What Is Fasting And How To Fast For God?

Many people around the world think of “fasting” as a newfangled way to lose weight. But, fasting for religious reasons goes back thousands of years.

Fasting was a widespread religious practice at the time God’s Word was written. When he spent time on earth, even Jesus Christ, God’s own flesh and blood, engaged in fasting and prayer and expected his disciples to do the same.

In spite of the Bible’s lack of definite instruction on this matter, the New and Old Testaments include several examples of how to fast for God. In Matthew 6:16, Jesus teaches his followers the fundamentals of a holy life and mentions fasting. He opens his discussion on fasting by saying, “When you fast,” rather than “If you fast.”

What Is Biblical Fasting?

Biblical fasting[1] is the practice of refraining from eating for spiritual reasons. Nevertheless, fasting may be done in a variety of ways, all of which have the potential to benefit your spiritual well-being.

Your body and the Holy Spirit must be taken into consideration during biblical fasting. You can fast from a particular meal or even anything other than your food intake, including social media, rather than just suppressing your hunger. A complete fast must be rather brief, lasting no more than a few days. You may choose to fast until a specific time of the day or miss one meal in order to lose weight.

Why Should Christians Fast?

Is this not the kind of fasting I have chosen: to lose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them—and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

— Isaiah 58:6-7

All of these practices are commendable pursuits rooted in good intentions and a genuine desire to grow spiritually. Fasting is among the spiritual disciplines observed by the early Church, and even Jesus fasted, setting an example for his followers.

It involves abstaining from food or certain types of food for a specific period, either as a complete fast or a modified fast where one consumes a normal diet with specific exclusions. By seeking God through fasting, Christians can draw closer to him and experience his blessings. May God bless us as we engage in the spiritual discipline of fasting and seek a deeper connection with our awesome God.

• To Get Ready For A Ministry

The forty days and nights Jesus spent fasting and praying in the desert were the prelude to his labor on this planet. He sought to prepare himself for what his Heavenly Father had ordered him to undertake by spending time alone (Matthew 4:1–17; Mark 1:12–13; Luke 4:1–14).

During this time, Jesus faced intense spiritual testing and temptation, demonstrating the importance of spiritual preparation through fasting. By voluntarily abstaining from food, Jesus cultivated dependence on God and strengthened his spiritual resolve before embarking on his ministry.

Fasting can similarly serve as a way for Christians to prepare themselves spiritually, seeking God’s guidance and empowerment as they embark on specific callings or ministries.

• To Seek God’s Face And His Wisdom

Fasting and prayer can improve our ability to seek God. If you want to hear from God while fasting, try including a listening prayer practice in your fast. Fasting enables you to establish a relationship with God. Through the discipline of fasting, Christians can silence the distractions of the world and heighten their spiritual senses to discern God’s voice more clearly.

By combining fasting with intentional times of listening prayer, individuals can create space for divine revelation, seeking God’s face and wisdom in a more focused and receptive manner. This combination of fasting and listening to prayer can deepen one’s spiritual connection with God and foster a greater understanding of his will and purpose. After fasting and praying for the church leaders, Paul and Barnabas gave them to the Lord for his service (Acts 14:23).

• To Ask For Protection And Deliverance

During the nine-hundred-mile trip from Babylon to Jerusalem, Ezra announced a collective fast and prayed for the safety of the Israelites (Ezra 8:21–23). By engaging in fasting as a community, they humbled themselves before God, acknowledging their need for his protection and deliverance.

Fasting, in this context, becomes an act of surrender and reliance on God’s provision and guidance. It is a tangible expression of trust and dependence on him, seeking his intervention and safeguarding during times of vulnerability or danger.

• To Demonstrate Repentance

To show his repentance for Jonah’s judgment on Nineveh, the king dressed in sackcloth and descended into the dust. He then gave the command to observe a day of fasting and prayer for the entire community. From what we can gather in Jonah 3:10, “When God witnessed their repentance, He relented and did not unleash on them the devastation He had predicted.”

