Fasting for 40 days | The Secret of Prolonged Fasting (2023)

Fasting for 40 days for spiritual breakthrough and physical health benefits

Are you considering fasting for 40 days? If so, I think I can help you.

For many years I dreamed of taking on the challenge of the 40 day fast. After all, throughout the Bible we read of people having life-changing experiences with it.

But I wondered“Is fasting still something Christians do? Or is it a crazy idea?”

Nobody around me has ever fasted for a long period of time.

I've never met anyone at alltalked aboutthe idea of ​​fasting for 40 days.

Still, the idea burned in my heart. I just couldn't shake the feelingIf only I could fast for 40 days, something powerful was about to happen in my life!

I decided to fast for 40 days

Without any support from anyone. And indeed, many people thought I had lost my mind... I decided to try fasting.

I started with one day. Then two days. Then three days.

Well you got the idea! Finally, I was able to fast for 10 days. I have made it a habit to fast every Monday. Finally, I was able to fulfill my dream of fasting for 40 days. It was the most amazing spiritual experience of my life.

I finally got the song:

Set your eyes on Jesus
Look full into his wonderful face.
And things on earth will grow strangely murky.
In the light of his glory and grace.

– Set your eyes on Jesus

This is EXACTLY what happened to me during my 40 day fast. Things in this world grew strangely bleak. I felt like I was floating through life. Food didn't matter. Stupid stuff that shouldn't matter, didn't matter. I felt totally detached from temptations like gossip, complaining, arguing - my usual falls.

I felt so close to God. And I was never hungry! Honestly, I wanted my fast to last forever.

Discover the 5 phases of fasting

During this journey I discovered something incredible. Each extended fast included five distinct phases. Each presented their own unique challenges. And there was a clear strategy that worked to achieve victory over each stage.

I want you to understandThe 5 phases of fastingSo you know exactly what to expect at every step. I explain everything in detail in this valuable free guide,The Secrets of Extended Fasting: Understanding the 5 Stages of Fasting.

Why I am passionate about fasting for 40 days

Fasting is one of my absolute passions because:

1. I have seen it release nuclear power in the spiritual realm
2. It is a missing piece in the lives of many Christians today

I don't know anyone, anywhere, who talks about the 5 phases of fasting. This is precisely why so few people are able to do itFINISH YOUR FAST.

Listen, friend: I will tell you directly. If every day of your fast was just like the first two days, no one in human history (except Jesus, of course!) would have ever survived 40 days.

But every day is NOT like phase 1. In fact, phase 2 is usually completely different. And then, once you reach phase 3, you'll forget all the challenges of the first two phases... and you'll feel like you can fast forever.

That's the sweet point. But that doesn't last forever either!

Please don't get this wrong about fasting!

Because then comes phase 4 and if you GET THIS WRONG - you could be in serious physical danger! And this is the part where most Christian fasting teachers are completely WRONG - in fact, they are dangerously wrong!

If you believe anythingalmost everythingChristians teach about fasting (because they don't understand phase 4) that you could really seriously endanger your body. And I'll explain exactly why. Some of these teachers - now I'm talking about best-selling Christian authors whom I really respect - can even cause you tremendous spiritual and emotional harm, even though they don't mean to.

And all because they don't understand phase 4 of fasting.

When I first started fasting in the 1980's, the only book I had on the subject was dead wrong. Although God used this author to inspire me to fast, instead of actually harming my soul, his book gave terrible spiritual advice.

Speaking of hurt and unprepared... nothing prepared me for the fifth phase of the fast.

In fact, after decades of fasting, I have now read nearly every book ever written on the subject! And I've listened to countless sermons and podcasts. As I said, fasting is my passion!

But I've never heard anyone mention anything about the 5th and final phase of the fast. No one. je.

I have now coached thousands of students through the fasting experience. And I've never met a person who knew anything about the fifth phase of the fast.

So please, before you fast, please read my book. It's a gift to you. I don't make a cent from it. i just want to help You can get a copy by visiting:www.donnapartow.com/phases

Resources for Fasting

I also wanted to mention some great paid resources. The first was developed by the Medical Advisor for my ministry. We had many women who wanted to fast but were afraid. Or their doctors warned them it wasn't safe.

