All About Fasting | cukierski.net/library/fasting.shtml - Specializing in Catholic Sacramentals

	We are continually adding new articles, so check back often as our library grows! [Back to Library]

There are 74 Biblical references to fasting. And recently, we were taken with the fact that Jesus said "WHEN" you fast..not "IF" you fast so we knew it must be very important. Although not always a welcome fact, fasting is to be a normal part of our spiritual life here on earth.

We created this page after many folks had asked for more information on fasting. Please, consider "fasting" with us every Thursday from 7:00 pm until Friday at 7:00 pm for the intentions and needs of others in our Prayer Book.

Why is Fasting so powerful?
Fasting is powerful because it cleanses our soul and brings our flesh under control. Through fasting we can gain a deeper spirituality. It is a tool to obtaining a closer walk with God! It has the power to break the lower nature of our flesh and bring it under submission! Fasting has STOPPED WARS and HEALED the TERMINALLY ILL! Fasting with others is even more powerful (that's why we need your help! Please, tell others.)!

What is the definition of FASTING?
Essentially it means to abstain from food either partially or completely. While starving our flesh, we are feeding our spirit! The Bible promises that when we undergo a fast then God will feed us with something far superior to our earthly food!

What must you do?
You must voluntarly abstain from food for a period of time (partially or completely). Some folks fast for 24 hours..others fast for days..even weeks. I always advise that you PRAY to find out what type of "fast" the Lord is calling you to.

Is Fasting Biblical?
Fasting is very Biblical, in fact there are 74 references to it! You might say that the Bible gives fasting a high position of honor!

Esther fasted for protection and Divine favor. Ezra fasted for direction and protection. Elijah fasted to combat Spiritual enemies. Daniel fasted to overcome the flesh and for spiritual breakthrough. The Disciples fasted for a powerful ministry!

Even Jesus himself fasted! In Matthew 4:1-2 it states "Then Jesus was led into the desert by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights...." There are many Spiritual Biblical reasons to fast.

Why is it so important to fast?
Your flesh (carnal nature) opposes God's Spirit and cannot yield. We can not find our true spirituality unless we bring the flesh under submission. It says in Roman 8:7-8 "The flesh in its tendency is at enmity with God; it is not subject to God's law. Indeed, i tcannot be; those who are in the flesh cannot please God."

The Miracle of fasting?
Yes, the miracle! Throughout history, fasting has been known for its physcial, mental and SPIRITUAL rejuvenation!

Paracelsus the 15th century physician who established the role of Chemistry in Medicine said "Fasting is the great remedy, the physician within." Wise men throughout history have used "fasting" to heal the sick mind, the sick body and the sick SPIRIT!

There are many other blessings that come with fasting. Alex Carrel, MD (and also a noted Scientist) states "The elimination of waste products by fasting increases longevity". If you ask me, that's a nice bonus!

The Lord is INFINITELY wonderful and rewards our fast in many additional ways. Some of the benefits I have personally received are: the answer to important prayers, healing of sickness in our family, calmness, a natural euphoria (yes, you read that right! Depriving the flesh has its rewards!), extra energy, broke addiction to caffeine, no more hunger pangs, weight loss, empowered ministry, healing of OTHERS that we have fasted and prayed for! Fasting will most definitely bless your life with a much deeper spirituality, longevity, healing, health and more!

How Long should a person fast?
Personally, I recommend once or twice a week. I have periodically fasted for many days at a time for spiritual breakthroughs.

In the Bible, it mentions regular fasts. In Luke 18:11-12 "The Pharisee with head unbowed prayed in this fashion: 'I give you thanks, O God, that I am not like the rest of men-grasoing, crooked, adulterous-or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week. I pay tithes on all I possess.'" Many folks fast on Wednesday and Friday (The Didache is a Christian Manual that suggested these days).

When should a person NOT fast?
Believe it or not..there are times we are NOT to fast! If you read Mark 2:18-20 you will see that Jesus said that we are not to fast when the bridegroom is present..but when the bridegroom is gone, we are to fast. We do not recommend fasting on Sunday as the Lord is with us in a very special way!

Also..If you are pregnant or nursing...do NOT do a full fast. Instead, consider fasting from "goodies" or "television" (perhaps permanently!) or some other "non-essential".

What do I eat or drink when I fast?
There are many different types of "fasts". Usually, we do a water fast. If for some reason one of us feels too weak to carry out our parental duties, we add juice. Please note..if you are doing a water fast, do not go more than 2 or 3 days. I have received this warning from many Godly doctors.

Some folks choose to do a partial fast. They abstain from one or two meals per day.

Others prefer a "juice" fast (highly recommended if you need to be alert in your duties!). My friend "the Catholic Herb Lady " (thanks, Stephanie!) warned of the sugar levels rising and falling. This is true. That is why we suggest juicing using a Vitamix which pulverizes the pulp, peel, etc. This dramatically slows the absorption of the natural sugars which will relieve the "ups and downs". If you do not have a Vitamix (they are expensive!) then use a cheap juicer. My cheap juicer always leaves plenty of pulp and peel :-).

Then there are the folks who can not fast for health or other reasons. They might consider fasting from "gossip" or "hurtful and harsh words" and work on "uplifting others". Or..perhaps fast from the television, internet, radio. Giving up "goodies" or "caffeine" drinks is also a means of fasting.

Final Words on Fasting.
Spiritual fasting is powerful! We encourage you to start fasting with us .. you will be joining many others who have emailed us to let us know they are joining us! Encourage your friends and family to join us (email lists are a wonderful way of doing this!).

Through Spiritual Fasting, our bodily ills can be healed, we can gain protection, combat spiritual enemies, overcome the flesh, intercede for our loved ones and have spiritual breakthroughs! Many will even experience the supernatural presence of God during their fast. Be sure to undertake your fast "prayerfully" and you will notice that seemingly unsurmountable circumstances are miraculously resolved!