1. Headaches, bad breath, and run down feelings are signs that the fast is working.

During a time of fasting the body purifies itself, feeding off of impurities and pollutants in the body. After approximately three days the headaches begin to cease and after approximately five days hunger also stops.

2. Fasting will not impair your health. 

On the contrary, fasting throughout history has been a prescribed method for healing. Animals cease to eat, as God instinctively ordained, when they become ill. Hippocrates was an outstanding physician in his time. He is called the “father of modern medicine.” He set standards followed by doctors today called the Hippocratic Oath. Hippocrates taught his students to rely on diet and exercise instead of drugs. He personally fasted often. Moreover, he advised people to only eat one meal a day.

3. Fasting will increase your faith. 

The same member with whom you speak the word of faith is the same member with which you eat. That is the mouth (Romans 10:8-10). Faith must be released out of the mouth. Fasting and faith are first cousins. They are related. The tongue speaks faith and eats food. Some unbelief cannot be broken without fasting. Each day that you fast, your faith is increased.

4. Drink plenty of fluids. 

Bottled mineral water should be taken in large quantities, before and during the fast. This will help flush poisons and impurities out of your system. Approximately one gallon a day should be used in the cleansing process.

5. The hardest day of fasting is day one. 

The second hardest day is day two. It does not get harder, but it actually gets easier. Your body becomes purified of poisons and toxins. When you feel tired there is poison in your system. You need to use regular methods of colon cleansing.

6. Fasting strengthens your inner will. 

James says, “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. Let not that man think that he will receive anything from the Lord.” (James1:78) Your becoming hungry is not a reason to break a fast. The only reasons you should break a fast are for medical reasons or if God has dealt with you that it is time to break the fast. You will not starve to death by fasting.

7. During the fast, focus on the Word of God.

 Most of the direction that God speaks to His people comes through the revelation of His word. When Jesus fasted, He was tempted by the devil, but in every case He used the Word of God to overcome. Without exception God has spoken to me through the scriptures each time I have fasted. When you become hungry, if you will read from the Word of God, you will be satisfied of physical hunger.

8. During a fast your prayers need to be specific.

I encourage you to write down your greatest needs and prayover each need during this time of. As God impresses you with direction and guidance, jot down what God speaks.

9. Wisdom should be used in breaking the fast. 

There have been reported cases where people have fasted for long periods of time and have broken their fast with meat and other foods hard to digest. This lack of wisdom has cost some people their lives. I suggest that you not eat meat and other hard to digest foods the first few days after a fast. Instead, eat foods which are very easy to digest. The sooner the first meal passes through the body, the more effect it has as it carries out poisons collected in the intestines and stomach. The best laxative foods for a fast are fresh, sweet fruits, such as grapes, cherries, or raw vegetables. If you experience backaches during fasting, it is probably your kidneys and not you’re back at all. You need much more water when you fast. Drink more water and the pain will go away. Of course, if the pain does not go away, consult your physician. Set aside this time of fasting in dedication to the Lord. Our purpose is to draw close to Him and receive His guidance.

Everyone of importance in the Bible practiced fasting: Moses, David, Elijah, Esther, Daniel, Anna, Paul, Jesus, just to name a few. When Jesus taught on fasting, He would say “When you fast” not “If you fast”. He assumed that we would fast. We were created with fasting, think about it, if you sleep 8 hours a day, then you are sleeping 1/3 of your life. If you live, say, 75 years, that’s 25 years asleep, or 9,125 days. When you sleep, you are fasting, that’s why morning meal is called breakfast – its when you break your fast.

Benefits of Fasting:

1. Helps us overcome the calamities of life.
Fasting is the Biblical way to humble ourselves (Psalm 35:13; 69:10). Esther fasted when faced with danger (Esther 4:16). Ezra fasted for protection (Ezra 8:21-28). Jehoshaphat fasted in the time of the invasion of the confederated armies of Canaanites and Syrians (2 Chronicles 20:3).

2. Renews our connection with God.
Jesus said that His disciples will fast when He is gone (Mark 2:20). When we fast, we get our hunger back for the presence of God.

3. Empowers us to fulfill God’s calling in our life.
Most of the people in the OT fasted in a crisis; Jesus fasted for His calling. We should not fast only during problems, but also for our purpose. Anna was fasting for the coming of the redemption of Israel. (Luke 2:37).

4. Defeats the devil.
Once, the disciples of Jesus could not cast out a demon. Jesus said, This kind does not leave, but by prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21). Fasting helps to break the bonds of wickedness, undo heavy burdens, and empower us to break every yoke (Isaiah 58:6).

Types of Fast:

1. Full Fast.
Drink only liquids (you establish the number of days)

2. Partial Fast.
A partial fast is from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or from sun up to sundown. You can select from three types of fasting: Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food. (Chocolate)

3. The Daniel Fast.
Eat no meat, no sweets, and no bread. Drink water and juice. Eat fruits and vegetables.

How to Begin:

1. Start With a Clear Goal.
Be specific. Why are you fasting? Do you need direction, healing, restoration of your marriage or family issues? Are you facing financial difficulties? Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance.

2. Preparing Spiritually.
Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness. Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended. Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).

3. Deciding What to Fast.
The type of fasting you choose is up to you. You could go on a full fast in which you only drink liquids, or you may desire to fast like Daniel, who abstained from sweets and meats, and the only liquid he drank was water. Remember to replace that time with prayer and Bible study.

4. Deciding How Long.
You may fast as long as you like. Most can easily fast from one to three days, but you may feel the grace to go longer, even as much as 21 to 40 days. Use wisdom and pray for guidance. Beginners are advised to start slow.

5. What to Expect.
When you fast, your body detoxifies and eliminates toxins from your system. This can cause mild discomfort such as headaches and irritability during withdrawal from caffeine and sugars. And naturally, you will have hunger pains. Limit your activity and exercise moderately. Take time to rest. Fasting brings about miraculous results. You are following Jesus’ example when you fast. Spend time listening to praise and worship. Pray as often as you can throughout the day. Get away from the normal distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and mindset on seeking God’s face.

6. How to End.
Don’t overeat when the time comes to end your fast. Begin eating solid food gradually; eat small portions or snacks.

1. The 21 Day Fast – Bob Rodgers
2. The Fasting Manuel – Bob Rodgers
3. 100 Days of Unbroken Prayer – Bob Rodgers
4. The Power of Persistent Prayer – Cindy Jacobs
5. Decree Confessions from the Word of God to strengthen your spirit – Patricia King
6. Courts of Heaven – Breakthrough in Prayer by Robert Henderson
7. How to Pray for Lost Ones – Dutch Sheets
8. Authority in Prayer: Praying with Power and Purpose- Dutch Sheets
9. Essential Guide to Prayer- Dutch Sheets
10. The Practice of Presence – Andrew Murray