Christian fasting, alongside other acts of repentance, becomes a visible expression of remorse and a genuine turning away from sin. It serves as a way to humble oneself before God, acknowledge the need for forgiveness, and seek reconciliation. Through fasting, Christians can demonstrate their earnest desire to change by appealing to God’s mercy and experiencing his transformative work in their lives.

• To Defeat Enemies

God heard the Israelites’ cries for rescue after they had battled and lost forty thousand soldiers in two days. It is recorded in Judges 20:26 that everyone went up to Bethel to “sit weeping before the Lord.” “They fasted that day till dark as well,” said the scribe. The Benjamites were routed the following day, thanks to an intervention from the Lord.

Fasting can be a powerful spiritual weapon in times of warfare and conflict. It allows us believers to humble ourselves before God, acknowledging our dependence on his strength and intervention. By engaging in fasting, Christians can seek divine assistance and victory over their spiritual adversaries, trusting in God’s power to overcome and bring deliverance.

• To Glorify God

Fasting can serve as an act of worship and devotion, magnifying God’s presence and glory in one’s life. By dedicating specific times of fasting, we can express our deep reverence for God, setting ourselves apart for his service and cultivating a lifestyle of surrender and adoration.

Fasting becomes a spiritual discipline that glorifies God. It showcases the worthiness of God and acknowledges his supreme authority over every aspect of life.

An elderly prophetess named Anna is the subject of Luke 2’s account. She established a fasting and prayer life, as stated in verse 37: “She never left the temple.” Anna was one of God’s people, and fasting was a way for her to show her devotion to him.

Types Of Fasting

In terms of how to fast for God, Sam Storms—a preacher and an author—said that there are several kinds of fasting from foods and drinks that one might undertake.

Regular Fast

To engage in a regular fast, one abstains from any food or drink other than water (Matthew 4:2). This type of fast is a complete one, focusing solely on water consumption while refraining from solid foods.

During a normal fast, it is essential to drink an adequate amount of water to stay hydrated. It is recommended to plan the duration of the fast, whether it’s for a specific number of days or for a designated period of time.

Partial Fast

A partial fast entails refraining from a certain food group. Daniel’s diet in Babylon is an illustration of this (Daniel 10:3). A popular sort of partial fast is a liquid fast, which entails abstaining from specific types of beverages. This may include alcohol, caffeinated beverages, or soda. Daily abstinence from a certain meal constitutes another type of partial fast.

Another form is when one might choose to eat only vegetables and abstain from rich or indulgent foods. Some individuals may opt for a partial fast by skipping a particular meal each day, such as breakfast or lunch.

When undertaking a partial fast, it is important to determine the specific guidelines and restrictions based on personal conviction and seek God’s guidance. This may involve setting specific parameters for the food groups to be excluded or defining the duration of the fast.

Absolute Fast

An absolute fast is the most extreme form of fasting, involving abstaining from all food and liquids, including water. It is essential to approach an absolute fast with caution and wisdom, as prolonged periods without food or water can be detrimental to your health.

It is generally recommended to practice an absolute fast for a few days or a brief period of time, such as a day or two, under appropriate guidance or a physician’s supervision.

Supernatural Fast

In rare instances, there have been situations in which God helped a person fast in ways they could not have accomplished on their own—individuals experiencing supernatural assistance during their fasts.

The Bible presents Moses’ forty-day fast from food and water (Deuteronomy 9:9) as a form of biblical fasting, during which God himself provided him with supernatural sustenance.

Spiritual Preparation For Fasting And Prayer

Incorporating fasting into the Christian walk can bring forth spiritual growth, deepened intimacy with God, and the realization of his power and provision. It is essential to approach fasting with a sincere heart to seek God’s guidance and align with his purposes.

The purpose of fasting should not be to experience emotional highs or lows but rather to bring honor to God. God will reward your honest quest for further knowledge. As you dedicate yourself to fasting and prayer, God will shape your heart and draw you closer to Christ.