So I asked our doctor to create a resource that would be ideal for someone who has never fasted before. By the way, when I say fasting, I don't just mean water. Instead, we recommend consuming very low-calorie, beneficial liquids such as vegetable juice and broth or cleansing tonics.

Therefore your body gets some nourishment. Physiologically, your body stays in a sober state as long as you eat less than 400-500 calories (depending on your weight).

The quick breakthrough

A great place to start if you're looking to do a longer fast is Dr. Kristin. She explains what to do before, during and after fasting. It includes a detailed daily fasting "menu" and prescriptions for the doctor-approved fluids. Learn more atwww.donnapartow.com/10-day-fast

After completing a few 10-day fasts, you're ready to fast for 40 days.

Pray Quickly: The Failsafe Action Guide to Breaking Your Fast

One of my dear sisters in Christ, Rennie Ling, has written a wonderful guide to help people find the greater purpose of fasting. It's not about "not eating". It's about giving and praying! Read what God says about the type of fasting that pleases Him

Rennie developed this resource for many of my students who were struggling to break their 40 day fast. Concentrating and being involved in journaling the experience turned out to be a powerful tool.

You can learn more about itEnter Pray Quicklyon your website.

I made one tooVideo-Interviewwith Rennie on Give Pray Fast.

The coming revival

Below is an excerpt from Bill Bright's book,The coming revival. It's the book that inspired me to do a 40 day fast. I pray it will inspire you too.

Fasting in Church History

Over the years, godly people who have done mighty things for God have witnessed the need for prayer with fasting. John Wesley, who shook the world for God during the Great Awakening that gave birth to the Methodist Church in the late 18th century, is a representative of such great spiritual leaders.

He believed so strongly in the power of fasting and prayer that he encouraged early Methodists to fast every Wednesday and Friday. In fact, he refused to ordain anyone in Methodism unless he consented.

Other great Christian leaders who have made prayer with fasting a part of their lives:

• Martin Luther
• Johannes Calvin
• John Knox
• Jonathan Edwards
• Matthew Henry
• Karl Finney
• Andreas Murray
• And many more

Fasting in the Bible

The writings of Scripture, the Fathers of the Church, and many Christian leaders today offer several biblical insights into the spiritual need for fasting: It is a way of humbling ourselves before God (Psalm 35:13; Ezra 8:21).

Benefits of Fasting:

• Revelation of our spiritual state leading to brokenness and change.
• Personal revival through the powerful work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
• Understand the Bible better by making it more vital and practical.
• Transforms prayer into a richer and more personal experience.

In both the Old and New Testaments, fasting was always a primary means of humbling us before God (see Isaiah 58:5, Psalm 69:10, Matthew 23:12, 1 Peter 5:6, and James 4:8 -10). ). Humility is an attitude of the heart:

"A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."

– Psalm 51:17 (KJV)

God will hear us and answer our cry as we come before Him in humility and brokenness - acknowledging and repenting of our sins and asking Him to cleanse us through the blood of Jesus and fill us with His Holy Spirit.

Fasting is not always the easiest divine discipline to practice. For those who aren't used to it, going without food can be a struggle. The mental and emotional struggles that can erupt when fasting can be disconcerting at times. Experienced fasters say this is a sure sign that one needs to abstain from food and draw closer to God.

Paul Sea:

“We naturally love to do evil things that are contrary to what the Holy Spirit tells us; and the good things we want to do when the Spirit is with us are just the opposite of our natural desires. These two forces within us are constantly fighting each other to gain control over us, and our desires are never free from their pressure.”

– Galatians 5:17 (TLB)

Fasting for 40 days brings strength

Since Pentecost, the church has grown from a room full of followers of Jesus to hundreds of millions of Christians. The discipline of fasting was evidently a common practice in the early church (see Acts 13:1-2 and Acts 14:21-23).

Fasting & Church Growth

The most powerful move of God in the world today is in Korea. The growth of the church from three million in 1974 to eleven million in 1990 can be attributed largely to fasting and prayer. Fasting and prayer will not only change an individual or a church, it can change the course of a nation.

When Jonah brought God's warning of judgment to Nineveh, their king declared a fast (Jonah 3:8). Immediately people began to fast and mourn over their sins:

“When God saw what they were doing and how they turned from their wicked ways, he took pity on them and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.”

