Fasting

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit spoke

Acts 13:2

“Fasting is an expression of our dependence on the Lord as our “First Portion” and ultimately the One on whom we depend for all things. Our hunger cries out to the Lord, “Come! Change me! Fill me! Enlarge my capacity for joy in you even as you shrink the capacity of my stomach for this world.” – John Piper

Scroll through to find general information about fasting and prayer. For more detailed information, click the button below.

REASONS TO FAST

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• To purify our passions. Our physical bodies were created by the Lord with good and natural appetites, but we are easily led to sin by our appetites (passions). Fasting is one exercise for keeping our cravings pure.

• To listen to the voice of the Lord. We spend our time praying when we would normally be eating so that we may hear and attend to the desires of the Lord more clearly. (Acts 13:2 “While they were worshiping and fasting, the Holy Spirit spoke…”

• To humble ourselves before our Maker. As we deny our most basic pleasures in fasting, the Holy Spirit exposes and subdues the root of pride in us.

• To open our eyes to God’s activity. Fasting brings us to God when we are our emptiest, and feel in our gut our utter dependence on Him. We get our motives and strategies out of the way.

HOW TO FAST

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• Determine what to fast: Food is most common, but some may choose, for dietary, health or personal reasons, to fast another daily “need” during the fasting period. Just choose something that still serves one or all of the purposes listed above. Fasting is a purposeful deprivation.

• Determine how long to fast: We recommend at least a 24 hour fast (at least two meals), but of course you’re free to do it differently.

• Determine how to use your time: Being hungry is not the point. Seeking the Lord is. Plan in advance how you will spend meal times and other moments throughout your day—pray, read Scripture (maybe read a Psalm back to the Lord as a prayer), journal, etc. You may also want to prepare topics of discussion with God in advance (i.e. “My marriage”). Whatever you can do to put everything else aside that day, the more fruitful your fast will be.

• If you are fasting from food entirely, drink plenty of water.

HOW TO PRAY

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It has been said that “Prayer is the key that unlocks the blessings of God.” James 4:2 says, “You do not have because you do not ask God.” Jesus himself, during his ministry would say, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Luke 18:41). Prayer is the place we meet with Jesus, remember and thank him for who he is to us. It is the place where we align ourselves with his will for our lives, and secure his presence and power for our day. It is the place where we come to him with our needs and the needs of the world around us, because without him, we can do nothing (John 15:5). Prayer is absolutely essential to an abundant Christian life. This is why, at Rio Vista church, we dedicate two 21-day seasons per year to emphasize the importance of prayer.

If you need some help to start praying, or feel like your prayer life is dry, try our Personal Worship at Rio, which is meant to walk you prayerfully through your time with the Lord in the morning. It will lead you through prayers to begin, give you a passage of scripture to read, and then give you help to prayerfully adjust your life as the Lord directs. We use the acronym P.R.A.Y. to direct this time, as outlined below:

P- Pause: Stop everything. Put your phone down. Center your mind on God.

R- Rejoice + Reflect: Remind yourself of the greatness of our God, thank him for who he is and what he has done for you! Reflect on a passage of scripture, not for information but with the goal of transformation. Consider what God is saying to you through it.

A- Ask: Ask the Lord about anything that comes to mind through this passage. Pray for your needs and the needs of others.

Y- Yield: Agree with God about whatever he has said to you. Say yes, to any adjustments he would have you make, or guidance he has given you for a direction. Surrender in prayer.

You can also use this guide to pray on your own.