Christian Fasting: Proven 6am To 12pm Fasting That Works

6am to 12pm Christian fasting that works happens to be the popular kind of fast. Fasting is a spiritual discipline practised by many Christians, yet it often comes loaded with misconceptions. Some view fasting as an extreme, legalistic exercise while others see little benefit in abstaining from food for spiritual purposes. However, fasting has strong biblical support and, when practised properly, can enrich one’s walk with God.

This article provides a practical overview of Christian fasting to help both new and mature believers understand its meaning, significance, purpose, and effective application. We will explore questions like: What exactly does the Bible teach about fasting? What spiritual and physical benefits can fasting provide? Is there a right and wrong way to fast? How can fasting be sustainable long-term? This article will dig into Scripture and share real-world tips so you can gain confidence in making godly fasting a vital part of your spiritual growth.

My Experience with Christian Fasting

Groomed by the Church to Fast

I have had my fair share of the ups and downs of life, and I still do. But the thing that always gets me going is fasting and a spice of prayer. I was very young when I started fasting from 6 am to 12 am because the church we attended groomed us for it. But that would prepare me for what is ahead.

Was I ready to skip meals as young as I was, no, but was it necessary that I skip them yes. 

I was about 12 years old when I walked into a conversation a certain woman was having with my mom.  She was encouraging my mom to take swift action on my health because I was sickly and lacked blood (I used to be a sick child).

I was a sickler

I walked out without any of them knowing. The second conversation happened, and then I knew something was not right with me. It was my first few months in Secondary School, it was a beach excursion organized by the school.  

Like other children, I was having fun in the water, even though I was feeling cold. A child will always be one, I ignored that condition just to have a feel of the experience. 

Suddenly, a hand pulled me out and took me out of the water to one of the teachers who was my custodian then. She says, “You know your son is a sickler, and you allowed him inside the water.”

From Sickler to AA Genotype,

That day changed everything about me. I was not a normal child anymore. One day I prayed to God, and I said, “Please put a drop of your blood in mine so I won’t be a sickler anymore”. Throughout my six years in Secondary school, I would fast and pray from 6 am to 6 pm each year for my birthday. If I am going to be thirteen, I will fast (6 am to 6 pm) every day for thirteen days and end on the day of my birthday. 

I kept fasting that way even when I was twenty and out of Secondary school. I have long gone from being a sickler to AA genotype, O+ Blood Group, and a blood donor.

The recent routine of that type of fasting I did was 43 days for my 43rd birthday. 

Understanding Christian Fasting

Properly well-done, purpose-driven, and effectively applicable Christian fasting can help both new and mature believers enter into a higher spiritual realm and build a long-lasting relationship with God.

Definition of Christian Fasting. 

Christian fasting involves voluntarily abstaining from some or all food and drink for spiritual purposes and aims like seeking God’s guidance, overcoming sin, or growing deeper in Christ. Most fasts last 24 hours or more. The Bible does not mandate any required frequency or duration but allows flexibility.

Biblical Perspective on Christian Fasting

The Bible records many followers of God fasting in the Old and New Testaments. It served purposes like: 

1. repenting from sin – Nineveh fasted for three days (see Jonah 3:5)
2. seeking God’s will – (see Genesis 24:11-12-15)
3. and mourning for the sick – (see 2 Samuel 12:17).

The Bible views fasting as a beneficial voluntary exercise, not a compulsory ritual. Jesus spoke of fasting’s value when done secretly unto God, not to impress man (see Matthew 6:16-18) 

Examples of Fasting in the Bible

Biblical heroes of faith relied on fasting to sharpen and strengthen their relationship with God. According to the Bible, these are examples of Biblical fasting: 

1. Moses fasted for 40 days and 40 nights to receive the 10 Commandments (see Exodus 34:28-35).
2. King David fasted for 7 as he pleaded for his sick newborn’s healing (see 2 Samuel 12:17). 
3. Queen Esther called all the Jews to fast 3 days before she courageously approached the king (see 5:2)
4. The prophetess Anna fasted regularly in the temple night and day (see Luke 2:36-38).

Importance of Fasting in Christianity

 Aside from spiritual growth, fasting teaches self-discipline, and self-denial, and helps believers grow more thankful for daily bread when not fasting. As Christ said some evil spirits only respond to “prayer and fasting”: This kind goes only by (see ). Fasting can also strengthen spiritual authority against dark forces. What is Christianity anyway without authority?

A practical strictly 6am to 12pm fasting done occasionally can see effective spiritual growth in a believer’s life, as well as many physical benefits.

Addressing 6am to 12pm Christian Fasting

Christian fasting and a sustainable 6am to 12pm strategy.

Legitimacy of Fasting from 6am to 12pm.

 While no specific Bible verse mandates the 6am to 12pm time duration, the Bible gives principles for moderate, scheduled fasting periods. This 6-hour span is reasonable for most healthy adults. Stopping intake halfway through the day allows the body to enter into a fast state. The Bible is our guide to begin modestly, but allowing the Holy Spirit to customize direction over time by the season of life factor, helps to a large extent. The highlighted 6 am to 12 pm pattern strategically fits into busy modern society.

Factors Influencing Fasting Practices

The Bible allows for flexibility in fasting practices. Factors like health status, age, activities, lifestyle, and duration of fasting help determine appropriate expression. Seeking medical advice for long fasts is wise, especially for those with conditions requiring medication or regular nourishment. The Bible says that God is not the author of confusion, (see 1 Corinthians 14:33 ) which also applies to the practice of fasting.

