“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6 NIV
Sabbath and Fasting
The sabbath is a day of the week that followers of Jesus set aside to rest, spend time with God, and enjoy all of His blessings. It is an important practice that keeps us grounded in what truly matters and is important for a healthy body and soul. The sabbath principle reveals God’s heart for us and our heart for Him; to be able to rest in His love and trust in His ways. The practice of sabbath is also an act of faith since we are told to stop our “labor.” In ancient times, not working for a day could cause crops and livestock to die. Taking a sabbath was a major act of faith and trust in God to protect and provide.
Sabbath & Fasting Activations
Sabbath:
Level 1: Set aside a time period in a day for Sabbath.
Level 2: Set aside a full day for Sabbath.
Fasting:
Level 1: Practice fasting for 1 meal this week.
Level 2: Practice fasting for 1-3 full day(s) this week.
Level 3: Practice fasting for 5 full days this week.
We encourage you to practice solitude and prayer using the resources below.
Prayer And Fasting Guidelines
Prayer and fasting are integral parts of developing our relationship with Christ. It is a time when we quiet ourselves from the distractions around us so that we can hear from God more clearly. Fasting helps focus our prayer and give it resolve. It isn’t about starving or losing weight; it’s about a deeper connection with God.
Why Fast?
Jesus fasted.
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.” (Matthew 4:1–2 ESV)
“And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country.” (Luke 4:14 ESV)
Jesus knew he was going to need spiritual strength to fulfill his purposes. Fasting makes us spiritually strong and prepares us to do God’s work.
Fasting is an act of humility and consecration.
“Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods.” (Ezra 8:21 ESV)
As we humble ourselves through prayer and fasting, we receive God’s answers to our prayers.
Fasting helps us become sensitive to the Holy Spirit.
“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.” (Acts 13:2 ESV)
When we deny ourselves of natural cravings and worldly distractions, we become more sensitive to God’s voice. Then we are able to better focus on God and submit to His will.
Fasting brings revival.
“And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
you shall be called the repairer of the breach,
the restorer of streets to dwell in.” (Isaiah 58:12 ESV)
Throughout history, God has brought revival and delivered nations from destruction in response to prayer and fasting. Fasting helps us prevail in prayer and intercession.
Fasting is healthy.
Fasting cleanses your digestive system from toxins. Doctors consider fasting a cure for certain allergies and diseases. The discipline of fasting helps break unhealthy addictions in our lives.
What Type Of Fast Should I Attempt?
A juice fast is recommended for this Seek Week. Avoid citric juices. Drink soft juices like unsweetened apple, apple cranberry, or white grape. Have about 12 ounces of juice for your regular meal times and six ounces every two hours between meals. Drink 2-3 quarts of water spread evenly throughout the day. Avoid caffeinated beverages and strenuous exercise.
Planning Your Fast
“Then Joshua said to the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.'“ (Joshua 3:5 ESV)
Pray—Spend time reading the Bible before the fast. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in your prayers. Write down your faith goals and specific prayer requests for your family, friends, church, and nation.
Commit—Pray about the kind of fast you will undertake and commit to it ahead of time. Ask God for grace to help you follow through with your decisions.
Act—Start eating smaller portions a few days before the fast. Avoid food high in sugar and fat. Plan to limit physical and social activities for the week of the fast. Ask someone in your group to be your prayer partner throughout the fast.
NOTE: Consult a physician, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication. If your situation does not allow you to do a full fast, determine what will work best for you.
While Fasting
“[Jesus] answered, It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4 ESV)
Focus—Set aside time to work through the devotionals. Be ready to respond to God’s Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Pray—Join at least one of our prayer pockets. Intercede for your family, church, pastors, nation, campuses, and missions throughout the week.
Replenish—During mealtime, read the Bible and pray. Drink plenty of water and rest as much as you can. Be ready for temporary bouts of physical weakness and mental annoyances like impatience and irritability.
Breaking The Fast
“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.” (1 John 5:14–15 ESV)
Eat—Reintroduce solid food gradually. Your body will need time to adjust to a normal diet. Start with fruits, juices, and salad, then add more vegetables. Eat small portions throughout the day.
Pray—Don’t stop praying! Trust God’s faithfulness and timing. Carry your newfound passion for God throughout the year. Be in faith for God to answer your prayers.
and/or
Check out the following Sabbath resources: