Fasting is a spiritual discipline that has been practiced by believers for thousands of years.
It’s mentioned throughout the Bible and holds a significant place in both the Old and New Testaments.
But what does the Bible really say about fasting?
Is it just about going without food, or is there a deeper spiritual purpose?
In this article, we’ll explore the biblical foundations of fasting, its purpose, and how it can impact your walk with God.
We’ll also dive into practical tips for incorporating fasting into your spiritual life.
What Is Fasting?
At its simplest, fasting is the act of abstaining from food or other physical needs for a set period of time.
In the Bible, fasting is often associated with prayer and repentance.
It’s a way to seek God’s guidance, express sorrow for sin, or draw closer to Him.
Though fasting typically refers to going without food, it can also include giving up other things, like certain activities or habits, to focus more fully on God.
It’s important to understand that fasting is not about punishing the body, but about strengthening the spirit.
By setting aside physical needs, we make more space to focus on our spiritual relationship with God.
Fasting in the Old Testament
Fasting has deep roots in the Old Testament.
One of the most well-known examples is found in the book of Exodus.
Moses fasted for 40 days and 40 nights while he was on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments from God (Exodus 34:28).
During this time, Moses was in the presence of God, seeking His direction and guidance for the people of Israel.
Fasting was also practiced during times of national crisis or repentance.
In the book of Jonah, the entire city of Nineveh fasted and wore sackcloth after hearing Jonah’s warning of God’s impending judgment.
Jonah 3:5 says, “The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.”
This act of collective fasting and repentance led God to relent from destroying the city.
The people’s willingness to humble themselves through fasting showed their deep sorrow for their sins.
Another powerful example is found in 2 Chronicles 20, when King Jehoshaphat called for a fast in the land of Judah.
Faced with the threat of an invading army, the king and all the people fasted and prayed for God’s help.
In response, God delivered them from their enemies, showing that fasting can be a way to seek God’s intervention in difficult situations.
Fasting in the New Testament
Fasting continues to play an important role in the New Testament.
One of the most significant examples of fasting is found in the life of Jesus.
Before beginning His public ministry, Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness, as recorded in Matthew 4:1-2.
During this time, He faced intense temptation from Satan, but He overcame through prayer, fasting, and reliance on God’s Word.
This period of fasting prepared Jesus for the work that lay ahead and demonstrated His complete dependence on God.
Jesus also taught His disciples about fasting.
In Matthew 6:16-18, He says, “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.”
Here, Jesus emphasizes that fasting is not meant to be a showy, outward display of piety.
It’s a private, spiritual practice done for the purpose of drawing closer to God.
Fasting should come from a sincere heart and not be done to impress others.
The early church also practiced fasting.
In Acts 13:2-3, the church in Antioch fasted and prayed before sending out Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journey.
Fasting helped the believers seek God’s guidance and confirm His will for their ministry.
This shows that fasting can play a role in decision-making and seeking clarity from God.
The Purpose of Fasting
Fasting in the Bible serves several important purposes.
It’s not just about abstaining from food—it’s about seeking a deeper connection with God.
One key purpose of fasting is to humble ourselves before God.
Psalm 35:13 says, “I humbled myself with fasting.”
Fasting is a way of acknowledging our dependence on God and our need for His guidance and mercy.
By denying ourselves physical nourishment, we focus on our spiritual hunger for God’s presence.
Another purpose of fasting is to seek God’s will in times of uncertainty or crisis.
Throughout Scripture, we see people fasting when they are faced with difficult situations, seeking God’s intervention.
Fasting can help us focus our prayers and demonstrate our earnest desire for God’s help.
Fasting is also a way to express repentance and sorrow for sin.
In Joel 2:12, God calls His people to return to Him “with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
Fasting can be a physical expression of the inner work of repentance, showing God that we are serious about turning away from sin and seeking His forgiveness.
Finally, fasting is a way to increase spiritual discipline and focus.
When we fast, we set aside the distractions of daily life to focus on our relationship with God.
