7 Basic Steps to Successful Fasting and Prayer, Part 1 (Fasting Edition #65)

Our fasting quote of encouragement today is from Hermes "The Shepherd". He said: "Every request needs humility of spirit. Fast then, and you will receive from the Lord what you ask."

Our fasting devotional today is titled "7 BASIC STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL FASTING AND PRAYER" from Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ.

How to Begin Your Fast (part 1)

How you begin and conduct your fast will largely determine your success. By following these seven basic steps to fasting, you will make your time with the Lord more meaningful and spiritually rewarding.

STEP 1: Set Your Objective

Why are you fasting? Is it for spiritual renewal, for guidance, for healing, for the resolution of problems, for special grace to handle a difficult situation? Ask the Holy Spirit to clarify His leading and objectives for your prayer fast. This will enable you to pray more specifically and strategically.

Through fasting and prayer we humble ourselves before God so the Holy Spirit will stir our souls, awaken our churches, and heal our land according to 2 Chronicles 7:14. Make this a priority in your fasting.

STEP 2: Make Your Commitment

Pray about the kind of fast you should undertake. Jesus implied that all of His followers should fast. For Him it was a matter of when believers would fast, not if they would do it. Before you fast, decide the following up front:

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