All About Fasting
Discover what the Bible teaches about fasting—why we fast, how to fast, and the spiritual breakthroughs that result from this powerful spiritual discipline.
All About Fasting: A Guide for New Believers
Fasting is the voluntary abstinence from food (and sometimes drink) for a spiritual purpose. Throughout Scripture, God's people have fasted to seek His face, express repentance, gain spiritual breakthrough, and draw closer to Him. Fasting is not about impressing God or earning His favor—it's about hungering for God more than physical food and creating space to hear His voice more clearly.
Jesus's Teaching on Fasting:
"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But 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)
Notice Jesus said "when you fast," not "if you fast"—He expected His followers to practice fasting.
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What is Fasting?
Understanding biblical fasting
Biblical Definition
Fasting in the Bible primarily means abstaining from food for a spiritual purpose. It's a deliberate choice to set aside physical nourishment in order to focus on spiritual matters and seek God's presence, guidance, or intervention.
Old Testament Practice
"So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer." (Ezra 8:23)
Fasting was often combined with prayer, repentance, and seeking God's help in times of crisis.
New Testament Practice
"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.'" (Acts 13:2)
Early church combined fasting with worship and seeking God's direction.
What Fasting Is NOT
Not a Way to Earn Salvation
We are saved by grace through faith, not by works or fasting (Ephesians 2:8-9). Fasting doesn't make God love you more.
Not a Hunger Strike
Fasting is not about forcing God's hand or manipulating Him. It's about humbling ourselves and seeking His will.
Not for Display
Jesus condemned fasting done to impress others (Matthew 6:16). True fasting is between you and God.
The Heart Behind Fasting
God is more concerned with the heart attitude behind fasting than the physical act itself. Religious fasting without genuine seeking of God is worthless.
Isaiah 58:3-7 - The Fast God Desires
"'Why have we fasted,' they say, 'and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?' Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers... 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? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter?"
True fasting must be accompanied by righteous living, compassion, and justice.
Why Should We Fast?
The biblical purposes and benefits of fasting
1 To Seek God's Guidance
When facing important decisions or needing divine direction, fasting helps us hear God's voice more clearly by reducing distractions and increasing spiritual sensitivity.
"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)
"Ezra proclaimed a fast... so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey." (Ezra 8:21)
2 To Express Repentance
Fasting demonstrates genuine sorrow for sin and a desire to return to God with whole hearts. It's an outward expression of inward repentance.
"Even now," declares the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning." (Joel 2:12)
"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)
3 To Seek Deliverance or Breakthrough
When facing spiritual battles, overwhelming challenges, or seemingly impossible situations, fasting invites God's supernatural intervention.
"Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish." (Esther 4:16)
Result: The Jews were delivered from genocide.
4 To Humble Ourselves Before God
Fasting is an act of humility and submission to God. It acknowledges our dependence on Him and our need for His strength rather than physical sustenance.
"I humbled myself with fasting." (Psalm 35:13)
"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." (James 4:10)
5 To Worship and Draw Near to God
Fasting can be a form of worship—saying "I love You more than food" and prioritizing intimacy with God over physical comfort.
"There was also a prophet, Anna... She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying." (Luke 2:36-37)
"Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4)
6 To Overcome Spiritual Strongholds
Some spiritual battles require prayer combined with fasting to break demonic strongholds and achieve victory.
When the disciples couldn't cast out a demon, Jesus said: "This kind can come out only by prayer [and fasting]." (Mark 9:29)
Note: Some manuscripts include "and fasting" while others have only "prayer."
Types of Biblical Fasts
Different ways to practice fasting
1 Normal Fast (Water Only)
Abstaining from food but drinking water. This is the most common type of biblical fast.
Biblical Example:
"After fasting forty days and forty nights, he [Jesus] was hungry." (Matthew 4:2)
"For three days he [Paul] was blind, and did not eat or drink anything." (Acts 9:9)
Duration: Can range from one meal to multiple days. Most common: 24 hours, 3 days, 7 days, 21 days, or 40 days.