– Jona 3:10

Fasting in the time of King Jehoshaphat

The power of fasting and prayer is shown again in the time of King Jehoshaphat. The story is told in 2 Chronicles 20: Some men came and said to Jehoshaphat, "A great army is coming against you from Edom." Troubled, Jehoshaphat decided to inquire of the Lord and he declared a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to ask the Lord for help (2 Chronicles 20:2-4).

Then the king stood in the gathering of the people at the temple and prayed to God: “We have no power to oppose this huge army that is attacking us. We don't know what to do, but our eyes are on you."

- 2 Chronicles 20:12

The Holy Spirit responded by speaking through the prophet Jahaziel:

“Don't be scared or discouraged by this huge army. Because the fight is not yours, but God's. . . Go out to meet them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.”

- 2 Chronicles 20:15,17

The king and people began to praise and worship the Lord, and the next day they marched ahead with their singers to praise the Lord. As they went into battle, the Lord breathed confusion into the enemy's camps, causing them to attack and destroy one another. Judah's humility in fasting, praying, and worshiping had moved the Lord to save his people from certain defeat.

Throughout the Bible we find many examples of great deliverances and victories through fasting and prayer that changed the course of history.

Moses fasted twice for 40 days (Deuteronomy 9:9,18) until his face shone with the glory of God. In the time of the judges (Judges 20:26) and in the time of Samuel (1 Samuel 7:6) all Israel fasted.

David fasted before he was crowned when his child was sick, when his enemies were sick (Psalm 35:13) and because of the sins of his people (Psalm 69:9,10).

Elijah, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Daniel - all fasted in times of need.

PROBLEMS WITH FASTINGFOR 40 DAYS

"Lord, do you want me to fast?"

Because fasting prayer is not a common practice in churches today, believers are quick to shy away from it. Even those thinking about fasting want answers to questions like:

• "Won't I get sick?"
• "Should I consult my doctor first?"
• "Will God always give me what I want if I fast to my prayers?"

Here are some of the most common objections and questions people have about fasting:

"If I'm supposed to fast, why don't I ever hear about it in church?"

The early Church followed in the footsteps of our Lord and the Apostles with prayer and fasting. But in the Middle Ages, fasting was frowned upon as a discipline. Believers saw it as a strict, ascetic practice better suited to monks in monasteries.

For a thousand years, fasting has lay rusted and forgotten in a dark corner of the church. Fasting as a discipline is still frowned upon, except for those who know its specific benefits.

• God called his people to fast on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:29-30)
• It is also mentioned in Luke 2:36-37 as an act of worship.
• Jesus spoke of "when" we fast, not "if" we fast (Matthew 6:2,5,16).
• Jesus also said that his followers would fast after his death (Matthew 9:15).
• Prophets and teachers fasted in Antioch (Acts 13:2).
• Paul fasted often (2 Corinthians 11:27).
• So the question for believers is: should I not fast, but will I fast?

Does God Require That We Fast Today?

Is it a bid?

Fasting is no more commanded in the New Testament than prayer or giving, but Jesus taught that all three are spiritual disciplines expected of His followers. He said "when," not "if," you do these things (Matthew 6:2,5,16).

"Isn't fasting practiced by ungodly religions?"

Fasting is found in all major world religions. Even Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, believed in fasting; but Christians are the only ones who fast to the Creator God, the Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Christians are therefore the only ones who know the blessings of God that come from spiritual fasting. Others practice it for vain religious reasons or to improve their health.

"What does fasting bring me?"

The apostle James says:

“Close to God and he will draw near to you. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”

– James 4: 8,10

Fasting prepares us for the deepest and richest spiritual communion possible. It clears our minds to understand what God is telling us. It also conditions our body to do its will.

As we overcome the initial mental and physical discomfort, we will experience a calming of the soul and a cooling of the appetite.

As a result, we will feel the presence of the Lord more than ever.

Fasting with a pure heart and pure motives brings personal revival and empowers our prayers. Many who write about the values ​​of fasting point to an increased effectiveness of intercessory prayer, deliverance from bondage, and guidance in decision-making.

"Will God give me what I ask if I add fasting to my prayers?"

No, we cannot bargain with God. He answers prayers that are in accordance with his will and purpose. God watches over us for our highest good (Romans 8:28). He works in us to do His will (Philippians 2:13).

