During this extraordinary time, the best thing that we can do is to cry out to the Lord in prayer. First Baptist Church Keller is urging our church family to set aside each Thursday as a special day of prayer and fasting.

Watch each week as we provide an updated prayer guide with specific things for which you and your family can pray.

"Fasting helps to express, to deepen, and to confirm the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice anything - to sacrifice ourselves - to attain what we seek for the kingdom of God." – Andrew Murray

Fasting is a voluntary abstinence from food or certain activities for a spiritual purpose — either repentance, deliverance, guidance, or renewal. When we fast, we break from our usual activities of life. Typically fasting is practiced individually by temporarily removing certain foods and drinks from one’s diet. Biblical fasting is always accompanied by prayer. It heightens one’s focus, intensifies fervor, and helps one gain control over fleshly cravings and human will. While fasting is not commanded in the New Testament, it is assumed that Christians will fast (see Matthew 6:16-18).

Biblical Principles for Fasting

• Fasting helps focus our hearts completely on God.
• Fasting help us practice self-denial and build discipline.
• Fasting must be done without drawing attention to yourself.
• Fasting is accompanied by extended times of prayer and Bible study.

Cautions

There are some things to consider as you contemplate a food fast. It is wise to consult your doctor before you begin your fast to make sure that there are not medical reasons why it would be harmful to radically change your diet short-term or long-term.

Suggestions for Fasting

• Decide in advance how you will fast. Maybe start with skipping one or two meals a day, or fast for a full 24-hour period, or plan for a more extended fast.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Drink some fruit juice for energy.
• Remember that some medications should not be taken without food.
• Be prepared for some dizziness, headache, or nausea in the early going. Most of our bodies have never gone without food for longer than a few hours.

Other Fasts

If you are physically unable to go without food, consider fasting from other things such as time spent watching TV, a fast from social media or the internet, spending less time with sports or hobbies, etc. Replace the time that you would have spent on those things with concentrated times of prayer and Bible study.

May God richly bless you as you seek to grow closer to Him through fasting and prayer!