Fasting Keys: A Sequel

By Dr. Lionel Stokes

There are many myths, unfounded fears, and misunderstandings about spiritual fasting. From any denominational perspective you can hear a leader tell his or her congregation to Fast and pray. Seldom does the leaderor anyone else follow up that directive with any instructions on how to fast. Christs followers are often left on their own to figure out how to execute the spiritual fasting. Unfortunately, this may mean they do not have the spiritual experience they hoped for.

In basic, everyday language, Reverend Lionel Stokess Fasting Keys opens up the unfamiliar, the forgotten, and even the unknown natures of fasting. Stokes addresses three specific questions about spiritual fasting: When and where did the practice or idea of fasting begin? Why bother to fast? How do you prepare to fast? Youll find recommended foods and beverages as well as ones to stay away from during your fast. Stokes also provides daily menu suggestions, so you will not be left to fend for yourself when making a meal plan.

Fasting Keys proves spiritual fasting is nothing to be afraid of or dread. Instead, it can bring you closer to God and enhance your entire faith experience.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: May 18, 2015
• ISBN: 9781491764008

Dr. Lionel Stokes

The Reverend Dr. Lionel Stokes earned a master of theology degree from McCormick Theological Seminary and a doctorate in education from National Louis University.  Retired as an adjunct professor and adult educator specialist from Kennedy King College; one of Chicago’s City Colleges and Northeastern Illinois University and is an ordained elder serving at the Martin Temple AME Zion Church.

Book preview

FASTING KEYS

A SEQUEL

Copyright © 2015 The Reverend Dr. Lionel Stokes.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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ISBN: 978-1-4917-6401-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4917-6400-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015904651

iUniverse rev. date: 5/14/2015

CONTENTS

Preface

Introduction

A Vignette

Chapter 1   The Proposition

Chapter 2   The Purpose

Chapter 3   The Preparation

Epilogue

End Notes

PREFACE

Not too long after the publication of my first book, Prayer and Fasting, a dear friend called to give me their critique of the book. Patiently, I listened to their unsolicited review with some delight.

It seemed that my friend really liked the first part of the book on prayer, and was impressed with how well they could relate to so much of what I had written. The section on fasting, however, they went on to tell me that they felt was too esthetic or academic, if you will. For our annual fall revival, I was asked to conduct three nights of teaching on fasting. Naturally, as I started to prepare for the classes, I pulled out Prayer and Fasting, and you know what, my friend was correct, thus this sequel.

I agree wholeheartedly with Thomas Rainer, author of I Am a Church Member, when he stated, It may not take a village to write a book, but there is really no such thing as solo authorship. So many people are a part of this book, and many of these people are indispensable parts of my life.

My biological family is such an intricate part of my life that it would probably take an entire book to list and describe the unique traits and characteristics each person brings to the table. And there is no last but not least in regard to my church family—trust me when I tell you that they too would take an entire volume. I think you get the idea. I love my family; they are the wind beneath my wings, and there is no existence without them.

Yet there are six people I must highlight because God wanted this book written, and it’s true – He doesn’t give you a vision without giving provision. So He put in place the people He