1. Examine your heart to prepare for a fast. God can assist you in recognizing your brokenness so that you may confess your sin and repent; thus, you should ask him for assistance in doing so. People’s prayers are occasionally rejected if they do not first confess their sins and seek forgiveness from God in the Bible.
2. Fasting also includes prayer. In your prayers, acknowledge not just the apparent but also the less obvious. Recognize both your sins of conduct and your sins of omission. What hinders your relationship with the Lord? What hinders you from living and loving as Christ did?
3. During this season of fasting and prayer, pray about your shortcomings and beseech God to change your heart. A lack of love and commitment to God’s Word and prayer may indicate egotism, the wrong spiritual direction, an unwillingness to communicate your faith with others, or a struggle to demonstrate kindness and compassion to your neighbors.

7 Simple Steps To A Successful Biblical Fast

The success of your fast will mainly depend on how you begin and end it. You may make your time with God more meaningful and spiritually fulfilling if you follow these seven simple steps on how to fast properly.

1. Set An Objective

What is the purpose of your fast? Is it for spiritual rejuvenation, direction, healing, or the solving of problems? Fasting is a form of spiritual discipline. During your prayer fast, seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and ask him to make his intentions clear. You will be able to pray more effectively and strategically if you use this method.

2. Make A Commitment

If you’re unsure about what sort of fast to take, pray about it. Jesus implied that everyone who followed him should observe a fast (Matthew 6:16–18; 9:14–15). He didn’t care if Christians today fasted or not; what mattered to him was when they would do it. In the face of physical and emotional difficulties, it’s easier to break your fast if you’ve made these preparations ahead of time.

3. Prepare Spiritually

The cornerstone of fasting and prayer is a desire to change one’s ways. Unrepented sin will make it difficult for you to pray. Prepare your heart by following these tips:

• If you’re struggling to keep track of all your transgressions, ask God to assist you.
• Accept God’s forgiveness for every sin that the Holy Spirit calls to your attention (1 John 1:9).
• You owe it to yourself and those who have injured you to ask for forgiveness and to forgive those who have done so (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3–4).
• Make atonement as the Holy Spirit directs you to do so.
• Recall the many wonderful qualities of God, such as his steadfast love and mercy, while you meditate (Psalm 48:9, 10; 103:1–8, 11–13).
• A heart full of hope is a good way to start your fasting and prayer period (Hebrews 11:6).
• In the face of religious resistance, don’t underestimate it. Satan may occasionally ratchet up the internal conflict between the body and the soul (Galatians 5:16, 17).

4. Undergo Physical Preparation

Fasting should be approached with discretion. Prescription medication and a persistent illness require prior medical consultation. A medical expert should always observe some people who should never fast alone. Also, eat smaller meals prior to fasting.

5. Create A Schedule And Stick To It

Decide how much time you will have each day to commune with the Lord. Pay attention to where he takes you. Your fast will have greater meaning if you spend time with him.

As much as possible, start and finish each day by kneeling with your spouse in a quick prayer of appreciation to God. Prayer and Bible study are best done alone for an extended period of time.

In addition, a healthy diet is essential. An expert in fasting and prayer and a nutritionist, Dr. Julio C. Ruibal recommends a daily juice intake regimen and a selection of drinks you may find beneficial and pleasant. Drinking habits may be tailored to meet your personal preferences and circumstances.

• 5:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.

If the fruit is acidic, you should dilute the acidic juices with 50% distilled water before drinking them. There is a wide range of vegetable juices, from leafy green vegetables to fresh fruit juices, that people enjoy drinking. Juices without added sugar or preservatives can be purchased if you can’t juice yourself.

• 10:30 a.m. – noon

Drink juice at this time of the day produced from celery, carrots, and lettuce in three equal portions. Blend these three ingredients as part of your daily juice intake regimen to get your vegetable nourishment of the day.

• 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

For your afternoon tea, add honey to your herbal tea. Avoid sugary foods and caffeine-rich teas, like black tea. Chamomile tea, peppermint tea, green tea, and ginger tea would be ideal for fasting as they can help digestion and be soothing.

• 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Boil potato, carrot, and celery stock, but skip the salt, as high amounts of sodium can make you feel bloated. Take a sip of the vegetable broth after around 30 minutes of boiling.

