture to fortify your soul 7. You have to prayerfully plan your routine in advance        a. A consistent routine makes it more manageable        b. Schedule times in advance to pray throughout day        c. Commit yourself to those times (be accountable)        d. Pray corporately with Northside daily from 7 to 8pm 8. You have to be Prayerfully focused throughout your Fast       a. Avoid distractions that keep you from God (Possibly TV) 9. You have to prayerfully wait to be released by God from fasting      a. Just because the day arrives, it might not be time just yet 10. You have to Prayerfully Seek more Opportunities in the Future      a. Make it a weapon you revert back to in your spiritual arsenal.

Additional Info

1. Replace television with Bible and reading that enriches you spiritually
    

2. Reach out to others, it will keep your mind off of your physical needs
   

 3. Make this a time where you take advantage of corporate prayer
    

4. Don’t begin or end a fast to quickly (i.e. light meals, snacks, fruits)
    

5. Apple, pear, grapefruit, papaya, watermelon, or other fruit juices are preferred.
    

6. Fresh vegetable juice made from lettuce, celery, and carrots in three equal parts.
    

7. Avoid caffeinated drinks.
    

8. If you can’t abstain from food; abstain from something else that is a sacrifice