Time of fasting and prayer can and should be a regular part of a Christian’s life. To get the greatest spiritual benefit from fasting, it’s important to step back and take time to prepare your heart to receive what God might want to show you. The six steps shared below are a great guide in doing just that.

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1 | Identify Distractions

What looms large that makes God small? What do I find myself spending time doing or thinking about more often than I should? How do I spend my spare time?

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2 | Deny the Distractions

Be proactive! Write them down and make a plan to set them aside during your fast.

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3 | Identify the Dangers

Are there un-delt with sins in my life that are hindering fellowship with God? Name them, repent, and move forward.

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4 | Identify the Desires

What are the great things that I desire God to do in me or in those around me? Where do I need a spiritual break through?

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5 | Identify my place of Dependence

What will I let go of in order to depend solely on God? Put something down, and take God up.

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6 | Identify the divine direction

Let God define it by a good portion of the Word, perhaps a focal passage. Potential passages: Isaiah 40, Psalm 51, Psalm 84, Colossians 3, Philippians 3, 1 Thessalonians 4