Fasting and Prayer Day 7 of 7
This is a short day of fasting because I stopped eating at 3:00 pm last Sunday. So I will pray with Jim and Betsy at 4:00 pm today, and then come home for dinner.
If you have not fasted before I have a few words of advice.
- Start with a shorter fast at first (24 hours)
- Pray before you start
- Set a definite start and stop time
- When you end your fast, pray
- Drink water (I drink mineral water like S.Pellegrino in the large bottles, at least 1 per day)
Praying at the end of your fast is the best part, so don’t cheat yourself out of the best part. Give yourself at least 30 minutes of quiet uninterrupted time to be with God. Listen for him to reveal things to you. Enjoy being in his presence.
After an extended fast like this one for seven days, I will need to go slowly to re-introduce food to my body. That means food that is very gentle on the stomach and digestive system. I will have some steamed vegetables this evening. I have some mushrooms, a bell pepper, a yellow summer squash and 2 leeks. Just select some vegetables you like (a baked potato, vegetable soup, etc). I also like yogurt and I may have one of those later in the evening. Only eat a little at a time as to not overwhelm your system.
You may think you want a double cheese burger and fries, or plate of steak, ribs, and fried shrimp or giant pork green chili burrito the size of Rhode Island, but trust me, it isn’t a good idea. Those dense, heavy foods will turn to a giant rock in your stomach and you will not feel well. So wait a couple of days before you do that to yourself.
I am not a vegetarian, but will eat mostly vegetables for the next few days and be kind to my system. Also by doing that, I will not gain the 12 pounds back that I have lost.
I feel great, strong, healthy, slender, and free. My spirit feels free, and I am restored and renewed.
Newsong
August 19th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
I am amazed you made it through. It’s hard to believe you can make it a week with nothing but water. Growing up, my notion of fasting was refraining from seconds.
You’ve demonstrated, you can achieve what seems impossible with prayer and a close relationship with God. Thanks for the inspiring story.