2 Absolute Fast (No Food or Water)
Abstaining from both food and water. This is rare and should only be done for short periods under specific circumstances. Medically dangerous beyond 3 days.
Biblical Examples:
"Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day." (Esther 4:16)
"For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything." (Acts 9:9)
Moses on Mount Sinai: "He was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water." (Exodus 34:28) [Supernatural sustenance]
⚠️ WARNING: Only attempt for 1-3 days maximum and consult a physician. Dehydration can be life-threatening.
3 Partial Fast (Daniel Fast)
Restricting diet to specific foods, usually vegetables and water. Named after Daniel's practice. Good for extended fasting periods.
Biblical Example - Daniel Fast:
"Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine... 'Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink.'" (Daniel 1:8, 12)
"At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over." (Daniel 10:2-3)
Modern Daniel Fast typically includes: Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, plant-based oils, water, herbal teas. Excludes: Meat, dairy, sweets, leavened bread, caffeine, alcohol.
4 Intermittent Fast (Sunrise to Sunset)
Fasting during daylight hours, eating only after sunset. Common in Jewish tradition and Islamic practice (Ramadan).
Biblical Context:
"Then all the people went to Bethel, where they sat weeping before the LORD. They fasted that day until evening." (Judges 20:26)
"So David pleaded with God for the child, and David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground." (2 Samuel 12:16)
Good for beginners: Allows you to eat but teaches discipline and dependence on God during the day.
5 One or Two Meal Fast
Skipping one or two meals to devote that time to prayer. Good entry point for new fasters or for busy schedules.
While not explicitly detailed in Scripture as a separate category, the principle aligns with setting aside regular meal times to seek God instead.
Example: Skip lunch and spend that 30-60 minutes in prayer and Bible reading instead.
6 Corporate Fast (Church or Community)
A group of believers fasting together for a common purpose. Powerful for seeking God's intervention in community matters.
"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)
"While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul.'" (Acts 13:2)
"All the Israelites, the whole army, went up to Bethel, and there they sat weeping before the LORD. They fasted that day until evening." (Judges 20:26)
How to Fast Properly
Practical steps for effective fasting
Before You Begin
1. Set Your Purpose
Determine why you're fasting. Are you seeking guidance? Repenting? Interceding for someone? Write it down and keep it before you during the fast.
2. Choose Your Fast Type
Select the type of fast appropriate for your situation, health, and schedule. Start small if you're new to fasting.
3. Prepare Physically
Days before, reduce caffeine, sugar, and heavy foods. This prevents harsh withdrawal symptoms. Consult a doctor if you have health conditions.
4. Prepare Spiritually
Confess known sins, forgive those who've hurt you, and commit to spending the time you'd normally eat in prayer and Scripture reading.
During Your Fast
1 Replace Meal Times with Prayer
When you feel hungry, turn to God in prayer. The physical hunger reminds you of your spiritual hunger for Him.
"My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work." (John 4:34)
2 Stay in God's Word
Feed on Scripture. Read, meditate, memorize. Let God speak to you through His Word.
"Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4)
3 Stay Hydrated (Unless Absolute Fast)
Drink plenty of water. Your body needs it, especially during extended fasts.
4 Keep It Private
Don't broadcast your fast. Jesus commanded secrecy to avoid pride and religious show.
"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." (Matthew 6:17-18)
5 Expect Spiritual Warfare
The enemy will attack—temptation to quit, irritability, discouragement. Stand firm. This is why you're fasting—to break through spiritually.
Breaking Your Fast
⚠️ Important: Break your fast carefully!
Don't rush to a feast. Ease back into eating gradually, especially after extended fasts. Start with small portions of easily digestible foods like fruits, vegetables, soups, or broths.
