Agape Family Worship Center General Fasting Guidelines (Daniel 1:12-20)

Please note the following scriptures: 2 Chronicles 7:14 and Joel 2:12,13

General Guidelines for Fasting
Spirit of Fasting (Isa. 58:5-7)
Fasting to God (Zech. 7:5,6; Matt. 6:17,18)

Purpose of Fasting
To Chasten the Soul (Ps. 69:10)
To Humble the Soul (Ezra 8:21)
To Seek the Lord (2 Chron. 20:3,4)
To Prepare for Spiritual Warfare (Matt:17:21)

When to Fast
When Facing the Judgment of God (1 Kings 21:27; Joel 1:14; Joel 2:12; Jon. 3:4,5)
During Periods of National Mourning (1 Sam. 31:11-13; 2 Sam. 1:12; 2 Sam. 3:35; 1 Chron. 10:11,12)
When Communion with Christ Is Broken (Matt. 9:15; Mark 2:19,20; Luke 5:34,35)
When Concerned for the Welfare of Others (Ps. 35:13)
When Challenged by Personal Concerns (2 Sam. 12:15-17; 2 Sam. 12:21-23)
When Facing Danger (2 Chron. 20:2,3; Ezra 8:21-23; Esther 4:15,16)
When Engaged in Spiritual Warfare (Mark 17:21; Mark 9:29)
When Ordaining Ministers of the Gospel (Acts 13:2,3; Acts 14:23)

Fasting Accompanied by
Abstinence from Sexual Relationships (1 Cor. 7:5)
Confession of Sin (1 Sam. 7:6; Neh. 9:1-3)
Humiliation (Deut. 9:18; Ps. 35:13; Ps. 69:10; 1 Kings 21:27; Neh. 9:1)
Lamenting (Esther 9:30,31)
Mourning (2 Sam. 1:12; 1 Kings 21:27; Esther 4:3; Neh. 1:4; Joel 2:12; Ezra 10:6)
Personal Demeanor (Matt 6:17)
Prayer (Ezra 8:23; Neh. 1:4; Ps. 35:13; Dan. 9:3; Luke 5:33)
Reading the Scriptures (Neh. 9:1-3; Jer. 36:6; Jer. 36:10)
Weeping (2 Sam. 1:12; Neh. 1:4; Esther 4:3; Ps. 69:10; Joel 2:12)
Worship (Neh. 9:1-3)

Promised Blessings Associated with Fasting
Answered Prayer, Insight and Restoration (Isa. 58:9-12)
Joy, Gladness and Cheerfulness (Zech. 8:19)
Rewarded by God the Father (Matt. 6:17,18)
Spiritual Power over Demons (Mark 9:29)
Effects of Fasting (1 Kings 21:28,29; Ps. 109:24; Matt.15:32; Mark 8:2,3)