Fasting

Fasting

Fasting, as a spiritual practice has been a part of the church since the Christians
practiced it every Wednesday and Friday as an exercise in penitence and sacrifice.

John Wesley was convinced that fasting, abstaining from food or drink was a spiritual practice firmly grounded in Scripture. In the Old Testament numerous accounts of fasting are found. These are but a few:

1. Daniel fasted as he confessed the sins of Israel - Da 9:3-5,
2. David fasted and wept for his son while the boy was ill - 2 Sam 12:16-23
3. The psalmist also mentions fasting for his enemies - Ps 35:11-13
4. Day of Atonement. Lev 16:29-31; 23:26-32; Num 29:7

In the new testament we find accounts of Jesus and his followers fasting as well, Matthew 4:2; Acts 13:3.

Wesley saw noting in Scripture to suggest that modern Christians should not follow the practice of fasting as well. His personal weekly fast was to pray and fast each Thursday evening, after the evening meal, until the afternoon each Friday

While fasting form food is the most common and what we find clearly spoken of in Scripture sometimes person will chose to fast from other things that have a hold on their lives: television, shopping, music or anything that seems to hold on a persons life.

Fasting can provide a new way to connect and re-connect with God, but as with all tings that potentially involves ones health. Do some research first. Be careful about what you are doing and if you have any medical conditions talk to your doctor first, explain why you want to fast and ask their advice.