Fasting Explained: Biblical Insights and Practical Tips

Question: Hi Paul, I’ve been a long-time reader of your blog, and I know many churches are doing prayer and fasting in January. I’m curious about what fasting is all about, where it’s mentioned in the Bible, and what the benefits are.
Thanks, Tom – Atlanta, Georgia

Hi Tom,

Thank you so much for reaching out and for being such a dedicated reader of the blog! It’s fantastic to hear from someone in Atlanta who is actively participating in prayer and fasting with their church community. I’d love to dive deeper into your questions about fasting, drawing from both Scripture and my own experiences to provide some understanding that might also help others who share your curiosity.

Understanding Fasting

At its essence, fasting is about intentionally setting aside regular meals—or sometimes other distractions—to focus more deeply on our relationship with God. It’s not about dieting, making a show of our spirituality, or trying to manipulate God into doing something for us. Instead, fasting is a humble act of dependence, saying, “Lord, I need You more than I need food. I seek Your presence, guidance, and strength.”

David beautifully captured this heart posture in Psalm 35:13 when he said, “I humbled my soul with fasting.” Fasting helps us center our hearts on God by removing worldly distractions and turning our full attention toward Him.

Biblical Foundations of Fasting

Fasting is deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, demonstrating its importance throughout the Bible.

• Old Testament Examples: The prophets frequently called the people of Israel to fast as a means of seeking God’s mercy and guidance. For instance, Esther called for a three-day fast among the Jews before she approached the king (Esther 4:16), and the people of Nineveh repented with fasting after Jonah’s warning (Jonah 3:5-10).
• New Testament Examples: Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-14), preparing Himself for His ministry and overcoming temptation. Additionally, the early Church leaders fasted when making significant decisions. In Acts 13:2-3, while the church in Antioch was worshiping and fasting, the Holy Spirit directed them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work to which He had called them.

Jesus emphasized the importance of fasting for all believers. In Matthew 6:16-18, He instructed, “When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites… But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret.” Notice that He said when you fast, not if you fast, highlighting it as a regular practice for those who follow Him.

Benefits of Fasting

Fasting offers numerous spiritual benefits that can significantly impact our walk with God:

1. Draws Us Closer to God: Fasting creates a space where we can quiet the noise of daily life and hear God’s voice more clearly. James 4:8 reminds us, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” By setting aside time to fast, we prioritize our relationship with Him, deepening our intimacy and reliance on His presence.
2. Brings Breakthrough and Deliverance: Throughout Scripture, fasting often precedes significant breakthroughs. For example, when the people of Nineveh fasted in repentance, God spared their city from destruction (Jonah 3:5-10). Similarly, Esther’s fast led to the deliverance of the Jews from annihilation (Esther 4:16). Even Jesus acknowledged that some spiritual battles require fasting, saying, “This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21). If you’re facing a seemingly impossible situation, a season of fasting might be what breaks the chains and brings about divine intervention.
3. Helps Us Overcome the Flesh: Fasting disciplines our bodies and minds, helping us resist temptations and align our desires with God’s will. Galatians 5:17 states, “the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit.” By fasting, we crucify the flesh and bring our desires into alignment with God’s Spirit, much like how Jesus overcame the devil’s temptations in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-13).
4. Provides Clarity and Direction: When making important decisions, fasting can help us seek God’s guidance and discern His will. Early Church leaders fasted to receive direction for their missions (Acts 13:2-3). By removing distractions and focusing on prayer and meditation, fasting helps us hear from God more clearly, providing divine clarity for our lives, ministries, and families.

Types of Fasting

Fasting can take various forms, each serving different spiritual purposes:

1. Normal Fast: Abstaining from food but still drinking water. Jesus likely practiced this during His 40-day fast (Luke 4:2).
2. Partial Fast: Restricting certain types of food, similar to Daniel’s fast of vegetables and water (Daniel 1:12, 10:3).
3. Absolute Fast: Abstaining from both food and water. This is rare and should only be undertaken under divine direction, as seen in Esther 4:16 and Acts 9:9.
4. Non-Food Fast: Giving up other pleasures or distractions, such as entertainment or social media. Paul even mentions married couples abstaining from intimacy temporarily to focus on prayer (1 Corinthians 7:5).
5. Corporate Fast: A group fast called by leaders for a specific purpose. Examples include Esther’s fast for the Jewish people and the fast called by the prophet Joel (Joel 2:15-16).

How to Fast

If you’re considering fasting, here are some practical steps to guide you:

1. Set a Clear Goal: Understand why you’re fasting. Are you seeking personal growth, God’s guidance, interceding for others, or a breakthrough in a particular area of your life?
2. Prepare Your Heart: Take time to confess your sins and humble yourself before God. Joel 2:12-13 encourages us to return to the Lord with all our hearts, with fasting and weeping.
3. Decide the Type and Duration: Pray about what type of fast God is calling you to and for how long. Beginners might start with a partial fast for a day or two, while seasoned believers may feel led to fast longer or take on more significant fasts.
4. Spend Time in Prayer and the Word: Use the time you’d normally spend eating to pray, worship, and meditate on Scripture. Fasting without prayer is just a diet. Engage deeply with God during your fast to keep your focus on Him.
5. Break the Fast Gradually: If you’ve fasted for an extended period, reintroduce food slowly to avoid shocking your system. This helps your body adjust back to regular eating habits smoothly.

Warnings About Fasting

While fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline, it’s essential to approach it with the right mindset and caution:

• Led by the Holy Spirit: Fasting should always be guided by the Holy Spirit, not by legalism or a desire to impress others. Jesus warned against fasting to be seen by men, emphasizing that our motives should be pure and focused on God (Matthew 6:16-18).
• Health Considerations: Those with medical conditions should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before undertaking a long fast. Fasting is about the heart posture, not the length of time or intensity, so it’s important to prioritize your health and well-being.

The Heart of Fasting

At its core, fasting isn’t about depriving ourselves but about making room for God in our lives. It’s a declaration that “Lord, I need You more than anything this world offers.” Isaiah 58 beautifully describes the kind of fasting God desires:

“Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?” (Isaiah 58:6).

God desires a fast that leads to humility, justice, and compassion for others. When we fast with the right heart, He promises that “your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily” (Isaiah 58:8).

Final Thoughts

Fasting is a profound way to humble ourselves before God, seek His presence, and experience breakthrough in our lives. Whether you’re fasting for guidance, deliverance, or simply to grow closer to the Lord, approach it with a sincere heart and openness to what God wants to do.

Thank you again for your thoughtful question, Tom. I pray that your journey of fasting and prayer in January brings you closer to God and brings blessings to your community in Atlanta. And to all our readers who might be pondering the same questions, I hope this helps you understand the beauty and power of fasting in your spiritual walk.

Blessings,

Paul Natekin