Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Starting with a Fast

So I'm going to start this adventure (to say the least...did I mention that I'm absolutely terrified of doing this?) with a 3 day fast. I think it's appropriate and fitting to dedicate this endeavor to the Lord and lean on His strength. During this time I'll be posting on some of my goals and plans and praying over them as well.

I believe I'm going to follow a fast I read about in the book, French Women Don't Get Fat by Mireille Guiliano. In this book, the author's family doctor recommended that she drink a broth made from leeks for a few days to "recast" her body after some weight gain when she was a young woman. She says that women in France have been doing this for generations because leeks are a natural, mild diuretic, low in calories and nutritious. She continues to do this fast a few times every year as a natural cleanse.


I'm doing it for those reasons as well. But if you don't pray when you're fasting for spiritual reasons, you're pretty much just going hungry. Part of what I'm unhappy about in my life is that I am not at all disciplined in my prayer life or in my study of the Word. I also know that this isn't going to change over night, but I think starting off the new year with fasting and prayer is a step in the right direction.

There are thousands of Christians all over the world who begin the year with fasting and prayer. If you'd like to learn more about it, I'd like to recommend the book The 21 Day Fast by Dr. Bob Rodgers, pastor of Evangel World Prayer Center in Louisville, KY. He is one of the leading experts on the subject and has a lot of insight on the spiritual and physical benefits of fasting. Here are some of his tips.


If you'd like to join me in this time of seeking the Lord, I know from experience that when there is a corporate fast, there is a special strength that isn't there when you do it alone. Even if you just fast for one day, God will bless whatever you do. I'm starting on Saturday Jan. 2nd.

I hope you will join me.

1 comment:

The Amusing Redhead said...

Great plan Angie! See Him first and *all* these things shall be added onto you.