Spirit Led Fasting

[Nahum]

I would really like this thread to be a meaty explanation of the different types of fasts, the reasons to fast, the benefits of fasting, and your personal stories of renewal and answers through the fasting process.

There have been many times in my life when I have scheduled fasts of a day, three day, or week long duration. I do this when I feel I need to bring my will into subjection to the Holy Ghost and His leading.

But have you ever been so burdened for someone or something that food simply does not appeal to you at all? You fast without conscious effort for an indefinite period of time? That all you can do is pray - even in your sleep?

Is this Spirit-led fasting?

What purpose would the Spirit have in leading us to fast?

[Pressing-On]

Yes, PP. We were in a church situation where the whole thing eventually split. During the worst of it the Lord took my whole appetite away for 15 days.

I couldn't have eaten if I wanted to.

During that time he removed every hindrance.

I don't believe in fasting unless directed by the Lord. Usually when someone says, "I am going to or have fasted", it's because the Lord laid that on their heart.

At first you think it's your idea, but during or after you realize it was directed by the Lord.

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

Yes, PP. We were in a church situation where the whole thing eventually split. During the worst of it the Lord took my whole appetite away for 15 days.

I couldn't have eaten if I wanted to.

During that time he removed every hindrance.

I don't believe in fasting unless directed by the Lord. Usually when someone says, "I am going to or have fasted", it's because the Lord laid that on their heart.

At first you think it's your idea, but during or after you realize it was directed by the Lord.

Is this type of fasting only brought about by extremely sorrowful situations?

I can think of two examples:

1. David before the death of Bathsheba's child.
2. Nehemiah after hearing of the ruination of the holy city.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

Is this type of fasting only brought about by extremely sorrowful situations?

I can think of two examples:

1. David before the death of Bathsheba's child.
2. Nehemiah after hearing of the ruination of the holy city.

I was extremely sorrowful, of course, so perhaps so. I was also a new convert and maybe God just wanted to show me some deeper things to solidify my faith.

Whatever the case, I walked away knowing that if it needs to be done, He will accomplish the work in us.

I don't once believe it is ever anything we start in ourselves.

[RevDWW]

Matt 6:16 - 18 (KJV) 16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

Why do you think Jesus would tell us to keep our fasts secret?

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by RevDWW

Matt 6:16 - 18 (KJV) 16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

Why do you think Jesus would tell us to keep our fasts secret?

I think that we garner a closer intimacy with God through fasting. Its a personal thing. Some things aren't meant to be spoken. Our secret devotion with Him is precious.

[Arphaxad]

Originally Posted by RevDWW

Matt 6:16 - 18 (KJV) 16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

Why do you think Jesus would tell us to keep our fasts secret?

So that we don't get too full of ourselves like " look at me, I'm fasting, I must be more spiritual than you, and I'm gonna make look like I'm suffering so you can tell how commited I am."


ARPH

[RevDWW]

What do you see as the purpose of fasting?

[SDG]

Originally Posted by RevDWW

What do you see as the purpose of fasting?

to make me more APOSTOLIC.

[Neck]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

I would really like this thread to be a meaty explanation of the different types of fasts, the reasons to fast, the benefits of fasting, and your personal stories of renewal and answers through the fasting process.

There have been many times in my life when I have scheduled fasts of a day, three day, or week long duration. I do this when I feel I need to bring my will into subjection to the Holy Ghost and His leading.

But have you ever been so burdened for someone or something that food simply does not appeal to you at all? You fast without conscious effort for an indefinite period of time? That all you can do is pray - even in your sleep?

Is this Spirit-led fasting?

What purpose would the Spirit have in leading us to fast?

In my life I have felt a burden or need to pray for someone.

I then have use the denying of my flesh to spend the quality time to reach the throne.

You can debate all of it if you want.

Regardless I do it.....