Before Jesus took his ministry public, he spent 40 days without food and drink. This elongated fast was a time of spiritual preparation for his three years of ministry, healing, teaching, and ultimately his sacrificial death on the cross.
Since Old Testament times, fasting has been a method chosen by God’s people to grow closer to God or to walk through a difficult spiritual season.
In this chapter, you’ll walk through the spiritual implications and practical considerations for fasting.
Note: Please consult with your medical professional before beginning a fast of any length. Children should not fast from food.
What Does Fasting Accomplish?
Fasting is a physical parable. When you grow hungry or thirsty for physical sustenance, your body is reminding your soul that you should hunger and thirst for spiritual food and water. Fasting is a method of focusing your attention on the God of the universe.
Why Should I Fast?
You should not fast for the sake of fasting. Fasting in the Bible is always in response to a specific issue, problem, or opportunity:
• Fast to overcome a recurring sin like gossip or laziness
• Fast on behalf of a friend facing severe illness
• Fast before beginning a new job
• Fast about an important decision like buying a house or choosing a spouse
• Fast for government leaders or military operations
How Long Should I Fast?
If you have never fasted before, abstain from food for only one meal. Over the next few years, increase the length and frequency of your fasting. Some fast once a year while others try to fast once a quarter. Only attempt a 40-day fast after building a routine of fasting in your life.
When Should I Start my Fast?
When starting with one meal, fast from lunch. If you are employed, reserve the time on your calendar. Sit in your car or drive to a nearby quiet spot for your prayer time. If you’re a stay-at-home mom, you might have to feed your children then involve them in a task or naptime before you can spend time in prayer. Every situation is different and requires creativity and planning. Think ahead about how you will fast, when you will fast, and where you will fast.
If you are fasting for a day or longer, begin your fast with dinner. Practically speaking, you will not grow as hungry in the evening and then can sleep through six or more hours of the worst hunger pangs. Starting with dinner gives you the best opportunity for a longer fast.
What Do I Do when I Fast?
During meal time
Fasting without prayer is just a diet. Instead of eating, take your Bible, a notebook, and a pen to a quiet spot—close your office or bedroom door, drive to a local park, or just sit in your car. Instead of eating food, feast on the Bible and prayer. Study passages related to the purpose of your fast.
The Rest of the Time
Go about life as normally as possible.
When You Feel Hungry
When you feel acute hunger and catch yourself reaching for money for the vending machine, you’ve just received a signal to pray again. Wherever you are, bow your head and pray for a few seconds, then go back to the task at hand.
How Do I Break My Fast?
In the same way that you should begin your fast with the evening meal, you should also break your fast with the evening meal. After going without food for a while, your body’s digestive system will kick in to high gear and you will feel very sleepy. Consume a small meal at dinner then relax before going to sleep.
As a rule of thumb, the longer you fast the softer your foods should be. If you have fasted for a week or longer, break your fast with clear broth and maybe a few crackers. The next morning, eat oatmeal or an egg. Avoid dairy products like milk on dry cereal or yogurt until the second day.
Jesus’s Instructions to Those Who Fast
When Jesus taught the disciples to pray, he shared with them the model prayer—The Lord’s Prayer—then gave instructions about fasting. He urged them to not fast publicly. Fasting isn’t a spiritual merit badge to be worn, it is a private communion with God. Maintain your normal hygiene and standards of dress. When others invite you to join them for a meal or trip to Starbucks, politely decline.
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
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
“Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”
Matthew 4:16–18 NKJV
Acts 13:2–3 NIV
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
“Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”
Matthew 4:16–18 NKJV
Something to Ponder
Do I Have to Fast from Food?
No. Food is a constant in our lives. For some, coffee, soft drinks, television, video games, or internet may feel as required as breathing. These daily indulgences and distractions can be just as difficult to go without as food. If fasting from food is medically prohibited or seems too daunting, fast from something like television. Use the same principle: when you would normally watch TV, pray.
Points to Remember
• Do not strenuously exercise—such as train for a marathon—while fasting.
• Drink some clear broth or clear fruit juice during family meals. Use your fast as an opportunity to teach your children about this spiritual discipline.
• When the urge to chew distracts you from prayers or daily life, chew a piece of sugarless gum.
• Limit your water intake to 64 ounces a day so you don’t overwhelm your kidneys.
Digging Deeper
The Old Testament tells about the fasting journeys of several men and women. Look over these passages to learn more about fasting:
Moses: Exodus 34:27–28
The prophet, Samuel: 1 Samuel 7:5–6
King David: 2 Samuel 12:16
The prophet, Elijah: 1 Kings 19:2–8
Queen Esther: Esther 4:16
Nehemiah: Nehemiah 1:4