This helps us grow in spiritual strength, just as Jesus grew stronger through His time of fasting in the wilderness.
Fasting and Prayer: A Powerful Combination
One of the most powerful aspects of fasting is its connection to prayer.
In the Bible, fasting and prayer often go hand in hand.
When we fast, we are not just going without food—we are spending time in prayer, seeking God’s guidance, and drawing closer to Him.
Fasting without prayer is simply going hungry.
But when combined with prayer, fasting becomes a spiritual tool that deepens our relationship with God.
In Daniel 9:3, the prophet Daniel says, “So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.”
Daniel’s fast was accompanied by intense prayer, showing that fasting is a way to focus our prayers and seek God with greater intensity.
In Matthew 17:21, Jesus tells His disciples that certain spiritual breakthroughs only come through “prayer and fasting.”
This highlights the power that fasting can have when combined with prayer.
Whether we are seeking healing, guidance, or deliverance, fasting can be a way to focus our prayers and draw closer to God.
How to Fast
If you’re new to fasting, it can be helpful to start small and gradually work your way into longer periods of fasting.
The Bible doesn’t prescribe a specific length or type of fast, so there’s flexibility in how you choose to fast.
Here are a few common types of fasting:
Partial fast
This type of fast involves giving up certain types of food or meals but not completely abstaining from eating. For example, you might choose to skip one meal a day or avoid certain types of food, like sweets or meat.
Complete fast
In a complete fast, you abstain from all food for a set period of time, usually drinking only water. This type of fast requires careful preparation and should not be done for long periods without proper medical guidance.
Daniel fast
This is based on the prophet Daniel’s diet in Daniel 1, where he ate only vegetables and drank water. Some people choose to follow a similar diet during their fast, avoiding rich or indulgent foods.
Non-food fast
Fasting doesn’t always have to involve food. Some people choose to fast from other things that can be distracting, like social media, television, or other activities. The goal is to remove distractions and focus more fully on God.
When you decide to fast, it’s important to approach it with the right mindset.
Fasting is not about trying to earn favor with God or proving how spiritual you are.
Instead, it’s about humbling yourself, seeking God’s presence, and allowing Him to work in your life.
During your fast, spend time in prayer and Scripture reading.
Ask God to reveal Himself to you in new ways and to help you grow spiritually.
You may also want to set specific intentions for your fast, such as praying for a particular need, seeking guidance, or growing closer to God.
The Rewards of Fasting
Fasting is not easy—it requires self-discipline, sacrifice, and focus.
But the rewards of fasting are worth it.
Throughout Scripture, we see how fasting leads to spiritual breakthroughs, deeper intimacy with God, and greater clarity in decision-making.
In Matthew 6:18, Jesus promises that those who fast in secret will be rewarded by the Father.
While these rewards may not always be material, they often come in the form of spiritual growth, increased faith, and a greater sense of God’s presence.
Fasting can also lead to breakthroughs in difficult situations.
As we see in the story of King Jehoshaphat, fasting and prayer can lead to God’s deliverance and intervention in times of crisis.
When we fast, we show God that we are serious about seeking His help and guidance.
Fasting With the Right Heart
While fasting is a powerful spiritual tool, it’s important to approach it with the right heart.
In Isaiah 58, God rebukes the Israelites for fasting with the wrong motives.
They were fasting to earn God’s favor while continuing to mistreat others.
God says, “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).
This passage reminds us that fasting is not just about going without food—it’s about living a life that reflects God’s justice, mercy, and love.
Fasting should lead to greater compassion for others and a deeper desire to live out God’s will in our lives.
Final Thoughts
Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that can help us grow closer to God, seek His guidance, and demonstrate our repentance and humility.
Throughout the Bible, we see how fasting is used to express sorrow for sin, seek divine intervention, and prepare for important spiritual work.
When combined with prayer, fasting becomes a way to focus our hearts and minds on God, allowing Him to work in our lives in new and powerful ways.
If you’ve never fasted before, consider taking the step of faith to try it.
Start small, seek God with a humble heart, and trust that He will reward your efforts as you draw closer to Him.