There are four basic kinds of fasts: absolute, radical, normal, and partial. Below is a brief explanation of each as well as additional important information.

Absolute fast- No food or liquid (not even water) is consumed. Supernatural sustenance is necessary. An absolute fast is VERY, VERY RARE AND VERY, VERY DANGEROUS unless the Lord has specifically and unquestionably called you to this type of divinely protected and sustained fast.

Radical fast- Only water is consumed. A radical fast is also rare and not recommended for long periods of time unless the Lord has specifically and unquestionably called you to this type of fast.

Normal fast- No food is consumed; liquids include water, clear broths, and fruit and vegetable juices.

Partial fast- Some foods and drinks are sacrificed; for example, processed foods, sugary foods, and caffeinated beverages may be eliminated from your daily intake. A Daniel fast (see "Biblical Types of Fasts" link) is an example of a partial fast.

Those whom He calls to absolute and radical fasts (Moses, Elijah, Jesus) are sought for extreme and divine purposes. One who is radically fasting consumes only water; one who fasts an absolute fast ingests nothing - neither food nor water. We do encourage you to test the Spirit (Romans 12:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, 1 John 4:1) for confirmation as you sense a call to fast, especially for a radical fast. We do not recommend an absolute fast unless you are absolutely certain that the Lord is calling you to completely abstain from food and drink; biblical heroes who were called to an absolute fast were divinely anointed and supernaturally sustained for the duration of their fast. It is a rare person whom God calls to a radical fast; rarer still is the one He calls for an absolute fast.

More commonly, those convicted to fast undertake a normal fast where no solid foods are consumed, and physical sustenance is provided by broths, and fruit and vegetable juices. Others may participate in a partial fast where some foods and drinks are sacrificed (processed foods, sugary foods, and caffeinated beverages, for example).

As always, we at Trumpet and Torch recommend that you consult your physician before beginning any type of fast. We especially urge you to consult the Great Physician for His discernment and guidance. Expectant mothers, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical concerns may participate in the spirit of fasting while still receiving essential physical nourishment.

Only through the strength of God and His direction are we truly able to fast in a way that is acceptable and pleasing to Him. He desires that we all experience a deep, abiding relationship that only comes from Him. This intimate walk with God requires faith not fear.

Perhaps you feel overwhelmed by or fearful of fasting. Take it to the Lord in prayer. Then, listen for His still, small voice. No matter in your life is unimportant to Him, and He will guide you. First, though, you have to silence the distractions that often crowd out your time with Him and compete with His voice.

Remember that a Christian spiritual fast is not a contest; you need not compare yourself or your experience to another. It's not the number of days that you fast or even the number of meals that you fast that matters; the Lord honors the act of humbling yourself in true repentance. He wants your heart, not your stomach!

Our faithful God will prepare you for the task that you have been called to. You have been chosen to be in an intimate relationship with Him. This time of feasting on the Word of God is meant to draw you to the feet of Jesus and there you will find the peace that passes understanding.

There is no reason to fear when God is leading, especially when that path leads you out of the darkness and uncertainty of this earthly life and directs you to His very presence and into the embrace of His awesome love. We should not fear this path, but anticipate it with joy and longing for every moment we have to spend with our most gracious Heavenly Father.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9)

"Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD." (Psalm 4:5)

The Great Commandment, as Jesus replied to the Pharisees in Matthew 22:37-38 is to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself."

Fasting, as outlined in Isaiah 58, accomplishes both the first and second greatest commandments and also highlights the "true" fast (indicated by actions representative of Christ's character) as opposed to the "legalistic" fast (indicated by actions representative of arrogant, sinful, and unrepentant human hearts).