My Very First Fast: Day 1

My girlfriend and I have embarked on a fast together.

Everyone has their reasons for fasting, and for me it's pretty straightforward. There are very clear reasons for why I want to fast.

But first, what exactly constitutes a Christian fast?

"Biblically, fasting is abstaining from food, drink, sleep or sex to focus on a period of spiritual growth. Specifically, we humbly deny something of the flesh to glorify God, enhance our spirit, and go deeper in our prayer life." CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON FASTING

This effectively summarizes just about everything I am doing and trying to do. The overall effort is to isolate myself with God as much as possible so that I may strengthen my walk with Him.

I'm trying very hard to listen for God's voice through this fast and asking that He speak to me and guide my steps. But in all honesty, the biggest motivation for my fast is so that I may receive the spiritual gift of tongues.

Yesterday I went to my mom's church at 8pm to participate in a special prayer meeting designed specifically for people who want to receive the gift of tongues. I went with my mom, sister, and my girlfriend hoping for myself and for my girlfriend to receive it.

Neither of us did receive it, and I can say with no confidence that I was spiritually even ready to receive it. I am going to pray more fervently, fast, and depend on God more and hopefully I will be more prepared spiritually to receive. In other words, I am going to surrender myself to Him and try to have full faith in Him; this fast is just one clear way I am trying to do that.

So, getting back to the "very clear reasons I want to fast", I very much want to grow more obedient, set out a lifestyle of dependence on Him for everything, improving my prayer life (more discipline and consistency), and also that He would provide for me and my family in a time of financial despair.

I am going to try very hard to have the right mindset about it. I want to stray as much as possible from having an attitude of a works-based type of thing and I also want this to be strictly between me and God. The only reason I am writing about this in my blog is for the following reasons:

1) That those who read will pray for me
2) That those who read find encouragement and try to also pursue ways to grow closer to God
3) It's a pretty big thing to me right now in my walk and I felt it was interesting enough to share.

I am very worried that this will put an air of spiritual arrogance in my step or make me feel somehow holier or more worthy of God's blessings. I just want to show God my obedience and sincerity in desiring Him, and believe in full faith that this fast will not be without fruit.

Today I ate one full meal, some water, fruit, and a few pieces of candy. I'm also trying to limit myself to only a few hours of sleep per day and going to early-morning prayer (seh-byuk gee-do) every Mon-Saturday.

Please pray for me that I will have a fully dependent mind and heart and that I will be blessed through this fast.

Oh, and I am going to do it as long as I need to and as long as I feel it is necessary. Probably until I received the gift of tongues, but I'm planning for a week or so. But again, as long as I feel I need to.

I would appreciate comments, but mostly your prayers :)

Thanks!