Dr. Elmer Towns writes about the nine disciplines of fasting in his book called Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough: http://www.mbbcirving.org/fileadmin/pdf/Fasting%20Book%20Elmer%20Towns.pdf
“The Nine Disciplines of Fasting
1. To loosen the bonds of wickedness, i.e., break addiction (The
Apostle’s Fast);
2. To undo heavy burdens, i.e., to solve problems, as Sherry and
Dave did (The Ezra Fast);
3. To let the oppressed go free, i.e., revival and evangelism (The
Samuel Fast);
4. To break every yoke, i.e., to overcome emotional habits (The
Elijah Fast);
5. To give bread to the hungry and provide the poor with
housing (The Widow’s Fast);
6. To allow light to break forth like the morning, i.e., insight
(The St. Paul Fast);
7. To cause health to spring forth speedily, i.e., for healing (The
Daniel Fast);
8. To cause righteousness to go before them, for your testimony
(The John the Baptist Feast); and
9. To cause the glory of the Lord to be their reward (or “rear
guard,” NIV), i.e., for protection from evil (The
Esther Fast).
To better illustrate and bring out the significance of these
nine reasons for fasting, I have chosen nine Biblical characters
whose lives personified the literal or figurative theme of each of
the nine results of fasting highlighted in Isaiah 58:6-8.
Each fast has a different name, accomplishes a different
purpose, and follows a different prescription.”
This is a wonderful book and a fascinating subject… I think it is important to specify that they fasted for 24 hours at a time.
More than that I believe that people should consult their doctor & have someone with them to guide them, hydrate them & keep them grounded if they desire to do more than the 24 hours… It can be very dangerous & must be for a specific purpose, guided in prayer & have a purpose that is very specific… There are doctors who specialize in such things, but I believe that they should supervise all fasts that they suggest… Fasting can create miracles & amazing healing, but they really are dangerous for the undisciplined & even for the disciplined as well!
Dr. Elmer Towns’ Book is quite simple & interesting… I think you will enjoy it!
Bon Santé!