Short Fasts (1-3 days)
Break with fruit, salad, or light soup. Wait 1-2 hours before eating a full meal.
Extended Fasts (7+ days)
Very gradual reintroduction. Day 1: diluted juice. Day 2: fruit. Day 3: vegetables. Then slowly add other foods. Avoid heavy, fatty, or processed foods initially.
Biblical Examples of Fasting
Learn from those who fasted in Scripture
Moses: 40 Days on Mount Sinai
Exodus 34:28; Deuteronomy 9:9, 18
Purpose: Receiving the Ten Commandments and the Law from God.
"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."
Outcome: Moses received God's law and His presence was so intense that Moses's face shone with glory (Exodus 34:29). This supernatural fast demonstrated complete dependence on God.
David: Fasting for His Dying Child
2 Samuel 12:16-23
Purpose: Pleading with God to spare his son's life after Nathan's prophecy of judgment.
"David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and spent the nights lying in sackcloth on the ground."
Outcome: Though the child died, David demonstrated humility and submission to God's will. He understood that fasting doesn't manipulate God, but expresses desperate dependence on His mercy.
Esther: Corporate Fast for Deliverance
Esther 4:15-16
Purpose: Seeking God's intervention to save the Jewish people from genocide.
"Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."
Outcome: God granted Esther favor with the king, Haman's plot was exposed, and the Jews were saved. Fasting preceded one of the greatest deliverances in Jewish history.
Nehemiah: Fasting in Repentance and Intercession
Nehemiah 1:4
Purpose: Mourning over Jerusalem's condition and seeking God's favor for restoration.
"When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven."
Outcome: God gave Nehemiah favor with King Artaxerxes, resources to rebuild Jerusalem's walls, and success despite opposition. The walls were rebuilt in 52 days (Nehemiah 6:15).
Daniel: 21 Days of Partial Fasting
Daniel 10:2-3, 12-14
Purpose: Seeking understanding of a disturbing vision and spiritual breakthrough.
"At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over."
Outcome: An angel appeared and revealed:
"Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days." (Daniel 10:12-13)
Key lesson: Fasting and prayer broke through demonic resistance in the spiritual realm!
Anna: A Life of Worship and Fasting
Luke 2:36-38
Purpose: Devoted worship and waiting for the Messiah.
"There was also a prophet, Anna... She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying."
Outcome: Anna was one of the first to see the infant Jesus and recognize Him as the Messiah. Her decades of fasting and prayer positioned her for this incredible moment.
The Early Church: Fasting for Missionary Sending
Acts 13:2-3; 14:23
Purpose: Seeking God's direction for ministry and appointing church leaders.
"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."
"Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord." (Acts 14:23)
Outcome: The first missionary journey began, resulting in churches planted throughout Asia Minor. Fasting preceded major Kingdom advancement.
Jesus and Fasting
What Jesus taught and practiced about fasting
Jesus's 40-Day Fast in the Wilderness
Matthew 4:1-2; Luke 4:1-2
"Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, 'If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.' Jesus answered, 'It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Purpose of Jesus's Fast
- • Preparation for His public ministry
- • Spiritual strengthening before intense spiritual warfare
- • Demonstration that spiritual food is more important than physical
- • Example for His followers
Lessons from Jesus's Fast
- • Fasting doesn't prevent temptation—Jesus was tempted afterward
- • Fasting strengthens us to resist temptation with God's Word
- • Physical weakness can lead to spiritual power
- • Satan attacks when we're physically vulnerable—be prepared
Jesus's Teaching on How to Fast
Matthew 6:16-18
"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But 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."
❌ Don't Fast Like Hypocrites
Don't make a show of fasting to gain people's admiration. That's spiritual pride, and you've already received your reward (human approval).
✅ Fast in Secret
Keep your fast between you and God. "Put oil on your head and wash your face"—appear normal. Don't seek human recognition.
