What Does Fasting Do?
- Thread starter VineyardsOfEngedi
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Fasting will often bring spiritual understanding wit closeness to our Father.. It does not seem to matter if it is a dy, days or simply a few hours as long as it is in spiritt and dtruth.
I fast on Wednesdays and Fridays in the Orthodox tradition so kind of like this
http://www.abbamoses.com/fasting.html
http://ww1.antiochian.org/node/50791
Its also as a spiritual communal experience with fellow Christians
http://www.abbamoses.com/fasting.html
http://ww1.antiochian.org/node/50791
Its also as a spiritual communal experience with fellow Christians
M
MegMarch
Guest
Fasting denies the flesh what it wants and therefore allows the spirit to be strengthened. The flesh and the spirit, for a believer, are at odds with one another.
It is good to practice it as a discipline as the Lord leads you. I tried to water fast in my own strength for 3 days and failed. I tried again 3 months later and succeeded because I relied on God’s Spirit to strengthen me.
Fasting can also break the chains of besetting sins. From my experience, it can unleash more of God’s power in your life. Be prepared to face greater spiritual opposition when fasting.
It is good to practice it as a discipline as the Lord leads you. I tried to water fast in my own strength for 3 days and failed. I tried again 3 months later and succeeded because I relied on God’s Spirit to strengthen me.
Fasting can also break the chains of besetting sins. From my experience, it can unleash more of God’s power in your life. Be prepared to face greater spiritual opposition when fasting.
M
MegMarch
Guest
I also had to work up to a three day water fast. I had several one or two day fasts before it. Some people go on a juice fast, but I was convinced I should only drink water. I prayed ahead of time and planned the fasts according to God’s leading. I also had specific things or people I was fasting for.
oh yeah and fasting doesn't just have to be relegated to not eating. Not smoking or drinking or lusting are all forms of fasting as well which is what you are getting at I think. when you fast from certain sins you do get more opposition but then it subsides because you aren't indulging the sin.
I find food fasts the easiest because I have had to go without food by force (no money for food) and it really isn't that hard. I appreciated the test. It makes you realize how much we needlessly consume. I can easily go for a few days on just coffee and water. It truly builds both mental and spiritual strength. It certainly helps when you know you are doing it with and for God
M
MegMarch
Guest
Yes. For whatever reason, I have experienced the most spiritual strengthening from water fasts. This may not be true of everyone, which is why I would say commune with God about the fast ahead of time and of course all throughout the fast. I have a book that details all of the different OT and NT fasts in the Bible and the purposes of each. Really inspiring read.
Thank you for the links, I will look into them I saw one was full of information
and not sure what you mean by spiritual communal experience with fellow Christians, how?
see my above postThank you for the links, I will look into them I saw one was full of information
and not sure what you mean by spiritual communal experience with fellow Christians, how?
M
MegMarch
Guest
No problem! Hope your fast goes well!Thank you for sharing your experiences
I like following the Orthodox fasting calendar because it gives me structure, purpose, communion with God, and fellowship with other Christians because you are all (mostly) fasting from the same things, at the same time, for the same reasons
But do you all meet at the same time? I don't get it, do you let each other know you're fasting? Or because everyone is following this calendar you know that they are fasting? Sorry just trying to understand how the communal fellowship with others happens during fasting. Maybe I'm being over analytical.
It is a matter of need and frankness in the sight of our Maker. I mentioned the times for On one occasion I fasted for a few hours and fell into a very deep sleep. I had a dream that satisfied my prayers and supplication. Awakening the following morning I was so much in the Spirit I felt an alien in this world, not recogniczing things per se. This continued until, while continuing in silent prayer I relized certain things and when I understood I repented of all things of this world, and God's Spirit entered totally into me.Thank you for the links, I will look into them I saw one was full of information
and not sure what you mean by spiritual communal experience with fellow Christians, how?
Another instance I fasted for five days, no real experience in the spirit. I must not have been right, even though I had traveled to Israael and was working as a volunteer on a kibbutz. It is all in the truth of our fassting; we are not going God any favors...
Lol no we don't meet. There are millions of Orthodox Christians, that would be hard to do! The idea is that everyone is doing the same fast with the same intentions. The communion takes place through SPIRIT.
I have never really fasted with a spiritual, religious motivation. And even though, I grew up in church and saw my mother doing it and knew that Jesus did it, or that there was some Biblical benefit, I can't recall that the times I've done it has been with that in mind. I fasted recently not with that in mind and I don't think it went great only because I knew that my motivation was not driven by The Bible.
I get what everyone has shared about self control and so on, I just don't get how it benefits the spirit? Maybe when I do it i'll understand. I appreciate all the responses though.
I get what everyone has shared about self control and so on, I just don't get how it benefits the spirit? Maybe when I do it i'll understand. I appreciate all the responses though.
Oh I like that .... matter of need and frankness in the sight of our Maker... and I can't relate to your experiences but it all sounds lovely hope to be there spiritually
