The War Room - Preparing for Battle

War Room Strategies: Biblical Fasting - The Why and The What of It

Every physical trainer knows that before the big race, the big fight, the marathon, preparation is required for our bodies to perform at its best. Every good military leader knows that preparing for the battle is just as important, if not more critical than the battle itself. Just as in all war, a season of fasting requires thought, planning and preparation. I will be taking this week before the new year to begin to clean, cleanse, detox, declutter and prepare my mind, spirit and body for my prayer/fasting time. If you're joining us, I recommend you do the same.

In order to help you prepare for your season of prayer and fasting with us, I have included a link to some very key 'War Room Strategies' including: a Biblical guide to fasting which discusses the biblical principles and foundation for fasting as well as the different types of fast. ​ If you have never fasted before, and even if you have, preparing yourself mentally and physically is key to making this time successful. Fasting must always, first and foremost, center on God. It must be about Him!

Before you fast, decide the following up front:

• The type of fast God wants you to undertake (discussed in the Types of Fasts link above)

• What physical or social activities you will restrict

• How much time each day you will devote to prayer and God’s Word

Making these commitments ahead of time will help you sustain your fast when physical temptations and life’s pressures tempt you to abandon it.

Here are three basic steps to think through as you get ready:

I. Step 1: Clarify the purpose of your fast

Why are you fasting? Ask the Holy Spirit to clarify His leading and objectives for your prayer fast. This will enable you to pray more specifically and strategically. Fasting is God-led and God-initiated. That means that He fuels a desire to fast and pray. He loves it when we fast.

II. Step 2: Specify the kind of fast you will do Pray about the kind of fast you should undertake. Jesus implied that all of His followers should fast. (Matthew 6:16-18; 9:14,15) For Him it was a matter of when believers would fast, not if they would do it.

III. Step 3: Prepare your heart, mind, and body for fasting

Fasting is not a spur-of-the-moment thing. It is planned. We must prepare.

Fasting requires reasonable precautions. Consult your physician first, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic ailment. Some persons should never fast without professional supervision. Do not rush into your fast. Prepare your body. Eat smaller meals before starting a fast. Avoid high fat and sugary foods. Eating raw fruit and vegetables prior to your fast is helpful. Physical preparation makes the drastic change in your eating routine a little easier so that you can turn your full attention to the Lord in prayer. ​ ​The very foundation of fasting and prayer is repentance. Un-confessed sin can hinder your prayers.There are several things you can do to prepare your heart:

Prepare your heart and mind: Remember that God is your Father and He loves you and is for you.

• Confess every sin that the Holy Spirit calls to your remembrance and accept God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Seek forgiveness from all whom you have offended, and forgive all who have hurt you (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3,4). Make restitution as the Holy Spirit leads you.

• Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ (Romans 12:1, 2). Meditate on the attributes of God, His love, sovereignty, power, wisdom, faithfulness, grace, compassion, and others. (Psalm 48:9,10; 103:1-8, 11-13)

• Begin your time of fasting and prayer with an expectant heart. (Hebrews 11:6)

Do not underestimate spiritual opposition. Satan sometimes intensifies the natural battle between body and spirit. (Galatians 5:16,17) Finally, and of deep importance, Jesus instructs us in Matthew to not let others know about your fasting. The strict details of your fast should not be something you constantly talk about to others. It should remain between you and God.

Choosing your fasting plan is a very personal decision. We are all at different places in our walk with God and our spirituality should never be a cause for comparison or competition. There is nothing more “inherently spiritual” about one type of fast as opposed to another.

Your personal fast should present a level of challenge to it, but know your body, know your options, and most importantly, seek God in prayer about this and follow what the Holy Spirit leads you to do. It’s also important to not let what you eat or do not eat become the focus of your fast. This is a time to disconnect enough with your regular patterns and habits in order to connect more closely to God.

If you do not choose to fast, or no matter what kind of fast you choose, please feel free to seek God with us in prayer.

A prayer guide for each of the 21 days that includes a central Biblical passage, a brief devotional thought, reflection questions, and a prayer will be added daily for the duration of the prayer/fast.

We will also provide the opportunity to come together for corporate intercessory prayer once a week as we join with local churches during their prayer time. Details for these ‘prayer trips’ will be announced during our journey.

I eagerly await what the Lord will do for us, in us and through us during these very special 21 days. - pastor m

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe.” - Ephesians 1:17-19a