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Fasting begets prophets and strengthens strong men and women. Fasting makes lawgivers wise; it is the soul's safeguard, the body's trusted comrade, the armor of the champion, the training of the athlete. Basil, Bishop of Caesarea (AD 330-379)

With this call to enter extended fasts, we must prepare ourselves adequately so that the fast can honor God and fulfill its purpose. 

1. Fast and pray to humble yourself and purify your worship. In fasting we are not trying to get something from God, but rather seeking to realign our hearts' affections with His. Opening the way for a greater submission to the Holy Spirit. In fasting we can more readily say, "We love you Lord, more than anything in the world." Lust of any kind is perverted worship, but fasting enables us to cleanse the sanctuary of our hearts from every other rival. 

2. Take time to pray and read the Word. This may seem obvious, but busyness and distractions can keep you from devotions. Reading books with testimonies of victories gained through fasting will encourage you. 

3. Have a clear target for prayer focus. Without a vision (a clear, prophetic prayer goal) the people perish. During a fast have four or five prayer goals that are clearly articulated. Write down your vision, so you can run with it. 

4. If you fail, don't give in to condemnation. The "to fast or not to fast" dilemma can be a major tool of the enemy. Even though you may fail several times, God always extends grace. 

5. Married adults, consider sexual abstinence for the sake of prayer. (1 Cor. 7:5)

6. Make your commitment and determine the length.

7. Prepare physically. Two days before you fast, limit your intake of food to fruit and vegetables. Fruit is a natural cleanser and easy to digest. Stop drinking coffee before the fast. Prepare yourself for mental discomforts such as impatience, crankiness and anxiety. Expect physical discomforts. You may experience dizziness, headaches and different kinds of pains. The headaches are not a sign to stop fasting. Your body is working to cleanse itself of impurities.

8. Prepare for opposition. On the day of your fast you can bet donuts will be at the office or in class. Your spouse (or your mom) will suddenly be inspired to cook your favorite meals. Press through. Many times, you may feel more tension build at home. Satan tempted Jesus on the fast, and we must expect the same. Discouragement may come in like a flood, but recognize the source and take your stand on the victory of Christ.

9. Fast in secret. Don't boast about your fast but let people know you won't be eating, if you need to.

10. Feel free to rest a lot and to continue to exercise. 

11. Seek medical advice before the fast. 

14. Expect to hear God's voice in the Word, dreams, visions and revelations. Daniel prepared himself to receive revelation through fasting (Dan.10:1-2). There is a fasting reward (Matt. 6:18) Some time ago, a Malaysian brother shared how during a forty day fast he was "caught up into the heavens." After the fast, he took a team into the interior of Borneo and saw a dead woman raised and revival broke out in the village. 

15. Breakthroughs often come after a fast, not during it. Do not listen to the lie that nothing is happening. It is my conviction that every fast done in faith will be rewarded. 

May thousands of men and women fast, as God leads them, finding a greater intimacy with God the Father; may they be used in the greatest revival we have ever seen. Let the generations arise and fulfill this divine mandate. We have taught our children how to feast and play. Now it is time to teach them to fast and pray!