Prayer and Fasting

SOME THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FASTING

You should always check with your doctor before beginning a fast, if you have any medical conditions or are on any medications, you MUST check with your healthcare professional before beginning the fast!

Avoid eating a large meal before you begin to fast. This will make you even more hungry when you start your fast. Continue to eat fruit and vegetables for at least three days before you begin to fast.
Drink lots of water: bottled, distilled, or purified water should be warm at room temperature. Mineral drops can be added, or you may want to drink electrolyte fortified water.
You may experience headaches and aches while fasting. These may be caused by the release of toxins as fat stores are broken down and used for energy. Mineral and electrolyte-fortified water can clear these toxins from your body via your kidneys.
For those doing the "Daniel Fast", the most beneficial fruits and vegetables are apples, pears, oranges, raw-almonds, kiwi, carrots, tomatoes, green beans, broccoli and squash. You should also eat a variety of mixed greens. "Green inside = clean inside!" Organic vegetables are purifiers and protectors.
Concentrate on the Word of God. Stay focused on His Word. Spend time with Him throughout the day. This is where you'll draw strength to continue fasting.
Hold steady during the first few days. If you can fast three days, you can make it 21. The first few are the toughest as your body gets rid of all the toxins in your system.
Use wisdom when you break your fast. Don't eat meat or a large meal. You can hurt yourself. Drink juices and eat fruits, soup, vegetables, anything else that is easily digestible.

TYPES OF FAST

There are three kinds of fasts that are mentioned in Scripture:

The Absolute Fast - This fast is an extreme fast and should only be done for very short periods of time. The absolute fast means you take in nothing - no food or water. This is not your ordinary fast and should not be attempted without first consulting your physician.
The Normal Fast - No food of any kind is eaten for a certain number of days. You do drink water and plenty of it Depending on the length of your fast you may also choose to take in clear broth or juices.
The Partial Fast or "Daniel Fast" - A partial fast usually involves giving up particular foods and drinks for a time. One of the most commonly used examples a partial fast is seen in Daniel 1:11-14, where Daniel and his friends ate only fruits and vegetables and drank only water for 10 days. There is no set way for determining how long you fast or what type of fast you do.

Make this a matter of prayer and ask the Lord what you should do.

Testimonies

From Rakesh Haripersadh, The 21 day fast has really been so wonderful for my family and myself. My son Nathanael, who is 10 years old, is currently doing the Daniel fast. My wife and I are on the normal fast. After mu mum passed away last year, in August, my faith was shaken and I started backsliding. I started smoking again and depression took a hold of me. Thank God, again, for this fast as I stopped smoking. Praise be to God almighty.

From Thumela Matebese, I have been praying and believing God for a new car, since the one I was using gave me problems and it no longer had a motor plan. I kept on thinking how I was going to do this as I don't have a permanent job and I just started my own business in 2009, with the first contract only starting in October 2009 (R100 000). I knew the car dealers will want statements from the bank to purchase it on HP. I did have some funds in a 32 day call account, but if i used the money, the question remained, "where will my next contract come from?" I excercised my faith and on the 21st Jan, I got my car evaluated. Just three days into the fast I applied for the cash in my call account, and the bank did early redemption and processsed the cheque to the car dealer the same day. I give God the glory as I now have a new car. Above all later that day, I got the call from one of the companies I had submitted my proposal last year, asking if the proposal fee still stands. I got another call from a university asking for my availability as there is a position for a lecture post which had not been advertised.

From Vanee Pillay, I have been suffering with sharp pains in my chest for 2 months. The pains ran down my left hand and legs causing my left foot to swell. My breathing became shallow and I always felt tired. On the third day of the fast, the pain left, swelling disappeared and I am able to praise the Lord all in one breath.