You can always expect God to answer you as you submit to Him (James 4:6,8,10). He will always do something special for you when you deny yourself and direct your love, adoration, worship, faith and obedience to Him.

the good news isGod WILL hear your prayers.

"Am I fasting to be blessed for myself or for others?"

Praying for ourselves and interceding for others are among the reasons we should fast and pray. I encourage you to bring your personal needs before the Lord, to intercede for your loved ones, your friends, your church, your community, your nation, and the world—and for the fulfillment of the commission.

"How do I know when to fast?"

Once you have learned the purpose and benefits of fasting, you are free to “proclaim” a fast whenever you feel a desire to draw closer to God in a dynamic way or feel a need to seek special help from Him . However, there are times when the Holy Spirit tells you to fast.

God impressed me for several months that he wanted me to fast for 40 days (although many people also feel called to fast for 21 days). But I wasn't sure if I could fast for that long.

Nevertheless, I began my fast with a prayer: “Lord, I will fast as long as You allow me. I expect you to help me. I claim your promise:

“Those who wait for the Lord will have new strength; They will mount with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not get weak.”

- Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)

God was true to his promise. My fast was spiritually the greatest 40 days of my life.

"Is it possible to get 'caught up' with fasting and go too far?"

Once you endure in prayer and fasting to a place of victory and God's purposes are fulfilled, you do not need to plan another fast right away. Fasting is not a lifestyle in itself, although it certainly should be part of your Christian walk.

"Should I schedule a regular fasting schedule?"

Once you understand the purpose of fasting and what it does for you, regular fasting will begin to make spiritual sense. The more you fast to seek God's face and glory, the more you will want to fast. The rewards are immeasurably rich.

Should I consult my doctor before fasting for 40 days?”

I encourage you to consult your doctor before beginning any prolonged fast. And I strongly suggest that you request a physical exam to ensure you are in good health. You may have a physical problem that could make fasting dangerous and unwise.

But be forewarned:Your doctor may try to discourage you from fasting even if you are in good health. If so, you might be faced with a dilemma similar to mine.

See Also

The Elijah Prophecy - The Power of Fasting and PrayerFasting in the Bible: 10 Examples to LearnAn Introduction to Fasting - Church in Real Life | Las Cruces40 Day Spiritual Fasting - Bible Cafe™

Over the years I have fasted many times - often for one to four weeks at a time - without consulting a doctor. Since the 40-day fast was beyond anything I had ever attempted, I called several Christian and secular doctors for advice. They either didn't know anything about fasting or tried to talk me out of it altogether, and I realized I was on my own.

Would I obey the Holy Spirit or what those doctors had to say?

Fasting experts agree that knowing you are healthy and fasting properly will benefit you both physically and mentally.

Although I refrained from eating solid food during my 40-day fast, I supplemented my distilled water intake with various types of fruit juices. As a result, I actually felt better physically than before I started the fast.

Prolonged fasting on water alone, however, should be done with great caution and prayer.Without proper counsel and supervision, such a fast can be very dangerous.

Who should never fast for 40 days?

There are certain people who should never fast without professional supervision:

• People who are physically emaciated.
• Those suffering from weakness or anemia.
• People who have tumors, bleeding ulcers, cancer, blood disorders, or have recently had a myocardial infarction.
• Those suffering from chronic problems with kidneys, liver. Lungs, heart or other important organs.
• People who take insulin for diabetes or have other blood sugar problems such as hypoglycemia.
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Those who are afraid of fasting because they don't understand its benefits or what to expect.

If you have serious questions about your health or are receiving medical treatment, you should consult your doctor before abstaining from food or changing your diet.

"How do you break a 40-day fast?"

Different types of fasting are mentioned in the Bible. I did the partial fast mentioned in the book of Daniel, where it states that there was a three-week period in which he abstained from "delicatessen," meat, and wine (Daniel 10:3). I fasted all solid foods but drank water and juices.

fasting recipe

I started fasting for 40 days with a liquid formula that I've found effective over the years:

• 1 gallon distilled water
• 1 1/2 cups lemon juice
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

The lemon juice adds flavor and vitamin C, the maple syrup provides energy, and the cayenne pepper — an herb — opens small blood vessels, which I think helps the body cleanse itself of stored toxins.

I also drank distilled water and various fruit and vegetable juices. For those who are not used to fasting, I recommend vegetable and fruit juices along with water. The juices give strength; and they give you something to look forward to, which helps relieve the mental stress that comes from knowing you won't be eating that day.

