If fasting is new to you, it’s natural to ask, “Why should I fast?”

Just as prayer draws us closer to the heart of God, fasting loosens the grip the world so easily has on our hearts. Pastor Chris Hodges puts it beautifully:

“Fasting allows us to quiet the appetites of our bodies and the desires of our souls so our spirits can grow stronger and closer to God.”

Fasting is a way of saying with our whole lives, “Lord, I depend on You.” It helps us clear away noise, refocus our minds, and awaken our hearts to the spiritual.
For that reason, I want to invite our entire church family into what I call a complete fast—abstaining from solid food for 7 days as we seek the Lord together. This type of fast includes liquids only, primarily water, with light juices as needed.

Please consult your physician first, especially if you take prescription medications or are under a doctor’s care. Some individuals should never fast from food without medical supervision. If you cannot participate in a complete fast, there are other meaningful ways to join us:

Selective Fast
Choose to remove specific elements from your diet for the 7-day period.
Examples include:

• A Daniel Fast (vegetables and water only)
• Removing sugar, dairy, grains, or other food categories
• Choosing a simplified diet that helps you stay spiritually focused

Partial Fast
Limit the times you eat in order to devote more space to prayer and Scripture.
This might look like:

• Abstaining from food during the day and eating one evening meal, or
• Eating one intentional meal and using your regular meal times for prayer and Bible study

Soul Fast
Fast from the things that crowd your mind and distract your heart—
such as:

• Social media
• Television
• Movies
• Secular music
• Other comforts or habits that consume your attention

This kind of fast helps us declutter our inner world so we can hear the Lord more clearly.

Preparing for the Fast
Fasting is a spiritual discipline, but it also requires wise physical preparation. Taking simple precautions makes the shift in your routine more manageable, allowing your heart to focus fully on seeking the Lord. Keep the following in mind:

• Ease into it. Don’t begin your fast abruptly.
• Prepare your body. In the days leading up to the fast, eat smaller portions and avoid heavy, sugary, or high-fat foods.
• Simplify your diet. Eating raw fruits and vegetables for a day or two beforehand can help your body adjust more smoothly.

During the Fast
Once you’ve begun abstaining from solid foods and are turning your attention to the Lord, the following suggestions may be helpful:

• Reduce physical strain. Keep activity light and limit demanding tasks.
• Exercise gently. If it’s comfortable for you, take short walks—one to three miles—as your strength allows.
• Expect emotional fluctuation. Temporary feelings of impatience, irritability, or anxiety are normal as your body adapts.
• Anticipate physical discomfort.

The second day is often the most challenging. You may experience hunger pangs, lightheadedness, headaches from caffeine or sugar withdrawal, or general weakness and fatigue. These symptoms are common and typically temporary.

5:00–8:00 AM
Begin your day with fresh fruit juice—ideally blended or freshly squeezed.
If the fruit is more acidic, dilute the juice with 50% distilled water.
Fruits such as apple, pear, grapefruit, papaya, and watermelon work well.
If you’re unable to juice at home, choose store-bought juices with no sugar or additives.

10:30 AM–12:00 PM
Drink fresh vegetable juice made of lettuce, celery, and carrots in equal portions.

2:30–4:00 PM
Enjoy a cup of herbal tea with a small drop of honey.
Avoid black tea or any tea that contains caffeine.

6:00–8:30 PM
Prepare a warm vegetable broth by simmering potatoes, celery, and carrots in water without salt for about 30 minutes.
Strain the vegetables and drink the broth.

Tips for Juice Fasting

Drinking fresh fruit juice can help reduce hunger and provide a natural boost of energy. The flavor and nourishment will often give you the lift you need to stay encouraged throughout your fast.

Some of the most helpful juices include watermelon, lemon, grape, apple, cabbage, beet, carrot, celery, and other leafy green vegetables. During colder weather, a warm vegetable broth can be especially comforting.

For sensitive stomachs, be sure to dilute acidic juices—such as orange or tomato—with water.

Avoid caffeinated beverages during your fast. It’s also best to avoid chewing gum or mints, even if your breath becomes unpleasant, because they stimulate the digestive system and can increase hunger.


Ending Your Fast Wisely

How you break your fast is just as important as how you begin it. Reintroducing food too quickly—especially solid food—can be uncomfortable and even harmful. Take your time, give your body grace, and allow your spirit to remain tender before the Lord as you transition back to regular eating.
Start slowly. Avoid jumping immediately into solid foods. Instead, eat small portions throughout the day and give your digestive system time to adjust. A gradual return will help extend the physical and spiritual benefits you’ve gained.

Suggestions for Ending Your Fast

• After an extended water fast, begin with fruit—watermelon is an excellent choice.
• Continue drinking fruit and vegetable juices, and then follow this gradual progression:

First Day:
Add a raw salad alongside your juices.

Second Day:
Add a baked or boiled potato, without butter or seasoning.

Third Day:
Add a steamed vegetable of your choice.

Thereafter:
Begin slowly returning to your normal diet.

A Gentle Reintroduction Plan
For the first few days, eat several small snacks rather than full meals. Start with simple foods such as:

• Light soups
• Fresh fruits like watermelon or cantaloupe
• Small portions of raw fruits and vegetables, a raw salad, or a plain baked potato

As your body responds well, gradually increase variety and portion size until you have fully returned to your regular eating rhythm.