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In the text above we see that the Lord expects us to fast but did not state when we should fast. Many believers are confused as to when to fast. Indeed, there is no hard and fast rule as to when to pray with fasting.
“Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” (Matthew 6:16 KJV)
I will share with you five simple types of fasting that connote the times and seasons to chose to locate a fast.
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The proclaimed fast:
This is the fast that is proclaimed. Your pastor can proclaim a fast. He or she may declare a fast. Such a fast is referred to as a proclaimed fast. In Joel 1:14, the prophet was mandated to sanctify a fast. “Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the Lord your God, and cry unto the Lord” Joel 1:14. This involves calling a solemn assembly and sanctifying a fast.
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The Spirit-driven fast:
We read how our Lord Jesus Christ was driven into the wilderness to fast and pray. “And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness” (Mark 1:11-12). The Lord was driven by the Spirit to fast and pray. He was tempted by devils but angels ministered to Him. This is a type of Spirit-driven fast. There is a season when you could be moved by the Spirit of God to fast and pray.
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The need-driven fast:
There are times when we fast because there is a need. Nineveh had to proclaim a fast for 3 days because there was impending danger. Calamity was around the corner. Esther requested that Israel fast and pray while she went to meet the king on their behalf. I remember when I fasted and prayed for 21 days concerning my family‘s health and the Lord answered me. I pray that as you spend time praying with fasting, the Lord will answer you.
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The sorrow fasting:
Sorrow fasting is fasting because you are bereaved or down cast. People naturally abstain from food and drink when they are grieving. We see this in the book of Daniel. The king slept fasting.
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Fasting as a ministry:
In Luke 2 we know that Anna prayed and fasted as a ministry. She served the Lord in fasting and prayer. I believe there are a prayer and fasting ministry for the new testament believer.
I pray that you will pray and fast as a ministry unto the Lord. That you will take your priestly office seriously. You will serve the Lord as a priest in prayer and fasting. You were bought with a price to serve the Lord in prayer with fasting.
Stay blessed!!!
I love you.
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