I find it helpful to have the water or juices next to me to drink frequently throughout the day.

"If I fast for 40 days, should I take time off or can I go about my normal duties?"

How long you fast, what type of fast you do, and whether you adjust your work schedule depends mostly on your job. Of course, those with clerical jobs, pastors, or housewives—as opposed to those doing heavy physical labor—may find it easier to continue their duties and fast for longer periods.

When I fasted for 40 days, I reduced my work schedule to have more time to read God's Word, pray, and seek God's face. In fact, even my lectures and other projects seemed to take on the aspect of worship and became an offering to the Lord.

When I fast for the Lord, I can expect a supernatural influx of energy.

"Will a 40 day fast ruin my health?"

This is a valid concern given the limited teaching on the subject. But most nutritionists and health professionals familiar with fasting can document hundreds, even thousands, of examples where fasting has been physically rejuvenating. In my experience, after fourteen to twenty-one days of fasting, the arthritic pains in the thumbs and fingers subsided greatly; and I experienced relief from a digestive problem I had had for years.

Nothing compares to fasting and prayer to bring personal revival and renewal to the church. I believe that the next move of God that is underway now will restore biblical fasting to the body of Christ.

THE PREPARATION OF THE FASTFOR 40 DAYS

You may have certain concerns about fasting, such as:

• how to start
• Should I give up eating altogether?
• If so, do I only drink water or are other liquids okay?
• How long should I fast and how can I fast?
• May I go further and jog?
• Do I need extra rest?
• Am I allowed to tell others what I do?
• How do I fast, pray, seek God, and do my daily chores—all at the same time?
• What should I do when it's time to end my fast?
• What kind of change can I expect in my life?”

Your first step toward fasting for 40 days begins with an awareness that you must do it.

For several months before I embarked on my 40-day fast, the Holy Spirit had weighed my heart down with the moral condition of my country. My heart has grieved for America for at least thirty years, but this was a fresh and special work of the Holy Spirit. God led me into a depth of prayer far beyond anything I had ever experienced before.

HOW TO STARTFasting for 40 days

First, set specific goals.

why are you fasting Is it about guidance, about spiritual renewal, about healing, about solving problems, about grace, about dealing with certain situations? Keeping your goal in mind will help you stick through your fast when physical temptations and life's pressures tempt you to break it.

I personally believe that the Holy Spirit has given an urgent call to all believers to humble us through fasting and prayer so that He may stir our souls, awaken our churches and heal our land according to 2 Chronicles 7:14.

I STRONGLY URGE YOU TO MAKE THIS YOUR MAIN PURPOSE OF FASTING!

Second, prepare yourself mentally.

The very basis of fasting and prayer is penance. God always requires that His people repent of their sins before answering their prayers (Psalm 66:16-20). The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous (Proverbs 15:29).

As you begin your fast, I encourage you to confess every known sin that the Holy Spirit reminds you of. List the sins on a piece of paper and claim His promise recorded at 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to purify us from all unrighteousness .”

mental breathing

Use the concept I call "spiritual breathing." It has enriched my life like no other truth. Like physical breathing, spiritual breathing is a process of exhaling the impure and inhaling the pure. When you sin by committing a willful act of disobedience, breathe spiritually to restore the fullness of God's Holy Spirit into your life.

Exhale through confession. As God's Word promises, if we confess our sins, He will forgive us. In Greek, the word "profess" means "agree" or "agree." Name your sin or sins specifically before God.

Read the following verses from the Bible and ask the Lord to show you whether you are doing or not doing something that you must confess before Him. Read these verses prayerfully:

1 Thessalonians 5:18
Epheser 3:20
Acts 1:8
Romans 12:3
Epheser 4:31
Hebrews 10:25
Colossians 3:9
1 Petrus 2:11
Johannes 13:35
Colossians 3:13
Epheser 4:28
Matthew 6:24
Matthew 23:28
Philippians 4:8

Here are the steps to spiritual breathing:

1. Make your list of sins based on what God is speaking to you as you read the verses above and whatever God is speaking to you that you know is sin.
   
2. Claim the promise of 1 John 1:9. When you have confessed your sins to God, you also confess that He has forgiven you through Christ's death on the cross (Hebrews 10:1-23). The Holy Ghost will empower you to change both your attitudes and your behavior.
   
