How to Prepare for a Fast for God

Eat whole foods such as fruit and vegetables right before you fast.

Fasting can clear your head spiritually and bring you closer to God. Fasting requires discipline; you will be taking in nothing but liquids for however long you decide to fast. Before the actual act of fasting, you must prepare yourself. Preparing for a fast for God requires you to be ready physically and spiritually.

Things You'll Need

• Vegetables
• Fruit
• Scripture
• Pen
• Paper

Instructions

Physically

1. Start eating smaller meals a few days ahead of time in preparation for the fast. This will help your stomach gear up and get ready for not taking in any food.

2. Eat raw, whole foods such as fruit and vegetables for two days before the fast.

3. Avoid eating a large meal right before you fast. This will confuse your body. Also avoid foods that are high in fat or contain a lot of sugar.

4. Slowly wean yourself off caffeine and processed sugar in the weeks prior to your fast.

5. Make up a schedule to follow during the fast. Break the day into three parts: morning, noon and evening. Set aside time for prayer, for worship, for meeting others who are fasting with you and for studying scripture.

Spiritually

1. Figure out your motives for the fast. If you want to be spiritually cleansed, healed or become closer to God, pray about it. Do not attempt to fast if you are doing it for the wrong reasons, such as losing weight.

2. Pray about the fast. Ask for guidance through this time, and ask for a positive outlook on the situation.

3. Confess all your sins before taking on a fast, and ask for forgiveness as well as repentance. Do this by talking with God about your sins and ways of clearing yourself of them.

4. Meditate and bring God into your heart. Clear your mind of everything but Him, focusing on his great characteristics, which include wisdom, power, grace and compassion.

5. Read scripture to help you prepare. By surrounding yourself in God's teachings, you will gain a clearer head to fast.

Tips & Warnings

• Always consult a physician before changing your eating habits, especially before starting any sort of fast.

References

• Campus Crusade For Christ International; How to Prepare Yourself Spiritually and Physically; Dr. Bill Bright
• Shades of Grace; How Should I Prepare for a Fast?; Natalie; Jan. 2011
• In His Steps Ministries: Fasting