01/12/2026
Fasting and Consecration
Isaiah 58:6 NASB2020
““Is this not the fast that I choose: To release the bonds of wickedness, To undo the ropes of the yoke, And to let the oppressed go free, And break every yoke?”
The essence of fasting is to increase God’s presence in our lives through the removal of worldly burdens {passions, pride, lusts, strongholds(thoughts), etc.
Drawing near to the presence of God…
Mark 2:18-20 ESV
“Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. And people came and said to him, “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day.”
Fasting is to draw near to the presence of God.
Benefits:
Fasting exposes secret struggles.
Fasting exposes hidden faults.
Open our eyes to remove stubborn patterns and ungodly characteristics.
Tips for a successful fast:
Clear your mind (do not burden yourself with thoughts about planning, working out, projects, goals, etc.) Focus on Jesus.
Always begin a fast with prayer.
Do not focus on your needs. Focus on God.
Have a goal.
⁃ I am going to grow closer to God by eliminating cursing.
⁃ I am going to stop lying to my parents so that I can honor them.
⁃ I am going to stop listening to certain music so that my thoughts can be pure.
Avoid excessive activities.
Shopping, Playing games, Hanging out with friends, Unnecessary distractions.
Substitute every meal with prayer, praise and reflection.
Avoid various forms of entertainment.
TV, Radio, News, Social Media, watching YouTube, Books, etc
If married, discuss with your spouse to avoid distractions and intimate interactions.
Avoid long idol conversations with friends and relatives.
Avoid working out unless you are walking and praying.
Be kind to others.
Look for small ways to help others.
Avoid sharing information about your fast with others except that you are a minor (inform your parents) or married (discuss with your spouse).
You may share your fasting goals with a spiritual authority if warranted.
If you are the primary cook for your family, prepare meals in advance.
Limit your phone and electronics time to necessary interactions.
Have a day long or hours long playlist.
Focus on a Scripture, chapter or book of the Bible.
Rest when needed to preserve strength.
Upon breaking your fast, eat light. Consider having a smoothie or replenish with vegetables .
Note. You will never be bored if your heart is right.
Remember a fast is not work. It is a cessation of specific activities primarily food to break yokes and remove burdens from our lives (or the lives of others). It is a faithful act of humility.
Fasting should not be considered work in a traditional sense. Rather, fasting is more akin to releasing all that we have become burdened with.
