Fasting

Why Should Christians Fast?

Several Reasons for Fasting:

1. To seek God’s will and guidance (Acts 13:2-3; 14:23)
2. To express repentance for sins (Jonah 3:5-10; Daniel 9:3-5)
3. For spiritual growth and drawing closer to God (Matthew 6:16-18)
4. For divine intervention in difficult times (2 Samuel 12:16-17; Esther 4:3)
5. For self-discipline over fleshly desires (1 Corinthians 9:27)
6. In preparation for ministry or trials (Matthew 4:1-11)

Key Verse:

• “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)

 

More Information: Reasons for Fasting

Guidance on Christian Fasting

Types of Fasts in the Bible

1. Complete Fast:
   • No food or drink, sometimes only water. This is challenging and should typically not exceed 24 hours unless directed by God and properly prepared for.
     Example: Esther called a complete fast for three days. (Esther 4:16)
2. Partial Fast (Daniel Fast):
   • A restriction of diet, often avoiding meats, sweets, and certain foods. Focus on fruits, vegetables, and water.
     Example: Daniel and his friends chose to eat only vegetables and water for 10 days. (Daniel 1:12, 10:3)
3. Intermittent Fasting:
   • Abstaining from food during certain times of the day, like sunrise to sunset.
     Example: Ezra fasted to seek God’s favor and protection. (Ezra 8:21-23)
4. Juice/Liquid Fast:
   • Drinking only fresh juices or broths while avoiding solid foods.
5. Sexual Abstinence:
   • Married couples may fast from marital intimacy temporarily to focus on prayer.
     Example: Paul suggested this practice with mutual consent. (1 Corinthians 7:5)
6. Non-Food Fasting:
   • Abstaining from distractions, such as entertainment, social media, or leisure to focus on God. While not specifically scriptural, this is a modern adaptation.

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Biblical Instruction on Fasting

1. Fasting Should Be Done for God, Not for Show:
   “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. ¹⁷ But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; ¹⁸ that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” (Matthew 6:16-18)
2. Accompany Fasting with Prayer and Scripture Reading:
   • Fasting without prayer and meditation on God’s Word becomes a mere diet.
     Example: The early church fasted and prayed before appointing leaders. (Acts 14:23)
3. Repentance Must Accompany Fasting:
   Fasting with an unrepentant heart is displeasing to God. Ensure you examine yourself beforehand.
   Example: God rejected the fast of the Israelites who maintained sinful behavior. (Isaiah 58:3-7)
4. Length of Fasts in the Bible:
   • One day: (Judges 20:26)
   • Three days: (Esther 4:16, Acts 9:9)
   • Seven days: (1 Samuel 31:13)
   • Forty days: (Moses in Exodus 34:28, Jesus in Matthew 4:2)

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Steps for Preparing for a Successful Christian Fast

Spiritual Preparation

1. Pray for Guidance: Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you on how to fast and for how long.
2. Define the Purpose: Clearly identify the reason for your fast (repentance, seeking God’s guidance, etc.).
3. Confess and Repent: Ensure your heart is right with God before beginning the fast.

Physical Preparation

1. Consult a Doctor if Necessary:
   • Especially if you have health issues or are on medication. Pregnant or nursing individuals should not attempt fasting without medical approval.
2. Ease into the Fast:
   • Prepare your body by eating smaller meals leading up to the fast. Avoid heavy or highly processed foods.
3. Stay Hydrated:
   • Drink water regularly during fasting unless you are on Esther’s fast (no water).

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During the Fast

Spiritual Focus

1. Pray Frequently: Use mealtime as an opportunity to pray.
2. Meditate on Scripture: Read relevant Bible passages to remind you of God’s promises.
   Suggested scriptures:
   • Isaiah 58:6–11 (God’s chosen fast)
   • Psalm 63:1-8 (Seeking God’s presence)
   • Matthew 4:4 (Relying on God’s Word)
3. Journal Your Experience: Often, God reveals things during fasting. Record insights in a journal.

Physical Well-being

1. Avoid Strenuous Activities: You may feel weaker than usual. Spend time resting or reading scripture.
2. Monitor Your Health: If you feel unwell, stop fasting immediately and consult a professional.
3. Consume Water (if applicable). Dehydration can have harmful effects on the body.

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Breaking the Fast

1. Do it Gradually:
   • If fasting for multiple days, begin with light foods (soups, fruits, and vegetable-based dishes) before reintroducing full meals.
2. Thank God for His Guidance: End your fast with prayer, gratitude, and worship.
3. Reflect on Learnings: Commit to sustaining the spiritual revelations gained during fasting.

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Medical Advice for Fasting

While fasting carries spiritual benefits, it’s important to be mindful of its physical impact:

1. Who Should Avoid Fasting:
   • Pregnant or nursing women
   • Individuals with diabetes, heart conditions, or eating disorders
   • Children and teenagers (without a doctor’s approval)
2. Risks:
   • Prolonged fasting without water can lead to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances.
   • Fasting for several days can lead to low blood sugar, headaches, fatigue, or fainting.
3. Healthy Practices:
   • Stay hydrated. Even on a juice/liquid fast, ensure you’re drinking enough fluids.
   • Listen to your body: If you experience dizziness, severe weakness, or confusion, stop fasting and eat something light.
   • Avoid overeating after fasting to prevent digestive discomfort.

Encouragement to Fast

Fasting may seem challenging, but remember:

1. You’re not fasting to impress others or earn God’s favor—it’s about deepening your relationship with Him.
2. God strengthens and sustains His people during fasting.
   • “ but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

Fasting is between you and God. Stay humble, persevere, and trust the Lord to reveal Himself in your life during your time of fasting and prayer.