Followers of Christ fast from both food and/or water to grow closer to the Lord. Fasting is a beautiful practice that Christians participate in to focus and rely on the Lord.
What is a Christian water fast? A Christian Water fast is a type of fast that a believer engages in, which involves the abstinence of food and only the consumption of water. Please consult with your physician before taking action of this type of fast.
When a person fasts, they are mainly using God’s love and communication as a replacement for the necessities a body needs. Even though fasting for the Lord is a wonderful action Christians can do to honor the Father, people should be cautious about how they are fasting. Here we covering the topics of helpful fasting tips, the pros and cons, and who should or shouldn’t participate in a Christian water fast.
How to Water Fast: 5 Helpful Tips
Consuming only water can be linked to both good and bad effects on the physical body. Here are ten tips that every person who fasts should follow before pursuing this Christian practice.
1. Keep Fasting Periods Short-Lasting
When a Christian water fasts, they ate not eating any solid foods. It’s important to know that if you are wanting to do this type of fast that you are in control of how long this fast should be.
Short fasts last from the time period of 8-24 hours. However, others decide to participate in a longer fast from 48-72 hours. You get to choose how long it should. If this is your first time fasting, it is highly recommended to not fast from both food and (or) water for long periods of time.
There are other ways to fast as well such as technology, books, or something that you spend most of your free time enjoying. If you are interested in reading more about this type of fast read our blog How to Honor God With Your Fasting & 20 Tips for Beginners.
2. Stay Hydrated
It is very important when you are fasting from food to drink as much water as possible. Mild dehydration can result in dry mouth, thirst, fatigue, and headaches. It is vital to intake enough fluid on your fast.
Most health authorities recommend the 8×8 rule — eight 8-ounce glasses (just under 2 liters in total) of fluid every day — to stay hydrated. However, the accurate fast is for you to aim for 2-3 liters of water over the course of your fast. A human’s body gets dehydrated fairly quickly. Take care of your body while worshiping the Lord, He does not want you to have major side-effects upon your body from your fast.
3. Keep Exercise Minimal
It’s best to keep your exercise period to the smallest amount as possible. Low-intensity movement should include walking, basic stretching, and housework. Avoid weight lifting, running/jogging, dancing, hiking, or any type of activity that causes your heart rate to increase.
Most importantly, keep in mind how your body is reacting to your exercising during the fast. Rest and sit down with your Bible instead of hiking up a mountain that is miles long. Again, if you are new to fasting it is recommended to not try any type of physical exercise while your body is regulating your new diet.
4. Stop Fasting If You Feel Sick
If your body is starting to feel heavy, dizzy, or ill stop your diet and immediately consume solid food. Don’t try to persevere through your fast if your body is suffering. The Lord created a human body to live off of the food and water that He has provided for His children.
We are meant to consume both food and water every day. If you are water fasting (or fasting in general) make sure that your body is remaining healthy. There are many different effects that you occur to your body if you keep fasting when your body can not handle it. Most include critical issues.
5. Don’t Break Your Fast With a Big Meal
After you have completed your water fast, make sure that you do not dive in and eat a big meal. It can be tempting for you to want to consume every edible item in front of you for celebrating your accomplishments. However, do this can potentially have you feel exhausted and bloated.
Additionally, the best way to break your water fast is by eating small snacks and meals in increments. Eating saltine crackers, light sandwiches and fruit is a good way to regulate your body. This will prepare it to eat a normal size meal.
Pros and Cons of Water Fasting
Here are the pros and cons of water fasting and the different effects they may happen if someone is not careful.
Supports Christian Water Fasting:
- Nearness with the Lord
- Stronger prayer life
- Act of worshipping
- Spiritual freedom
1. Nearness with The Lord
When a Christian fasts, they are growing spiritually and emotionally closer to the Lord. The reason they are fasting is to seek God’s advice, wisdom, and guidance. Christians provide their hearts to the Lord when they are participating in this practice. Which is why fasting brings someone ultimately closer to our creator.
2. Stronger Prayer Life
Followers of Christ become more stable and strong in their prayer life when they rely on only the Lord to survive. When a Christian is not eating food (or drinking water) and instead spend their time meditating on prayer, they grow their love and neediness for the Lord. They learn to give all of their worries to the Lord and also what He wants to say to them.
3. Act of Worshipping
Fasting is known as another form of worshipping the Lord’s name on high. Instead of listening to music or singing a hymn, fasting devotes a follower of Christ to Holy Father. Worshiping the Lord includes being thankful and grateful for all of the wondrous blessings He has bestowed upon humanity.
4. Spiritual Freedom
The times when a Christian fasts, they sometimes experience strongholds of the enemy being broken off. Different types of oppression or chains that they are held in bondage of being lifted off and demolished. When someone refrains from listening to the enemy, and instead only lives through God’s love, (not on nourishment) then they are casting all of their worries, regrets, and anxieties to the Lord’s feet. They are giving God authority, and are submitting to his royalty.
…casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7
Against Christian Water Fasting:
Here are three important negative effects that can be occurred during your water fast. Before partaking in this fast please read these different effects thoroughly and prayerfully consult the Lord if you should continue this practice.
- Dehydration
- Hypotension
- Dizziness
2. Dehydration
Even though you drink water during a water fast, you can be at risk for dehydration. For most people, at least 20 percent of daily water consumption comes from the foods you eat. If you don’t increase your water intake during the fast, you will actually end up consuming much less water than usual.
3. Hypotension
On the other hand, if you drink too much water, you may experience hypotension. Hypotension is extremely low blood pressure—the opposite of hypertension, or high blood pressure.
4. Dizziness
When you do consume enough liquid during your water fast, you will get dehydrated and then dizzy. It is vital that you take care of your body and drink enough water. It may become difficult to focus at work or school during a water fast. Fasting can also cause mild-to-severe headaches.
When Water Fasting is Not Appropriate for You
Please read below the types of people who should not water fast.
If one or more of these categories represent you, we highly recommend you to find another way to fast besides giving up water and food.
Believers Who Shouldn’t Water Fast:
- People with a medical condition like heart disease or type 2 diabetes
- Women who are trying to conceive
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- People who are underweight
- Those who have experienced an eating disorder
- People who have problems with blood sugar regulation
- People with low blood pressure
- Those who are taking prescription medications
- Woman with a history of amenorrhea
- Older adults
- Adolescents