Some Great thoughts from Mark Driscoll on fasting: Fasting Fasting is the voluntary act of abstaining from something for the purpose of growing in self-discipline, which is the essence of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Perhaps the most common form of fasting is from food. This is because, as Paul says, for some people their stomach is their god. By fasting from food, they are learning to enjoy food as a gift from God without allowing it to become an idolatrous functional god that controls them. Good Things Become Idols However, there are seemingly innumerable other things that, though they are good, can become bad when they rule over us in a way that only God should. Modern examples include fasting from the internet, email, or cell phone for a period of time if you find yourself compulsively spending too much of your time and energy checking websites, emails, phone calls, and voicemails. This point was painfully illustrated to me at a recent dinner out with my children. My wife, Grace, was teaching at a women’s event, and so I took the kids to a restaurant. Sitting around us were many other families like us, with one exception. Every single father was either talking on the phone or responding to emails on his BlackBerry throughout the meal, not connecting with his children in any way. Sadly, rather than visiting with their kids and having some fun, these daddies allowed their technological gods to rule over them. Their gods required the sacrificing of their own children, not unlike Molech in the Old Testament. When You Fast Jesus Himself exemplified the discipline of fasting for us in His own earthly life. One of the most well-known examples is Jesus’ forty days of fasting in Matthew 4:1–11. When Jesus spoke to His disciples about fasting, He said, “when you fast,” as if it was simply expected to be done (Matthew 6:16–17). As an aside, anyone wanting to practice an extended period of fasting would be wise to first speak with their doctor about how to do so safely. Other Scriptures also include reports of fasting. In Nehemiah 9:1, we are told that the entire nation of Israel fasted. Esther 4:16 likewise records a national three-day fast. In the New Testament, Acts 13:2 reports that a leadership decision regarding who should be sent out from the church at Antioch to plant another church was made after a period of seeking the Lord through fasting and worship. Acts 14:23 reveals that upon appointing new elders for some churches, Paul and Barnabas commissioned the new pastors with prayer and fasting.

Fasting is such a great thing and Jamie, props and many thanks for explaining... One thing that i would urge during fasting is to do so with a humble mind-set and make it something personal between you and God... i.e. don't go around boasting that your fasting! As Matthew 6:16-18 says: "16 "When you fast, do not look sullen like the hypocrites, for they make their faces unattractive so that people will see them fasting. I tell you the truth, they have their reward. 17 When you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others when you are fasting, but only to your Father who is in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you." And Jesus knew what he was talking about... big hint: even though your not eating, brush your teeth (if your fast from food) because you breath starts to stink... Also... if you are fasting and you are invited to a friends house (and you like 'need' to go...) and you sit down for dinner, don't offend him by rejecting the meal... remember not to be really legalistic (again this is just my view... take it if you wish) because you might offend people... in reality just be real with yourself and God... God won't be completely destroyed if you eat a meal with a friend in need... anyways... ive talked to much... hope this helped!!

Fasting is something that as a church we have been challenged to do from tonight until after homegroups tomorrow night and to pray for particular situations within our church. This is a time of focussed prater which homegroups are engaging with. What are we fasting?... The choice is up to the individual, for some it's food,caffeine,internet,tv or other things that in and of themselves are not bad, but can distract us from spending quality time with God. During this time of prayer and fasting as a church we are expecting great things of God...real breakthrough in particular situations.

I fasted much when dating a girlfriend to try to get direction; every Saturday for a few months. Haven't done it in awhile but I can vouch for what Neil said, God does break through. As an aside...the girlfriend became my wife... gotta count for something! :)