Fasting

The Purpose of Fasting

Christian fasting is the voluntary denial of something for a specific time, for a spiritual purpose,

by an individual, family, community, or nation.

In Christian practice, fasting is closely linked to intimacy with God and concern for God’s

priorities. Fasting nurtures prayer, makes space for God, and helps Christians experience their

need for God.

Biblical Teachings on Fasting

Five incidents in the OT link fasting with mourning. (i.e.2 Samuel 1:12)

Five other OT incidents illustrate the connection between fasting and repentance. (i.e.

Nehemiah 9:1-3)

Numerous incidents in the Bible illustrate the connection between fasting and intercessory

prayer. (i.e. Esther 4:6; Acts 14:23)

Christian fasting often involves a concern for justice. In Isaiah 58 fasting is condemned as an

excuse for self-justification. God declares that fasting is meaningless unless it relates to a

concern for God’s priorities: “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—when you see

the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?” (vv.6-7)

Jesus assumed that His followers would fast and instructed them as to how to fast properly.

(Matthew 6:16-18)

Guidance for Fasting Decisions

When contemplating a fast, it is advised to seek God through prayer, allowing the Holy

Spirit to guide decisions regarding the nature and duration of the fast.

Scripture References on Fasting

Several scriptures, including Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-15, Luke 18:9-14, Acts

27:33-37, and Nehemiah 9:1-3, provide insights and guidance on the practice of fasting.

Types of Fasts

a. Selective Fast - This involves excluding specific elements from the diet, as seen in the

Daniel Fast, where meat, sweets, and bread are omitted, and water, juice, fruits, and

vegetables are consumed.

b. Partial Fast  - Also known as the "Jewish Fast", this entails abstaining from food during

specific periods, such as mornings and afternoons, with designated time frames like 6:00

am to 3:00 pm or from sunup to sundown.

c. Complete Fast -  This involves consuming only liquids, typically water with the option of

light juices.

d. Soul Fast -  Suitable for those new to fasting or facing health restrictions, this fast doesn't

involve abstaining from food. Instead, individuals may choose to refrain from activities

like using social media or watching television to refocus specific areas of their lives.

Timing and Focus in Fasting

The timing of a fast is deemed less crucial than the strength of one's focus on God

throughout the fasting period.