Fasting is a spiritual exercise that impacts the soul, bringing humility and deeper communion with God.
Fasting complements prayer as soul and spirit exercises, focusing on the mind and emotions while prayer emphasizes the spirit.
Fasting is deeply rooted in cultural practices as a means to combat spiritual forces and connect with the supernatural.
Fasting humbles the soul, increases spiritual sensitivity, encourages self-reflection, and aligns the soul and body with the divine.
Deep dives
Fasting as a Spiritual Discipline
Fasting is deeply intertwined with theology of power and is a common practice in many cultural contexts. It is a way to tap into the supernatural and acknowledge spiritual forces. Fasting is a spiritual exercise that impacts the soul, such as the mind, will, and emotions. It humbles the soul and allows for deeper communion with God. Fasting is part of a tripartite anthropology, recognizing the interconnectedness of the spirit, soul, and body. Fasting creates a space for spiritual power and transformation.
Understanding How Fasting Works
Fasting primarily impacts the soul, which encompasses the mind, will, and emotions. It humbles the soul and prompts a deeper connection to spiritual powers. Fasting complements prayer and they work together as soul and spirit exercises respectively. Fasting focuses on the mind and emotions, while prayer emphasizes the spirit. Fasting also regards the soul as the faculty that rationalizes and comprehends the benefits of fasting. It brings humility to the mind and prepares the soul for spiritual connection and transformation.
The Power of Fasting in Cultural Contexts
Fasting is deeply rooted in cultural practices, especially in contexts where the spiritual and supernatural are acknowledged and embraced. These cultures recognize the existence of spiritual forces and believe in their ability to affect people's lives. Fasting is seen as a way to combat and confront these forces, seeking spiritual power and guidance. It is a means of connecting with the supernatural and accessing divine intervention in times of crisis. Culturally, fasting is considered an everyday part of life and a vital component of spiritual growth and protection.
The Impact of Fasting on the Soul and Body
Fasting has a profound impact on the soul, mind, will, and emotions. At first, fasting may surface intense emotions and even irritability, but over time, it calms the soul and increases spiritual sensitivity. Fasting encourages self-reflection and self-awareness, humbling the soul and bringing a greater awareness of one's dependence on God. This soul-focused practice also affects the body, prompting a deeper physical and spiritual connection. Fasting is a transformative discipline that fosters spiritual growth and aligns the soul and body with the divine.
The Spiritual Significance of Fasting
Fasting is a practice that humbles the soul and opens up the spirit. It creates a space for spiritual sensitivity and deeper connection with God. By denying the physical desires of the body, one's spirit becomes more open and receptive to spiritual forces.
Personal Journey and Benefits of Fasting
One person shares their personal experience with fasting, highlighting how it has deepened their awareness of God's presence and impacted their leadership in the church. Fasting has helped them cultivate a healthy relationship with food and prioritize their spiritual health.
Physiological Effects of Fasting
Fasting triggers ketosis, a state in which the body burns fat for energy. It also activates autophagy, a process that cleanses and rejuvenates the body. Fasting promotes mental clarity, sharpens focus, and enhances spiritual sensitivity.
Fasting is arguably one of the most neglected spiritual practices in the Western world. Disciples of Jesus and non-Christians alike have so many questions: What is fasting? How can I practice in a healthy way? What about body shame and eating disorders? Is it mandated in the Scriptures? Where do I start?
Join us for episode 1 of the Fasting series, where we hear a roundtable discussion with John Mark Comer, Yinka Dawson, and Jarin Oda all about the practice of fasting, from its historical roots to its transforming power and even its practicalities. The episode also includes an interview with Reward Sibanda about how fasting involves the full self, his own 21-day fast, and the spiritual breakthrough that can be found while fasting.
This podcast accompanies the Fasting Practice, developed by Practicing the Way. Thanks to the generosity of The Circle, all Practices are free. To learn more about The Circle or to run a Practice with your church, community, or small group, visit www.practicingtheway.org.
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