Fasting - Day 7

Today has been a day with at least one revelation: I need to permanently eliminate sugar, caffeine and most grains from my diet. I feel good, have more energy (as witnessed by the fact that I am writing this at nearly-midnight) and there are no aches and pains or stiffness. Next week I will add dairy (yogurt) and a little meat back in and see what happens.

Health was one of the issues about which I have been seeking guidance, but not the primary focus of this fast, so I thought. Then I opened the box that came today from Christian Book Distributors with the book Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough by Elmer Townes. I had ordered it last week when I was researching the Daniel Fast. In his book, he outlines nine different fasts and the reasons to follow each one. Accordiong to his writings, the Daniel Fast is particularly good for the purposes of healing and health issues.

I am committed to finishing the ten-day fast, which is another point in his book - no matter what you should finish the fast for the time you have committed.

Fasting is a commitment - and should be done in an intentional fashion, It should have a beginning and an end, a purpose or focus, and be supported in prayer - both by those fasting and by others who will pray for the fast.

Let me say that the real difference between this fast and all previous Daniel's Fasts I have done is the prayer support. In times past, I have done these fasts on my own and told no one. This time it has been shared publicly and supported by the prayers of brothers and sisters in Christ. Some had wanted to walk this path with me, but were unable to stay the course for one reason or another. Some were not called to join but to pray.

Are you considering a time of fasting? Perhaps you would like to add fasting to your prayer life. One way to start is to do a partial fast one day per week. The Daniel guidelines are good for a one-day fast to start (just vegetables and water for a day - either a 24-hour day or sundown to sundown). Most people can tolerate this type of fast without health concerns ( but check with your doctor). Use extra time in the morning or at the onset to pray about the fast.

What good is a one-day fast? it will give your system an opportunity to rest, and will give you some extra time in prayer and Bible study.

Longer fasts are good for fasting to a purpose - making a big decision, healing, discernment ...

Thank you for keeping me in prayer as I fast - I still have three more days before this journey is done, and I am praying for more insight before the time is up.

This is has been a fairly boring blog over the past week - hope to make it more interesting as time passes. Write a question or comment!! and thanks for reading.