What is Fasting?
Matthew 6:16-18 –“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Jesus not only practiced fasting, he also taught us to fast. Notice Jesus doesn’t say if you fast. He says when you fast. He assumed we would do it, so he taught the proper attitude about fasting.
A biblical fast means to reduce or eliminate food intake for a specific period of time for the purpose of seeking God. The proper way to fast is to use the time you would have spent preparing, eating, and sharing a meal to feast on the Word and talk to the Lord. Think of it this way. How long would it take you to have lunch with a friend? And what would you do when you had lunch together? You would eat and talk. Think of reading the Word as the eating part of your meal, and prayer as the conversation part of the meal. Take your time. Don’t eat too fast. Read the Scripture slowly. And don't rush the conversation. Instead, enjoy God’s company. Give God your full attention, and tell him why you are fasting.
There are many ways to fast. You can abstain from food and liquids for one or more days. You can fast just from food. You can do a partial fast from certain foods (sometimes called a Daniel fast). Fast during the day and only eat one meal a day and use that time to “feast” on the Lord.
Fasting is truly a way to focus on God – spirit, soul, and body. *

Why we are Fasting?
Each year we focus on a word for the year. This year our word is Ascent!  We Pray for clarity and direction as we walk in obedience to the Voice of the Father in Heaven. 

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Biblical Examples of Fasting?
WHAT IS FASTING AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
“Fasting is not so much about food as it is about focus. It’s not so much about saying no to the body as it is about saying yes to God.” – Lance Witt
The Bible gives many examples of the power that comes with prayer andfasting. We see God’s people collectively gathered in prayer and fasting to seek favor, deliverance, or provision.
- Moses fasted before he received the Ten Commandments. (Exodus 34:28)
- God’s people fasted when they were under attack from their enemies. (2 Chronicles 20:3)
- David fasted in mourning and repentance. (2 Samuel 12:16)
- Ezra led the nation in prayer and fasting for protection and success in building the temple. (Ezra 8:21)
- Esther led God’s people to fast when she went before the king to win Israel’s deliverance. (Esther 4:16)
- Daniel fasted and prayed for God’s mercy for the nation of Israel. (Daniel 9:3)
- Nehemiah fasted before beginning the rebuilding of the walls in Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 1:4)
- Jesus fasted during his victory over temptation. (Matthew 4:2)
- The early church fasted to receive direction in their decisions. (Acts 13:2-3)
- The apostle Paul fasted when appointing leaders for the church. (Acts14:23)
Jesus not only practiced fasting, he also taught us to fast.