Matthew 6:16-18 Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Matthew 9:15 And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast

Fasting is not just for times of Crisis or for the ‘Spiritual Elite’ but is for every believer.

Wikipedia – Fasting - Fasting is primarily the act of willingly abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. Concerning that from which one fasts, and the period of fasting, a fast may be total or partial. Fasting practices may preclude sexual activity as well as food

Biblical Lengths of Time 1 Day – Day of Atonement - Lev23:26-28 3 Days – Esther – Esther 4:16 7 Days – David - 2 Samuel 12:16 21 Days – Daniel – Dan 10:3 40 Days – Jesus – Matthew 4:2 Jewish Fast – Sun Up to Sun Down

Types of Fast Full – Drink only fluids Daniel Fast – No Meat, No Bread, No Treats, No Alcohol Daniel 10:3  I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. Media Fast – No Entertainment Daniel 6:18 Then the king went off to his palace and spent the night fasting, and no entertainment was brought before him; and his sleep fled from him.

and all who live in the land to the house of the Lord your God, Joel 1:14 Declare a holy fast;     call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders     and all who live in the land to the house of the Lord your God,     and cry out to the Lord. 2016 we are putting God First – Declaring a Holy Fast for Breakthrough in our lives

So why should we fast?

Isaiah 58 Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out

Isaiah 58 When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’

1. It gets God’s attention

Isaiah 58 When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’

2. For Personal Sanctification

Isaiah 58 Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out

Psalm 69:10 I humbled my soul with fasting

3. It brings Healing

Isaiah 58 When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’

4. God will go before you and behind you

Isaiah 58 When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’

5. It releases power

Isaiah 58 Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out

Seven Tips to Fasting

1. Decide how long you are going to do at the beginning 1. Decide how long you are going to do at the beginning. Set yourself a goal.

2. Check your diary

3. If you forget keep going don’t quit

4. Only tell people that you need to that you are fasting 4. Only tell people that you need to that you are fasting. Don’t lie to cover your fast.

5. Choose the type of Fast carefully. Make it work for you – Headaches can be managed.

6. Break your fast carefully 6. Break your fast carefully. If you complete a full fast over 3 days this is very important.

7. Spend more time with the Lord

and all who live in the land to the house of the Lord your God, Joel 1:14 Declare a holy fast;     call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders     and all who live in the land to the house of the Lord your God,     and cry out to the Lord. 2016 we are putting God First – Declaring a Holy Fast for Breakthrough in our lives and in His church here in Wimbledon