why fast?

What is Fasting?

Fasting simply means going without food for a time. Fasting can be done for any reasonable length of time – a meal, a day, a week, or even longer. 

Fasting as a spiritual discipline is found all through the Old and New Testaments. David, Moses, Jesus, and Paul each fasted. 

Are there Other Fasts?

There are other types of fasts – from types of media, from certain foods, from substances (like caffeine), from sexual activity – but the Bible speaks mainly about fasting from food, so that is the focus of this pamphlet. 

Why Fast?

Fasting was an expected discipline in both the Old and New Testament eras. For example, Moses fasted at least two 40-day periods. Jesus fasted 40 days and reminded His followers to fast – “whenyou fast," not ifyou fast. 

Fasting and prayer can restore the loss of the "first love" for your Lord and result in a more intimate relationship with Christ. 

Fasting is a biblical way to humble yourself in the sight of God (Psalm 35:13; Ezra 8:21). King David said, "I humble myself through fasting." 

Fasting enables the Holy Spirit to reveal your true spiritual condition, resulting in brokenness, repentance, and a transformed life. 

Fasting can transform your prayer life into a richer and more personal experience. 

Fasting can result in a dynamic personal revival in your own life – and make you a channel of revival to others. 

How Should I Fast?

A partial fastis described in the book of Daniel. Although the water-only fast seemed to be the custom of the prophet, there was a three-week period in which he only abstained from "delicacies," meat, and wine (Daniel 10:3). 

We recommend and practice water and juice fasting, especially if you are going to fast for an extended period of time. This type of fast will provide you with more energy than absolute or water-only fasts and still lead you into the humbling experience of denying your desire for solid food. 

Drink plenty of liquids.Water-only fasts that last for more than several days need to be undertaken with complete rest and under medical supervision because of the great danger of over-toxification, breakdown of vital body tissues, and loss of electrolytes.

The two primary types of fast mentioned in the Bible are the "absolute" and "supernatural absolute" fasts. These are total fasts – no food (solid or liquid) and no water. Paul went on an absolute fast for three days following his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:9). Moses and Elijah engaged in what must be considered a supernatural absolute fast of forty days (Deuteronomy 9:9; I Kings 19:8). 

Obviously, if God leads you to undertake an absolute fast, you should obey. If so, be certain, without doubt, that God is leading you. 

When it comes to making your final decision about what type of fast is right for you, the best advice is to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. He will guide your heart and mind as to what is best for you. 

Who Should Not Fast?

In spite of the safety and benefits of fasting, there are certain persons who should NEVER fast without professional supervision. For example: 

  • Persons who are physically too thin or emaciated. 

  • Persons who are prone to anorexia, bulimia, or other behavioral disorders. 

  • Those who suffer weakness or anemia. 

  • Persons who have tumors, bleeding ulcers, cancer, blood diseases, or who have heart disease. 

  • Those who suffer chronic problems with kidneys, liver, lungs, heart, or other important organs. 

  • Individuals who take insulin for diabetes, or who suffer any other blood sugar problem such as hyperglycemia. 

  • Women who are pregnant or nursing. 

Jesus said to them,
“My food is to do the will of him who sent me
and to accomplish his work.”

-John 4:34 ESV

Some further tips

  • If you’ve never fasted before, consider starting with one meal, and build this discipline from there.

  • Though fasting is a private and personal matter, it’s a good idea to invite a trusted partner to encourage and pray for you during your fast. 

  • Keep a journal to record what God may say or reveal to you as you fast. 

“We fast to express our ache for all the
implications of Jesus’ power in the present moment.”  

- John Piper