What Is Fasting in the Bible
Prayer and fasting help us hear God's voice more clearly. They help us pray with good intentions, develop our relationship with Him, and expose hidden areas of sin. When combined, they strengthen our faith, enable us to give God our whole attention, and bring us closer to Him, changing our hearts in the process.
Fasting Meaning
Giving up food (or anything else) for a while in order to concentrate on God is the essence of biblical fasting. Many individuals worship, pray, or study the Bible while fasting. There are more than fifty instances of fasting in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.
Where in the Bible Does It Talk About Fasting?
Fasting is mentioned heavily throughout the Bible. These are just a few examples of passages referencing this act.
1. Moses’ 40-Day Fast on Mount Sinai
“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)
2. David’s Fast for His Sick Child
“David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and spent the nights lying in sackcloth on the ground.” (2 Samuel 12:16)
3. Esther’s Fast for Deliverance
“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)
4. Jesus’ 40-Day Fast in the Wilderness
“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.’” (Matthew 4:2-3)
5. The Disciples’ Fast for Guidance
“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)
Did Jesus Drink Water While Fasting?
Most Christians appear to believe Jesus did in fact drink water during his 40-day fast and only abstained from food. However, some people interpret things otherwise. There is ample discussion on the topic on online forums. Here are just a few of the opinions shared on r/TrueChristian on Reddit:
- “I've always assumed it was only food because you can't survive without water for 40 days (obviously).” – JHawk444
- “Jesus came in the traditions of the prophets. A food and water fast is assumed due to the standard set by Moses but it really doesn't matter. The point is that Jesus denied himself for 6 weeks and the Devil noticed Jesus' faith and tried to turn him. The point is that the spiritual world is real, the Devil is real and that temptation is real…” – mechanical_animal
- “The Bible does not provide specific details about whether Jesus engaged in a dry fast or water fast during his time in the wilderness. It is generally understood that he abstained from food for forty days and nights as part of his spiritual preparation and that he did a water fast.
- Certain contextual clues and theological interpretations have led to the understanding that Jesus likely engaged in a water fast rather than a dry fast, most notably because the Gospels do not mention any miraculous interventions to sustain him without water. If Jesus had engaged in a dry fast, it might be expected that the Gospel writers would have made note of any divine provisions for his hydration.” – sgwithlove
Why Do Christians Fast?
In both the Old and New Testaments, fasting has a long history as a potent means of fostering a closer relationship with God. Fasting was common in the Old Testament when individuals wished to humble themselves before God or during periods of extreme grief. For example, David fasted to show his humility before the Lord in Psalm 35:13.
Fasting is described in the New Testament as a means of focusing one's heart and attention on God and growing closer to Him. Jesus' 40-day fast in the wilderness to get ready for His ministry serves as an example of this in Matthew 4:1-2.
As Jesus advises in Matthew 6:16–18, we should not seem solemn to indicate that we are fasting; instead, we should keep our fasting private and between us and God. The goal of this private practice is to cultivate a calm, profound relationship with God.
Like in Acts 13:3, when early Christians fasted and prayed together, or Luke 2:37, where a widow obediently fasted and prayed day and night, fasting and prayer frequently go hand in hand, establishing a purposeful time of worship.
How to Fast for God
Sometimes, it can be hard to determine how to start your fast and stick to it. When taking such a decision to strengthen your faith, these tips from the McGrath Institute for Church Life can be very useful.
1. Begin modestly.
Start modest, such as avoiding your afternoon coffee once a week or skipping snacks between meals on Fridays, if you haven't fasted from anything for a long time. It's wise to start modest because it fosters habit and momentum and reduces pride in our "great feats" of fasting.
2. Keep it easy.
There is no need for complicating Christian fasting. For many, food is the logical choice because of this. When it comes to food, we can be sure that we will crave it at specific times of the day, that giving it up would be a sacrifice, and that missing a meal occasionally shouldn't have any significant negative repercussions (for the majority of individuals in good physical health). We can, however, lawfully abstain from a wide range of other things as well, such as alcohol, conveniences, television, pastimes, hobbies, and the Internet.
3. Make sure your fast is beneficial to your relationships and yourself.
Make wise decisions. While your fast should be a valid sacrifice, it shouldn't also become a burden on your family or a kind of punishment. Although fasting from social gatherings could be a meaningful way to focus on prayer, it may not be the best choice if it isolates you from supporting loved ones who need encouragement and companionship during difficult times.
4. Be wary of rationalization.
It may be a good indication to think about fasting if you get an idea for a fast and instantly start to justify why you shouldn't. Usually, rationalizations are superficial justifications that hide a more profound, genuine motive. Justifications, which are truth-based arguments that align with genuine motives, are distinct from rationalizations.
5. Keep it private between you and your spiritual advisor and God.
There are solid scriptural justifications for hidden fasting (see Matthew 6). However, there's nothing wrong with explaining our fast if someone notices it and inquires. In the same way, it can be a fantastic idea to involve our spouse, close friends, or spiritual director in our fasting decisions. They can assist us in staying focused and on course with your plan.
