4 Week Devotional/Journal

(Download 2025 Devotional Here)

Fasting Guide

Fasting is a spiritual discipline used for increasing faith, sanctification, repentance, power, strength and hearing from God. (Esther 4:16; Isaiah 58; Joel 1:14; Acts 13:2&3; Acts 14:23)

Types of Fasting

There are at least two known fasts in the Bible.

1. The Absolute Fast (Matthew 4:2)

This is a total fast, which includes complete refraining from food or drink for the duration of the fast. There

will be periods of time when you can do absolute during the month of January

2. The Partial Fast (Daniel 10:3)

This fast is from particular food or things that hinder our spiritual growth.

3. The Daniel Fast

This is a biblically based partial fast. There are two anchoring scriptures for the Daniel Fast. In Daniel 1 the Prophet ate only vegetables (that would have included fruits) and drank only water. So from these scriptures we get two of the guidelines for the fast

NOTE: Fasting is not a diet or weight reduction plan. Consult your physician before you fast if you are any medications or required to eat for other health reasons (diabetics, etc).

BISHOP DUDLEY AND NEW LIFE CHURCH ADVISE ALL LIFE CHANGERS TO CONSIDER THEIR

PERSONAL HEALTH NEEDS AND TO CONSULT WITH THEIR PERSONAL PHYSICIAN PRIOR TO

STARTING THIS OR ANY FAST.

How to Prepare for the Daniel Fast

Quiet Time: If you don't already have an established daily quiet time with the Lord, then this is an excellent

opportunity to do so. Starting your day with God is a habit that will support your faith and growing intimacy with

the Lord. During your Fast, be sure to set a daily time to come before the Lord, to study His Word and His ways.

How to Begin Spiritually:

Start with a clear personal goal in addition to our corporate goals. Be specific. Why are you fasting? Do you need

direction, healing, restoration of marriage or family issues? Are you facing financial difficulties? Ask the Holy Spirit

for guidance. Pray daily and read the Bible. Prepare spiritually by confessing your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit

to reveal areas of weakness. Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have

offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3-4).

Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).

Scripture References for Fasting:

Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-15, Luke 18:9-14

Relation to Prayer and Reading of the Word: 1 Samuel 1:6-8, 17-18, Nehemiah 1:4, Daniel 9:3, 20, Joel 2:12, Luke

2:37, Acts 10:30, Acts 13:2

Corporate Fasting: 1 Samuel 7:5-6, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 9:1-3, Joel 2:15-16, Jonah 3:5-10, Acts 27:33-37

What to Expect during the Fast:

When you fast your body detoxifies, eliminating toxins from your system. This can cause mild discomfort such as

headaches and irritability during withdrawal from caffeine and sugars. And naturally, you will have hunger pains.

Limit your activity and exercise moderately. Take time to rest. Fasting brings about miraculous results. Spend time

listening to praise and worship music. Pray as often as you can throughout the day. Get away from the normal

distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and mind set on seeking God's face.



Remember that it is the attitude of a heart sincerely seeking Him to which God responds with a blessing. Whether

you choose option 1 or 2, make it sacrificial for you. This fast is not about rules of eating this or that—it is about

GOING DEEPER—just fasting for the purpose of drawing closer to God. May God greatly bless you as you fast!