3. Breathe in by appropriating the fullness of the Spirit of God by faith. Trust Him to control and empower you according to His command at Ephesians 5:18 to “be filled with the Spirit.” This actually means being constantly and continuously controlled and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
   
4. As promised in 1 John 5:14–15, God hears you and grants your request because you pray according to His will.

Spiritual breathing is an exercise in faith and will allow you to get off the emotional roller coaster and experience God's love, forgiveness and the power and control of the Holy Spirit constantly as a way of life. When you walk in the Spirit by faith and practice Spiritual Breathing, you never have to live in spiritual defeat. Make time for Spiritual Breathing each day during the 40 day fast.

Third, prepare yourself physically.

Don't rush into fasting for 40 days. If you are going to go without food for several days, it helps to eat smaller meals before you go completely. This will send a signal to your mind that you have entered the period of fasting and will help "shrink" your stomach and appetite.

Some health professionals suggest eating only raw foods for two days before beginning the fast. All of this makes the drastic change in your eating habits a little easier.

Fourth, ask the Lord what kind of fast you should do.

As you ask the Holy Spirit for guidance on this matter, your fast will become more meaningful.

I recommend fruit juices for two reasons:

1. Their natural sugars provide energy
   
2. The taste and strength motivate you to continue fasting for 40 days.

Nutritionists say that fruit juices are cleansing and best consumed in the morning, while vegetable juices are energizing and uplifting and are best consumed in the afternoon. A water and juice fast is very wise, especially for those who are new to fasting. It helps them focus more on the Lord than on their pangs of hunger and possible discomfort or nausea that sometimes accompanies a water-only fast.

The Christian nutritionist Dr. Julio C. Ruibal believes that a person can fast with juices comfortably as long as they feel God is leading them to do so. He recommends juicing from day three:

“During a juice fast, your body absorbs certain nutrients.

Fruit juices provide glucose. Watermelon is excellent because it's basically water with glucose. It is mild and non-reactive. Simply add to a blender without adding water.

Juice from fresh apples is also good.

A green juice made from celery, romaine lettuce, and carrots mixed in more or less equal proportions provides the minerals your body needs for many of its nerve functions. This will allow you to engage in some level of productive activity.”

– Dr. Ruibal

He recommends avoiding coffee, tea or cola:

"The caffeine, acids, and phosphorus in these drinks are not good for the body. In fact, they are dangerous. If you're feeling hunger pangs due to a lack of stimulants, simply increase your fluid intake. Herbal teas are allowed but spare the honey.”

– Dr. Ruibal

For colder climates, he recommends warm broth. Simply boil sliced ​​potatoes, carrots and celery in water. Don't add salt. After about half an hour, drain and drink the water. This also gives flavor variety in liquids. (Add other vegetables to the pot as you like, such as garlic, onions, turnips, cabbage, parsley and turnips) He suggests not drinking milk as it is a pure food and therefore a violation of fasting.

Drink as much water as you like. The body needs a lot of water when fasting - both to cleanse the system and to prevent dehydration. You might want to have a small bottle of water by your side for easy access. Drinking water with meals 'tricks' the stomach into stopping 'talking' believing it is getting full. Drink vegetable and fruit juices throughout the day, but exercise self-control.

Remember that you are fasting. If you don't discipline your amount of juice, you can defeat your spiritual purpose.

Fifth: Limit your activity level.

Exercise moderately. Rest as much as your schedule allows. Short naps are very helpful. "Rest is not a sin," explains Dr. Ruibal. “Fasting in the strictest sense is physiological rest.

Your body rests from the processes of digestion and ingestion to focus on elimination.

“Many suffer from headaches, stomach aches, nausea, a foul taste in the mouth or a sticky tongue. Your urine may turn darker and even your sweat may smell worse than usual. Vomiting may occur. That is normal. It is not uncommon to get a fever during prolonged fasting. Basically, the body uses fasting to cleanse and heal itself.”

– Dr. Ruibal

Sixth, look at your medication.

It's especially important to consult your doctor before beginning a fast if you're taking a prescribed drug:

"You might encounter physical problems if you fast and continue medication."

Most people can be relieved from medication for high blood pressure if they stick to proper diet, exercise, and stress management. But you must be very careful. Get your blood pressure checked regularly and resume your medication when you see you need it.

