This is an abbreviated chapter from a book I'm studying out of: Gordon Lindsay's Prayer & Fasting. Everything in today's devotion comes from him; I'm just putting it in my own words.
There are a few different kinds of fasts in the Bible:
- supernatural fasting
- total fasting,
- what we commonly refer to as the Daniel fast, and
- the non-total fast.
The Supernatural Fast
There are few times that we see God call someone to a supernatural fast - one without food or water, but that is exactly what He called Moses to when he gave the Mosaic covenant to Israel (see Ex. 34:27, 28). Naturally, the body needs food and water to live, so unless divinely inspired and well-practiced in fasting, we should not attempt this for any length of time. Esther fasted food and water for only 3 days before breaking the law and going to the king to plead for her people (Est. 4:16). When Moses left the glory of God after his fast of 40 days and 40 nights, even his face shown a physical glow resulting from having been in the presence of Almighty God (Ex. 34:35).
The Total Fast
Ordinary fasting excludes any eating but includes drinking water. Our bodies are 80% water, and it is essential to life. This fast must be weaned into and out of. If at the end of the first day, you are too physically weak to function, then you should take a little nourishment. By the second or third day, your body will be more acclimated to not having the food. When ending the fast, you should start with only juices for 2-3 days, followed by a diet of light fruit, and then gradually include heavier foods. If your body is not functioning even enough to pray, then how can you expect spiritual fruit to come from your fast? Do not be condemned if you have to condition your body for the total fast!
"No Pleasant Food": The Daniel Fast
In Daniel 10:3, the prophet says, "I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth". He didn't stop eating altogether, but he gave up choice foods. We want to be able to fast and pray effectively so that we experience victory in our fast instead of defeat from a total fast that we are not physically prepared or spiritually mature enough for.
The Non-Total Fast <---That's a funny name for a fast, but that's what he calls it in the book. :)
For those who can fast totally, God bless them. Many people must still have sustenance to complete their normal daily work though, and a total fast is impossible for them to do - at least at the beginning of their practice of prayer and fasting. Be encouraged that when you come up against battles that can only be won by prayer and fasting, you can do the non-total fast. [I would like to insert here that I believe a non-total fast can include any-thing, but Gordon Lindsay's book still only refers to fasts of food.] The non-total fast is simply drinking juices. They have enough minerals and vitamins to supply the body with some nourishment, but still allow your body to get into the true state of a fast. The juice fast can also be broken in a shorter period of time than a total fast.
The Key to Fasting: Prayer
Prayer is the key to fasting - whether you simply "pray without ceasing" or are able to devote greater lengths of time in audible prayer. Gradually the spirit of intercession should become as natural as breathing. Fasting with prayer is the master key to making the impossible possible!
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