🎁 God Rewards Secret Fasting
Your Father sees what's done in secret and will reward you—not with earthly applause, but with spiritual breakthroughs and intimacy with Him.
Jesus's Prophecy About Fasting
Matthew 9:14-15
"Then John's disciples came and asked him, 'How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?' Jesus answered, 'How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.'"
Meaning: While Jesus (the bridegroom) was physically present, it was a time of celebration, not mourning. But after His ascension, fasting would resume as believers long for His return and seek His presence through the Holy Spirit.
Spiritual Benefits of Fasting
What fasting accomplishes in the spiritual realm
Heightened Spiritual Sensitivity
Fasting quiets the noise of physical needs, making it easier to hear God's voice.
"Your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'" (Isaiah 30:21)
Deepened Prayer Life
Fasting intensifies prayer and creates focused time to seek God without distraction.
"So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer." (Ezra 8:23)
Broken Strongholds
Some spiritual battles require fasting to break demonic power and bondage.
"This kind can come out only by prayer [and fasting]." (Mark 9:29)
Increased Humility
Fasting humbles us, reminding us of our dependence on God rather than self-sufficiency.
"I humbled myself with fasting." (Psalm 35:13)
Victory Over Temptation
Fasting strengthens self-control and helps break the power of fleshly desires.
"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." (Galatians 5:24)
Breakthroughs in Situations
Fasting often precedes God's miraculous intervention in impossible circumstances.
"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice?" (Isaiah 58:6)
Practical Tips for Successful Fasting
Wisdom for your fasting journey
1. Start Small
If you're new to fasting, start with one meal or a partial day fast. Build up to longer fasts as you grow in experience and faith.
2. Know Your Health Limits
If you have diabetes, are pregnant, nursing, or have other medical conditions, consult your doctor before fasting. God cares about wisdom.
3. Choose Strategic Times
Fast during times when you need God's guidance, are facing spiritual battles, or during corporate church fasts.
4. Stay Hydrated
Unless you're doing a short absolute fast, drink plenty of water. Herbal teas (unsweetened) are also acceptable.
5. Have a Bible Reading Plan
Plan what Scripture you'll read during your fast. Feed your spirit while your body goes without physical food.
6. Keep It Between You and God
Don't announce your fast on social media or to seek sympathy. This is your private time with God.
7. Expect Physical Symptoms
Headaches, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating are normal, especially in the first few days. These pass. Drink water and rest when needed.
8. Reduce Physical Activity
During extended fasts, avoid intense exercise. Light walking is fine, but your body needs energy conservation.
9. Journal Your Journey
Write down what God reveals, struggles you face, and prayers you're praying. This creates a record of God's faithfulness.
10. Don't Give Up
The enemy will tempt you to quit. Your flesh will rebel. But breakthroughs often come right before you want to give up. Press through!
11. Fast with Accountability
While you shouldn't broadcast your fast, having one trusted person to pray with you can provide encouragement and accountability.
12. Remember the Goal
Fasting is not about the discipline itself—it's about drawing near to God. Keep your focus on Him, not the discomfort.
Begin Your Fasting Journey
Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that has been practiced by God's people for thousands of years. It's not about legalism or earning God's favor—it's about hungering for God more than food and creating space to hear His voice clearly.
When you fast with the right heart, God notices. He responds. He rewards. Breakthroughs happen. Strongholds fall. His presence becomes more real. Your faith deepens.
"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?... Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I." (Isaiah 58:6, 9)
Consider committing to a fast—even just one meal this week. Set aside that time to pray, read Scripture, and seek God's face. You'll be amazed at what happens when you say, "God, I want You more than I want food."
Continue Your Journey
Related Topics
Key Fasting Passages
- • Matthew 6:16-18 (Jesus's teaching)
- • Isaiah 58 (The fast God chooses)
- • Joel 2:12-13 (Return to God with fasting)
- • Daniel 10 (21-day fast)
- • Acts 13:2-3 (Church fasting for direction)
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