Christian Fasting for Beginners

Ever wanted to try fasting but you’ve been too scared or just didn’t know where to start or what to do? Fear no more, as you discover helpful tips that’ll help you prepare for a spiritual fast. Let’s explore Christian fasting for beginners.

When life gets crazy it’s always a good idea to turn to God in prayer. But… What if you’re yearning for a little more? Fasting and praying just might be the answer you’re looking for! We, Christians should always incorporate fasting and praying into our walk with God to strengthen it. As God actually desires for His people to fast and pray routinely. As someone who routinely fast, I’ll teach you exactly how to properly fast as a Christian beginner.

In this post you’re going to learn how to pray and fast as a Christian beginner and what not to do when fasting as a Christian.

After reading this post, you will know how to prepare for a spiritual fast and five things to avoid when fasting and praying.

This post is all about Christian fasting for beginners.

Christian Fasting for Beginners

 

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional of any kind. I’m just sharing my fasting experience and what works for me whenever I do a prolonged water fast. The longest fast I’ve done was for 21 days.

I’ve done so many water fast that I’ve lost count, so I know it’s best to prepare days in advance for a fast. Start by drinking more water than you usually would at least two days before you begin your fast. Aim to drink 16 ounces of water every hour for 8-10 hours straight, while only eating one meal at a set time each day. Also, remove any snacks and drinks outside of water that you’d usually eat or drink. This will make it a lot easier the first day that you actually begin to fast, because your body will be somewhat used to drinking lots of water already and eating less than you normally would.

As far as what to eat for those two days before fasting, I’d recommend very few carb-based meals. For instance, meals that include pasta, rice, bread, potatoes, etc. Instead, you should eat more protein-based meals which includes: meat, vegetables, dairy, and fruit. Go for meals such as salads, lettuce tacos, steak and eggs, etc.

 

Day of the fast

Once you figure out how long you want to fast, make sure you always have fresh water on hand preferably bottled water, spring water, or if you’re at home you can drink filtered water. Whatever you do, just don’t drink any unfiltered or tap water!

The first day of your fast will probably be the hardest if you’re not used to fasting. However, you can make it easier on yourself by continuing to drink 16 ounces of water every hour for 8-10 hours. I would suggest that you drink two 16 ounces glasses of water around the times that you normally would eat, because your stomach will start to growl around those times. PSA: you will use the bathroom a lot, so be prepared to always have access to a bathroom. To make time pass faster and to take your mind off food you should keep your focus strictly on spiritual matters.

Utilize your free time by reading the Bible, listening to gospel songs/sermons, praying, praising God, worshiping God, and journaling your experience. This will keep you on track and you’ll forget about food in no time! It’s also best to really engage in those activities around the time that you would normally eat and anytime that you feel hunger. Remember, that if you feel any hunger then drink a glass or two of water and the hunger will quickly fade.

Repeat

Repeat those same steps for each day of your fast until you decide to end it. It’s also good to know that by day three your body should be in ketosis and you may experience dizziness, fatigue, and irritability. But…don’t worry this is normal because your body is constantly flushing out your electrolytes through frequent urination. You’ll feel a lot better if you replace lost electrolytes. You can replace electrolytes and minimize the negative effects by taking zero calorie electrolyte liquid drops. If you do moderate to intense physical labor at work, then it’s okay to take the drops 3-4 times a day, so that you’ll have enough energy without feeling fatigued and weak.

I’ve taken this specific brand on some of my fast and it helped me tremendously! I felt better and was able to fast longer because I wasn’t too tired, weak, or irritable.

If you’re fasting longer than three days, then it’s a good idea to take it easy on your body and allow it to rest. There will be days when you’re tired so listen to your body and just lie down. Do not ever exercise while fasting! It’s best to preserve what little energy that you have for work, prayer, reading and anything else besides physical activity.

After your fast, you’ll feel much better mentally, physically, spiritually, and psychologically. You’ll also feel lighter and more positive. It’s best to break your fast with a small light meal. Your meal should consist of a broth soup, smoothie, fish, chicken, eggs, watermelon, or white rice. Foods to avoid include spicy foods, alcohol, candy, junk foods, heavy greasy fried foods, and soda. Give your body time to adjust to eating again, and don’t overwhelm your digestive system by overeating.

 

 

 

 

5 things to avoid when fasting and praying

 

1. Social Media

Social media is a sure way to get distracted while fasting, so it’s best to avoid it at all cost. If you scroll through social media then you’ll become consumed in whatever it is that you’re looking at and you should really spend that time investing in spiritual matters.

 

2. Secular Music

Listening to secular music will throw your fast off. It’s not even good to listen to it a little or give yourself a pass for one song because you’ll want to hear more. If you must listen to music, go for gospel music. Gospel music’s message is more aligned with Godliness and you’re more likely to become sensitive to what is being said. In other words, it’ll touch your heart in ways like it couldn’t have before.

 

3. Secular TV Shows

Cut off the tv! Any shows that you’d normally watch, don’t watch while you’re fasting. Replace those shows with Christian sermons instead—that way you’ll be focused on God and receiving a helpful insightful word from a sermon. There have been plenty of times when I’d fast and watch a sermon and that was the exact thing that I needed to hear that would help my situation. Don’t neglect watching a good sermon while fasting.

 

4. Secular Conversations

Gossiping is a huge no no! It takes away from focusing on God and positivity. It can be tempting to answer a call and start gossiping (or listening to it), but I encourage you to stay away from it. Even listening to television or radio when gossip is present is not good. No gossip whatsoever—no matter what platform it’s on—is ever okay!

 

5. Profanity

Watching your language while fasting is a must! Listening to people or platforms that use profane language is also not good. From my experience, once you allow it in, the seed has been planted and you’ll slowly start to think using curse words, which will eventually turn into you speaking curse words. Then it’ll become a bad habit, so never ever use or listen to profane words/subjects especially while fasting.

 

 

 

What prayers to say while fasting

When you’re fasting you should always pray. Pray about people, things, or situations that are bothering you or heavy on your mind. Fasting allows you to forget about the things of this world and focus on connecting with God. It shows God that you’re so hungry for Him and not the things of this world that you’re willing to go without food and your usual activities to seek Him. One time I fasted, and every day I prayed continually without ceasing over the same thing that bothered me and I felt so much better and began to see changes during the fast. Fasting paired with prayer is super powerful, so pray continually while fasting.

 

How long should I fast for God as a beginner

It’s best to start small then work your way up. I’d recommend fasting no more than three consecutive days as a beginner. It takes time and practice to build the self-discipline and strong willpower that it takes to water fast. There will be times when you’ll get a food craving or experience hunger and you will want to give in. However, you can’t! And it’s best to reduce that urge with drinking a glass of water instead. Fasting isn’t as hard as most people think it is. Especially, if you replace food with water and prayer. Whenever the desire for food arises begin praying, reading the Bible, watching a sermon, meditating, etc. and you’ll forget all about food. The more you practice fasting the easier it’ll get, so start small and build your way up.

RELATED POST >>> The Benefits of Fasting and Prayer

Fasting Scriptures

• Matthew 17:21, “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
• Matthew 6:17-18, “But when you fast put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”
• Isaiah 58:6-9, “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter when you see the naked, to clothe him and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here I am.”

 

Thanks for reading this post about Christian fasting for beginners. Hopefully, it helped you! Your comments are greatly appreciated.

 

This post was all about Christian fasting for beginners and five things to avoid when fasting and praying.

 

This post was written by MelisaDanielle, an avid lover of Jesus