Fasting

Fasting Scriptures 

“MORE THAN ANY OTHER DISCIPLINE, FASTING REVEALS THE THINGS THAT CONTROL US.” 

RICHARD FOSTER

Fasting is voluntarily giving up something we normally consume or do so that we can increase our focus on God. 

Most commonly, fasting is linked to food and can mean not eating, or giving up a specific food for a period of time.

Fasting is an act of worship – we show Jesus that we love Him more than our own comfort.

WHY FAST? 

There is something intangible and hard to define about the power of fasting. We see many examples of it in the Bible and within the life of Jesus:

“WHEN YOU FAST, PUT OIL ON YOUR HEAD AND WASH YOUR FACE, SO THAT IT WILL NOT BE OBVIOUS TO OTHERS THAT YOU ARE FASTING, BUT ONLY TO YOUR FATHER, WHO IS UNSEEN; AND YOUR FATHER, WHO SEES WHAT IS DONE IN SECRET, WILL REWARD YOU.” 

MATTHEW 6:16-18

Jesus expects us to fast, and suggests that there are answers to prayer we will be unable to get without fasting. 

“SO, AFTER THEY HAD FASTED AND PRAYED, THEY PLACED THEIR HANDS ON THEM AND SENT THEM OFF…” 

ACTS 13:3

In the Bible, Esther, Anna, Cornelius, Paul, Daniel, Ezra, and David all fasted, and the early church practiced it regularly.

Fasting is linked to specific moments in the Bible too: 

  • Moses fasted for 40 days when he went up to Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments
  • The nation of Israel practiced fasting as a community during annual festivals. 
  • After his baptism, Jesus was led into 40 days of prayer and fasting in the desert before launching into three of the most impacting years anyone has ever lived.

There is power in denying ourselves to seek God. Fasting connects us to God and gives strength to our prayers. But fasting doesn’t have to be related to food. 

PRACTICAL NOTES ABOUT FASTING

  • For health reasons, total food fasts for a day or more aren’t recommended for anyone under 16, expectant or breast-feeding mothers, or anyone with a medical disorder affected by diet like diabetes.
  • We also recommend that food fasts should not be entered into by anyone with a history of eating disorders. Fasting should be a positive dedication to God, so carefully consider your motivation for fasting before committing to it.
  • If you want to take on a total food fast for an extended period (such as 40 days), don’t make the decision alone. Consult your doctor for a recommended diet in the run up to and end of the fast, as a challenge like this takes preparation for your body and mind.

If food is an inappropriate fast for you, then there are many other (sometimes more challenging) ways to deny yourself, such as:

  • Television
  • Your phone
  • Social media
  • Speaking
  • Sleep

However you choose to fast, prioritize spending time in prayer and worship when you do it – focus your mind and energy on God; and be encouraged as you do so. 

WHAT IS FASTING? 

Fasting is a spiritual discipline that is taught in the Bible. Jesus expected his followers to fast, and he said that God rewards fasting. Fasting, according to the Bible, means to voluntarily reduce or eliminate your intake of food for a specific time and purpose. 

“When you give up eating, don’t put on a sad face like the hypocrites. They make their faces look sad to show people they are giving up eating. I tell you the truth, those hypocrites already have their full reward. So when you give up eating, comb your hair and wash your face. Then people will not know that you are giving up eating, but your Father, whom you cannot see, will see you. Your Father sees what is done in secret, and he will reward you.” Matthew 6:16-18 (NCV) 

WHY FAST? 

There are many good reasons, and even health benefits, for fasting. 

1. Fasting gives you more time for prayer. You can use the time you’d normally spend eating as time in prayer for what God wants to do among us. In the Bible, fasting is always connected with prayer. 

“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.”
Acts 13:2-3 (NIV) 

2. Fasting demonstrates the depth of your desire when praying for something. It shows you that you are serious enough about your prayer request to pay a personal price. God honors deep desire and praying in faith. 

“Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord.” Joel 1:14 (NIV) 

“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Joel 2:12 (NASB) 

  • Fasting releases God’s supernatural power. It is a tool we can use when there is opposition to God’s will. Satan would like nothing better than to cause division, discouragement, defeat, depression, and doubt among us. United prayer and fasting has always been used by God to deal a decisive blow to the enemy! 

“So we fasted and prayed about these concerns. And he listened.” Ezra 8:23 (Msg) 

“God says, “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” Isaiah 58:6 (NIV) 

THE IMPORTANCE OF FASTING 

Often in the Bible, God’s people fasted immediately before a major victory, miracle, or answer to prayer. It prepared them for a blessing! 

• Moses fasted before he received the Ten Commandments. 

“Moses was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant–the Ten Commandments.” Exodus 34:28 (NIV) 

• The Israelites fasted before a miraculous victory. 

“Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Sea. It is already in Hazazon Tamar” (that is, En Gedi). Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.” 2 Chronicles 20:2-3 (NIV) 

• Daniel fasted in order to receive guidance from God. 

“So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.” Daniel 9:3 (NIV) 

“While I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. He instructed me and said to me, ‘Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding.'”
Daniel 9:21-22 (NIV) 

• Nehemiah fasted before beginning a major building project. 

“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.” Nehemiah 1:4 (NIV) 

• Jesus fasted during his victory over temptation. 

“For forty wilderness days and nights he was tested by the Devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when the time was up, he was hungry.” Luke 4:2 (Msg) 

• The first Christians fasted during-decision making times. 

“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.”
Acts 13:2-3 (NIV) 

TWO CAUTIONS 

  1. Remember that fasting is not “earning” an answer to prayer. God cannot be blackmailed by human effort. God wants to answer our prayers and God answers out of grace. Fasting simply prepares us for God’s answer. 
  2. Fast only if your health allows it at this time. If you are able to do only a partial fast – do it in faith and God will honor your intentions. 


From an article written by Jerry Schmoyer 

            Fasting is often neglected today, but when done out of a right motive it can be a real help in spiritual warfare.  Jesus fasted often (Matthew 4:1-11, etc.).  Jesus assumed his disciples would fast (note the “when,” not “if” in Matthew 6:16).  Fasting is a spiritual exercise distinct from prayer, although often done in connection with prayer.  It is still something for us to do today (Matthew 9:15).  Usually fasting is done from food (all or a certain food group, like sweets, or a certain meal a day, or no food all day).  Sometimes drink is abstained from, other times not.  Sometimes sleep (II Corinthians 6:5; 11:27) and/or sex (I Corinthians 7:3-5) are included.  Be sensitive to how and when God leads you to fast. 

            The motive in fasting is not to punish self for sin or prove sincerity to God in order to gain favor in a certain situation.  Hunger pictures humility (Psalm 69:10; Deuteronomy 8:2-3,11-14; Hosea 13:6).  

Enduring hunger teaches self-discipline and works against pride (Ezra 8:21; Isaiah 58:3).  

It provides an attitude of submission.  

Fasting also opens up more time to be available to pray and seek God.  It shows a willingness to sacrifice anything to get closer to God.  It serves notice to demonic forces that you are serious in your pursuit of God’s will and glory (Jeremiah 29:13-14).  

A side benefit of fasting is that one can learn to depend on God for self-control and thus better control their appetite (I Corinthians 6:12-13; II Peter 2:19).  

While we usually think of fasting as going without any food, there are various forms fasting can take.  Partial fasts can involve eliminating certain foods or meals.  Even with a complete elimination of food, healthy drinks can be consumed.

Fasting is not a way to force God’s hand or get our prayer answered quickly.  It must be done for the right motive or there is no benefit (Matthew 6:6-18; Isaiah 58; Luke 8:11-12).  Fasting can provide an attitude of submission (desire to please God and not self).  It can free up extra time for prayer.  The accompanying hunger can be a reminder to pray without ceasing, and the hunger itself can be offered as a sacrificial gift to God.