From Monday 10th to Saturday 15th August we are calling to church to a week of prayer and fasting. This will finish with 12 hours of prayer. Fasting is the giving up off something that you do so that you can focus more on God in prayer. It is normally the giving up of food.
24-7 prayer gives this practical advice on fasting:
‘For health reasons total food fasts for a day or more aren’t recommended for anyone under 16, expectant or breast-feeding mothers, or anyone with a medical disorder affected by diet like Diabetes.
We also recommend that food fasts should not be entered into by anyone with a history of eating disorders. Fasting should be a positive dedication to God, so discuss your motivation for fasting before committing to it.
If you want to take on a total food fast for an extended period (such as 40 days), don’t make the decision alone. Consult your doctor for a recommended diet in the run up to and end of the fast, as a challenge like this takes preparation for your body and mind.
If food is an inappropriate fast for you, then there are many other (sometimes more challenging) ways to deny yourself, such as:
Television
Your phone
Social media
Speaking
Sleep
However you choose to fast, prioritise spending time in prayer and worship when you do it - focus your mind and energy on God; and be encouraged as you do so.’
(24-7 Prayer: www.24-7prayer.com/fasting)