Intentions Behind Christian Fasting

The Bible encourages fasting for numerous spiritual purposes like seeking God’s guidance, repenting from sin, dedicating oneself fully to the Lord, praying for the oppressed, and breaking yoke, to mention a few. It should be voluntary and free from hypocrisy. The focus must remain on God, not outward displays. Right motives matter greatly. (see Isaiah 58:6-7). 

Benefits of Fasting (6am to 12pm)

This moderate 6-hour fast allows busy believers to remain active while enjoying spiritual and physical rewards, and research also shows it helps with: 

1. blood sugar regulation, 
2. mental clarity, 
3. improved circulation and heart health
4. appetite correction 
5. blood pressure
6. weight management 
7. relief for various autoimmune diseases
8. promotes cell regeneration and enhances cognitive functionality
9. triggers the body’s self-healing mechanisms

Most importantly, it carves out extended time and hunger for God to speak and the renewal of our hearts. Additionally, the compassion and social awareness gained from fasting should translate into generosity and care for the poor and marginalized. In a world obsessed with instant gratification and self-indulgence, fasting crucially teaches patience, self-control, and reliance on God. As Christ taught, intense spiritual battles sometimes warrant the empowering of prayer with fasting (see Mark 9:29)

The Length of Christian Fasting

Here is an additional expansion covering different fasting patterns in Christianity, factors to consider when choosing a pattern, and biblical references to fasting times:

Different Fasting Patterns in Christianity

Christians throughout history have fasted according to various patterns – intermittent, periodic, absolute, partial, or rotational. 

1. Intermittent – involves fasting on specific days. 
2. Periodic – fasting happens a few days, weekly, monthly, or annually. 
3. Absolute – -fasting consumes only water for extended periods. 
4. Partial features abstinence from certain food groups.

Biblical References to Fasting Times

The Bible accounts for the followers of God with regular fasting during daytime hours due to cultural norms and work demands. Night fasting was less common but sometimes practised alone with intense prayer needs. Jesus indirectly endorsed the cultural practice of regular daytime fasts by speaking against the religious hypocrisy surrounding them, not the timing itself. If you have a  busy lifestyle by all means fast from 6am to 12pm, whether you are new to fasting or experienced this pattern has practical advantages and enriches your spiritual journey!

Some Consideration for 6am to 12pm Fasting

Preparation for a Successful Fast 

Physically preparing yourself for fasting allows an unhindered focus on God. It is your body that gets weakened during fasting, so you must prepare it days before fasting to avoid breakdown. 

1. Hydration – hydrating excessively during the preceding days prevents dehydration and headaches. 
2. caffeine and sugar – gradually eliminate caffeine and sugar from your diet days before your fasting.
3. Meditate -identify meaningful prayer goals and study topics guides and the allotted time. 
4. Communicate -inform family, friends, and colleagues ahead when applicable to prevent unnecessary distraction.
5. clean up – clean your environment when you observe the fast.

Stay Focused During the Fast

Staying focused during the fasting period is not too easy. You have to be intentional with the routine. The first few hours often feel the easiest while work activity naturally restricts you from food. However, as time goes by, tiredness and hunger will set in. To overcome the temptation to eat, set prayer reminders on your cell phones every two hours to help mitigate shifting attention later when hunger and cravings intensify. 

For extended fasts, moderate activity maintains energy and distraction whereas excessive exertion can be counterproductive. Accountability partners provide essential motivation and wisdom.

How to Break the Fast 

Now, when you are done with your fast you must understand that your eating routine must change. Carefully easing into ordinary eating habits will prevent digestive issues like cramps or nausea. For example, a small wholesome snack and fruit juice or vegetables break the fast sufficiently before proceeding to a gradual reintroduction of complex foods, coffee, etc.

Hydrating excessively enables the digestive system to acclimatize. Recording notable revelations and praises keeps further building momentum in applying spiritual fruits reaped after the initial fast concludes.

Final Words On Christian Fasting That Works

If you want your fasting to work, whether you are fasting 6am to 12pm, 6am to 6pm, or 24 hours (dry fasting) you must good standing relationship with God. By fasting, you are practising spiritual discipline as a Christian to grow closer to God. I encourage you to try fasting from 6am to 12pm because if you are new, it fits into the busier modern lifestyles. It allows you active and clear-minded at work while still meaningfully abstaining from food but makes you draw spiritual sensitivity as the day progresses. Just to recap:

1. Fasting is a spiritual discipline with rich biblical roots and many examples from Moses to Jesus, and the Old Testament to New Testament. It opens doors to compelling spiritual benefits like deeper intimacy with God.
2. Emerging research confirms extensive health advantages of fasting including healing properties, disease prevention, and sustained cognitive performance.
3. Practising fasting strategically and sustainably without extremes fits even busy modern lifestyles. The suggested 6am to 12pm fast allows for remaining active at work while achieving meaningful denial.
4. Both beginner and experienced fasters will discover profound blessings by committing to regular seasonal fasts for spiritual breakthroughs after reasonably preparing both body and spirit.

I would love to hear about your fasting experience. At what age did you start fasting? Share in the comments.

Remember, everything works for your good! God bless you richly.