Any changes in your medication should be made with your doctor's approval and under his or her supervision.”

(Video) Minimum fasting length required for autophagy | Guido Kroemer

– Dr. Ruibal

Seventh, allow sufficient time to be alone in prayer.

Luke 5:16 says that Jesus often retired to lonely places and prayed. Of course, you should "exercise His presence" and continue to fellowship with Him constantly while "praying without ceasing" all day long; but the more time you spend alone in quiet meditation on His Word, in leisurely times of “seeking His face,” in fellowship, worship, and worship during your fast, the greater your effectiveness in prayer and the more meaningful your fast becomes .

Your Fasting for 40 Days Prayer List.

I suggest that you make a prayer list and add to it daily as needed. Pray for you:

• family
• spiritual leaders
• Church
• community
• Land
• worldwide revival
• spiritual harvest
• Fulfillment of the Great Commission
• Ask the Lord to put things on your mind to pray for

You should go about your daily activities and make sure that you are still fasting and seeking the Lord. Some of my deepest spiritual insights have come as I have continued my duties of ministry while "seeking his face" and "practicing his presence."

THE PRECAUTIONS OF FASTING FOR 40 DAYS

We have discussed the POWER of fasting, the PROBLEMS of fasting, and the PREPARATION of fasting. We conclude with the PRECAUTIONS of fasting.

Your time of fasting and prayer has come. They abstain from all solid food and have begun to seek the Lord. If you measure spiritual success by your emotions or by how much you visibly achieve, this can be a time when you may feel a bit confused.

Just relax in the Lord and invite the Holy Spirit to help you. As you seek the Lord by faith, you can be assured that He will enable you to complete the fast He has called you to begin. Here are some helpful suggestions to keep in mind when fasting:

First, limit your activity.

Exercise like bicycling, brisk walking, and jogging are fine with health and weight loss programs, but not with fasting. Walking a mile or two every day at a moderate pace can be beneficial during a juice fast; However, if you are on a water fast, consult your fasting specialist. If you do strenuous work, you may want to fast on a partial fast just one day a week, or you may want to fast on weekends.

Second, expect to visit the "facilities" often.

Drinking lots of fluids will cause this. You may want to use the cleansing effects of enemas before, during, or after a fast. During my 40-day fast, I drank psyllium, which is available at most drug and health food stores. Mixed in water, psyllium powder becomes like jello. It provided the fiber I needed to clean out my system.

Third, prepare for mental ailments.

You can experience inner conflict if you deny yourself the pleasure of eating. You can feel impatient and irritable at times. It's not uncommon to become moody and anxious during a long fast. You can also expect the enemy to oppose you and whisper thoughts that will test your resolve. When this happens, ask the Lord to cleanse your spirit and strengthen you with His Holy Spirit.

Fourth, expect physical discomfort.

In the first few days, there may be a physical "Blah". If so, drink water and juices frequently and rest while you seek strength in prayer, worship, and God's Word.

By the end of the second day you may find that you are very hungry - in your stomach and in your spirit - but by the end of the third day you may not feel hungry. However, you may feel a little weak.

You would think that the longer you fast, the weaker you would become. But healthy people report that they actually experience a new vitality during extended fasting.

When the body cleanses itself of toxins and begins to feed on its reserves, the stomach ceases to crave nourishment and physical well-being often sets in. I actually felt better during my long fast than when I ate normally.

Some physical ailments can be attributed to withdrawal from a diet high in refined sugars and caffeine found in coffee, tea, and most carbonated beverages. Since I never drank coffee and very little tea or cola, I had no problem with headaches, dizziness or any other difficulty with fasting for 40 days.

After fasting for several days, dizziness can be caused by a sudden change in position, e.g. B. by suddenly getting up from a chair. To fix this, stop for a second or two, rest, and remember to move slowly.

Headaches or mild dizziness can also be caused by toxins building up in your colon. Doctors recommend a tablespoon of psyllium powder in the morning and evening to speed up the elimination of toxins from your colon and prevent headaches and dizziness in most healthy people.

Insomnia and an overactive mind often accompany fasting due to toxins in the bloodstream. Prayer, meditation on the Word, and a nice slow walk around the block should help.