6. Gradually Conclude Your Fast

Eat a small amount at a time. Immediately after your fast, avoid eating solid food. Your stomach and digestive system are likely to be adversely affected if you suddenly reintroduce solid meals. Each day, spread out your meals and snacks. Introduce a raw salad or a steamed vegetable to your system. Avoid high-fat foods. The physical and spiritual benefits of a gradual finish to your fast will continue to improve your health.

7. Expect Outcomes

If you humbly kneel before the Lord, pray, repent, and seek God’s face, and if you continually focus on his Word, you will feel a heightened sense of his presence. (John 14:21). Get ready for some brand-new revelations from God! Strengthening your trust and belief in God will happen. You will feel mentally, spiritually, and physically refreshed. Responses to your prayers are going to come to you.

Start slowly and build your spiritual fasting muscles over time. Even if your first fast fails, don’t let yourself become down on yourself. You may have tried fasting for too long at first, or you may need to hone your resolve and comprehension. The sooner you begin another fast, the better. As a result, God will reward you for your perseverance.

Prayer And Fasting In The Bible

References to Bible fasting may be found in both the Old and New Testaments, as well as in the Book of Psalms (written after). Two passages from the Bible are frequently cited when Christians consider fasting: one from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah and one from Jesus. We can’t learn how to abstain from food from these texts, though. Instead of focusing on the other person’s body, both focus on their hearts.

For one day in Isaiah 58, God watches the people of Israel refrain from eating to seek God’s help: justice for Israel and retribution for those who have persecuted it. However, there is no aid, and the people are dissatisfied.

Turning the tables, God points out that the Israelites oppressed their own citizens. Disputes between workers and their employers lead to violence, and people become increasingly irrational against one another. Isaiah is God’s method of telling the people that he doesn’t want them to abstain from food and that he wants them to stop oppressing one another as they have.

Fasting And Medical Safety

According to “The Foods and Nutrition Encyclopedia,” short-term fasting has no negative effects on healthy people. Before the body begins to destroy essential tissue, the average healthy individual can survive without meals for between 21 and 40 days (starvation). Consult your doctor before embarking on a fast that will last more than three days.

If you have underlying health concerns such as anemia, pregnancy, behavioral disorders, eating disorders, or other chronic health issues, you should never fast without first seeing your doctor.

Summary

Have you included fasting in your spiritual practices? Jesus advised us that while we fast, we are to do it in secrecy and not make our fasting known to others (Matthew 6:16–18). Christian fasting may be both a physical and spiritual blessing if performed properly.

Individuals who fast to find answers to their concerns cannot overlook the other commands of the Bible or the surrounding circumstances in which they are asked to be the hands and feet of God. Ultimately, fasting is useless if we seek solutions to issues that fall outside of God’s will. May God bless all those who practice fasting to seek God.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Biblical Fasting?

Biblical fasting is the practice of abstaining from food or certain types of food for a specific period for spiritual reasons, aiming to deepen one’s relationship with God.

How Does One Prepare For A Biblical Fast?

To prepare for a biblical fast, one should set clear objectives, make a commitment, prepare spiritually by seeking forgiveness and meditating on God’s word, and undergo physical preparation, including consulting with a healthcare professional if needed.

What Kind Of Fasting Is Acceptable To God?

The kind of fasting acceptable to God is one that is done with a sincere heart, seeking a closer relationship with Him, and not just as an outward ritual. It involves genuine repentance, humble prayer, and often aligns with acts of kindness and justice, as described in Isaiah 58.

How To Please God With Fasting?

To please God with fasting, approach the fast with a humble and contrite spirit, seeking to align your heart with God’s will. It’s not merely abstaining from food but also involves repentance, prayer, reading God’s Word, and acting with compassion and justice towards others.

What Does God Say To Do When Fasting?

When fasting, God instructs us to do so with a sincere heart, not as a public display of piety. We are to focus on prayer, seeking God’s presence and guidance, and to live out our faith through acts of love, mercy, and justice towards others, as highlighted in scriptures like Isaiah 58 and Matthew 6:16-18.