6. Create a strategy for your fast.
Establishing a start date, finish date, and overall plan for a fast will help you decide more quickly and enhance the likelihood that you will stick with it. You are more likely to falter in your commitment if you want to make your hasty decision on the spur of the moment. You'll be more likely to finish your fast if you set a precise time and duration.
When Do Christians Fast?
Jesus' teachings about fasting are clear-cut and uncomplicated. Luke 5:33–35 states that His disciples will fast, but He did not say how long or how frequently. Fasting is a personal matter between us and our judge, Jesus Christ, as Paul emphasized in Romans.
There is only one fasting command in the Bible, and that is for God's people to fast from sunset to sunset on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23:27-32). This required them to fast—that is, to forgo food and liquids—for a full day.
However, many will also say that it is imperative to fast on other occasions, such as on Good Friday.
Things to Avoid When Fasting and Praying
Though many of these may seem obvious, it’s important to take some time to reflect on what must not be done during fasting and prayer.
- Hypocrisy (Matthew 6:16-18) - Spiritual fasting should be sincere, not done for show or recognition. Avoid fasting to impress others or seek praise.
- Complaining (Numbers 11:1-35) - Avoid grumbling during fasting. Like the Israelites, complaining can hinder spiritual growth. Focus on gratitude and blessings instead.
- Lack of Preparation (Esther 4:16-17) - Prepare spiritually and physically before fasting. Plan ahead, seek guidance, and gradually reduce food intake.
- Unrealistic Expectations (Matthew 6:33; Daniel 10:1-14) - Don’t expect immediate answers. Trust God’s timing, as His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. Understand that answers may come differently than expected.
- Comparison with Others (Luke 18:11-14) - Fasting is personal. Avoid comparing your spiritual practices with others, as it leads to pride and self-righteousness.
- Neglecting Physical Health (Isaiah 58:3-5) - Take care of your body during fasting. Stay hydrated, rest, and listen to your body’s needs to avoid burnout.
- Pride and Self-Righteousness (Luke 18:9-14) - Fasting should not make you feel superior. Avoid the attitude of the Pharisee who thought his actions made him righteous. Be humble in your fasting.
- Lack of Consistency (Daniel 6:10) - Maintain consistency in your fasting and prayer routine. Make it a regular part of your spiritual practice.
- Distractions (Matthew 6:6) - Find a quiet place free from distractions to focus on prayer and fasting. Avoid multitasking or letting external factors divide your attention.
- Vain Repetition (Matthew 6:7-8) - Avoid repetitive prayers in the belief that many words will be heard. Instead, pray with sincerity, simplicity, and faith, knowing that God understands your needs.
Types of Fasting in the Bible
Fasting is a significant spiritual practice, with different types that serve various purposes. Below are some examples, as presented by Grace Family Church:
- The Disciples’ Fast (Matthew 17:21): This fast is for breaking free from sin, addiction, or spiritual bondage, allowing believers to gain freedom in Christ.
- The Ezra Fast (Ezra 8:21-23): Used when seeking God’s help to solve problems and protect against evil, this fast led to God's intervention when Ezra prayed for assistance.
- The Samuel Fast (1 Samuel 7:6): This fast calls for revival and deliverance from idolatry, seeking God’s restoration and spiritual renewal for His people.
- The Elijah Fast (1 Kings 19:4-8): Focused on emotional healing, this fast helps individuals overcome mental struggles and harmful habits.
- The Widow’s Fast (1 Kings 17:9-16): A fast practiced to help those in need, where the individual sacrifices their own food for others, and in return, God ensures they have more than enough.
- The Paul Fast (Acts 9:9): Aimed at seeking physical healing and divine direction, this fast helps individuals align with God’s will.
- The John the Baptist Fast (Luke 1:15): Focused on enhancing one’s spiritual walk and influence, this fast aids in spreading the gospel more effectively.
- The Esther Fast (Esther 4:16, 5:2): A fast seeking protection from harm and deliverance from evil forces.
- The Jesus Fast (Matthew 4:1-2): This fast is about gaining spiritual strength and overcoming temptation, the flesh, and the devil.
- The Daniel Fast (Daniel 1:5-21; 10:3): Fasting for better health, divine favor, and clarity on life’s purpose.
Different Fasting Methods:
- Normal Fast: Involves abstaining from food, and consuming only water.
- Absolute Fast: Complete abstinence from food and water, typically for no more than three days, and only if directed by God.
- Partial Fast: Restricts certain foods or meals, such as no meat or eating only fruits and vegetables.
- Juice Fast: Consists solely of fruit and vegetable juices.
- Corporate Fast: A fast undertaken by a group or church together, typically for a specific cause.
- Jewish Fasting Period: A 24-hour fast beginning at 6:00 P.M. and ending the following day at 6:00 P.M.
- Fasting Plus Prayer: Combines fasting with focused prayer during the fast.
- Fasting and Abstinence: Along with fasting, one may also abstain from other pleasures like entertainment, hobbies, or even sex, as referenced in 1 Corinthians 7:1-5.
Conclusion
Fasting is a meaningful practice that brings spiritual breakthroughs and deeper intimacy with God. By understanding the reasons, timing, and methods for fasting, we can approach it with purpose and sincerity, allowing it to transform our faith and guide us in our walk with God.