Weight loss can occur, especially during prolonged fasting. But no worry; You will most likely get everything back! Nutritionists tell us that after fasting, the body stores larger amounts of reserve food in anticipation of another fast.

No two periods of fasting will be exactly the same. You may experience some struggles during one fast that won't occur the next time. The level of difficulty seems to depend on your mental and physical condition at the time of the fast.

Fifth, feel free to fast openly.

Some believe we don't have that freedom because Jesus said about secret fasting in Matthew 6:15-18. But Jesus is dealing with the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, who made prayer and fasting ritual and boasted to demonstrate their piety.

In this passage, Jesus does not forbid us to tell others about our fasting. Rather, He says, “Avoid boasting and superiority to others. Fasting is not an opportunity to demonstrate your spirituality or gain glory for yourself.”

Fasting does not make us the spiritual elite. Rather, it creates in us a sense of humility. When fasting, the first thing one does is humble oneself before God. If we fast with a pure heart, our opportunity to tell others will demonstrate a humble attitude. The mere thought of elevating ourselves will be abhorrent. Christians should be free to fast openly.

How can we promote fasting on a large scale when nobody is talking about fasting?

It would be impossible to attend a church-wide fast and keep it quiet? If we confined our prayers to the "closet," we would not have prayer meetings at church.

I would encourage believers to fast and pray together in large numbers in their churches so that they will be an inspiration to others.

Open fasting as a testimony of our faith and love for Jesus and our desire to please Him is commendable. We only displease the Lord and lose our blessings when we fast to be seen by men, as the Pharisees did.

When fasting, choose carefully who you tell. Some people may try to discourage you. Never expect encouragement from those who are not fasting. One of the most demoralizing things that can happen to you is when friends or family disapprove of you. It can be especially discouraging if your doctor or pastor disapproves of the idea. Before I started my 40 day fast, I received no encouragement from anyone. And several friends were very concerned about my health and well-being.

Sixth, gradually break your fast.

How you break your fast is extremely important to both your physical and mental well-being. If you gradually break your fast, the physical and mental effects will last for days. But if you eat solid foods in a hurry, you can experience diarrhea, nausea, fainting, and even death from shock.

This is especially true for a 21-day fast or a 40-day fast. Nutritionists tell us that when you fast, your stomach and intestines contract, and that breaking the fast should be done with extra care. The sudden reintroduction of solid food into your stomach produces defeating effects.

Even a three-day fast requires reasonable precautions. It's wise to start with a little soup, something thin and nutritious like vegetable broth, and fresh fruits like watermelon and honeydew melon. Once your body accepts these foods, move on to a few tablespoons of solid foods like raw fruits and vegetables or a raw salad and a baked potato. (Milk and meat can cause side effects for some people after fasting.)

Then, a few hours later, try another small snack. The idea is to get back to a normal diet with several small snacks in the first few days. This requires discipline, but you will avoid the severe pain and other serious physical reactions that occur if you overeat too soon.

I ended my 40 day fast with a cup of soup followed by small amounts of watermelon and other fruits every few hours for a few days until I felt comfortable resuming my normal eating routine. As you can imagine, that cup of soup and those first few bites of solid food were ecstasy. Ordinary food had never tasted so good.

Seventh, expect a change in yourself.

As you sincerely humble yourself before the Lord in repentance, intercession, and worship, and consistently meditate on His Word, you will become more aware of His presence. Your trust and faith in God will be strengthened. And you will feel refreshed mentally, emotionally and physically. My fast proved to be the greatest enduring spiritual blessing of my life.

But just as we need fresh fillings of the Holy Spirit daily, we also need new periods of fasting before God. I encourage you to fast and pray with me over and over again until we truly experience revival in our homes, in our churches, in our beloved nation and in every country in the world.

Copyright 1995 by Campus Crusade for Christ, NewLife Publications. All rights reserved. Used with permission. For more information, visit our website at www. newlifepubs.com

NOTE: This website is a summary of Bill Bright's teachings on the practical aspects of long fasting, taken from chapters six through ten of his book THE COMING REVIVAL. This material was originally compiled by Robert Fitts specifically for the 2000 worldwide call to Christians everywhere to practice the 40-day fast. You are invited to translate and reproduce it for distribution in all languages.

Further reading on the 40-day fast and other spiritual disciplines:

I have several other posts related to fasting. They include:

You need solitude

The Power of God: A 30 Day Adventure