9 Tips for Doing a Prayer Fast

By: Jenifer Metzger

Fasting is a powerful tool that God gave us for prayer. It is something personal between you and God. Fasting is not about a diet. It’s about delayed gratification. It’s about setting aside something our flesh wants in order to hear from God. Fasting removes distractions so that we can grow closer to God.

Think about a time when you were stressed, what did you turn to? God or comfort food? What about when you were happy, did you celebrate with praises or a feast? What about when you were bored? Did food entertain you or maybe mindlessly scrolling through social media? So much of our lives are wrapped up in food. Food isn't bad in and of itself. It was created to bring us nourishment. But instead of using food for nourishment, we use it for entertainment purposes or to numb out during hard times. It has become such a pleasure thing or a survival thing instead of what God intended it to be.

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Galatians 5:16

When we fast, we are setting aside earthly desires for a deeper connection with God. We can fast for a loved one who needs salvation, a health issue, a decision we need to make, a relationship that needs restored, a movement of God in our church, or anything that lines up with God's Word.

Here are a few tips to help you get started with a prayer fast:

Decide what kind of fast you are doing. Are you doing a full fast of no food, a Daniel fast of plant based foods only, no sugar, no tv, no social media, etc. What fast are you doing? It needs to be something that is a sacrifice for you. If you don't normally drink coffee, don't fast from coffee. If tv isn't your thing, don't fast from tv. Fast from something that is going to be a sacrifice.

Decide how long you are going to fast. You can choose to fast for one week, one day a week for a certain number of weeks, a 21 day fast, a month, or I've known people who even fasted an entire 40 days. Make the decision of how long you are going to fast, your starting day, and your ending day.

Decide what you are fasting for. It can be more than one thing. Do you have a loved one that needs saved? Do you or someone you know have health issues? Do you want to see restoration in a relationship? Do you want to see a mighty move of God at church? Decide what you are fasting for and make it an intentional matter of prayer.

Find Scriptures that back up what you are praying for. Write the Scriptures out and place them where you will see them. Quote them often. Pray them often.

Set yourself up for success. If you are doing a Daniel fast, purchase lots of fruits, veggies, and nuts. Wash your fruits and veggies and have them cut and ready to go. Keep a baggie of nuts in your purse or at your desk. If you are fasting from social media, delete the apps from your phone. If you are fasting from all food, be sure to grab your Bible during meal times. Whatever it is, set yourself up for success.

If you are fasting from food, caffeine, etc, be sure to drink plenty of water. When fasting from any foods or caffeine, the body goes through a natural withdraw and detox. Make sure you stay hydrated with lots of water.

When the hunger or craving comes, begin to pray. When the boredom comes and you normally would scroll mindlessly through social media, begin to pray. Use those moments as triggers for prayer. Pray for the needs you are fasting for. Pray the Scriptures you chose.

Have an intentional time with God each day. Set aside time for prayer and Bible reading. It can be morning, on your lunch break in your car, before bed, whenever works for you, just be purposeful about it. A prayer fast is all about seeking God. We want to have a purposeful time with Him and we want to use those regular eating moments for prayer.

Find an accountability partner. This could be a spouse, someone in your Bible study group, or your mentor. The Bible tells us in Matthew 6 to not announce we are fasting. It is a private matter for you and God. The verse even goes as far as to tell us that if we announce it, that is our reward. So only share your fast with someone close for the purpose of accountability and help. Whenever you are struggling, turn to them for encouragement and prayer.

It's time for Share A Link Wednesday! Each Wednesday we invite you to leave a link to your latest blog post in the comments. We still desire to connect women of God with one another and encourage each other in Christ. So grab a cup of coffee or glass of sweet tea, sit back and visit a few blogs. Be encouraged and share your own stories.