As a church, it’s time to bring back fasting.

Before we begin, it would be good to talk about what fasting is, and what it isn’t. Fasting is simply abstaining from food, for spiritual reasons typically related to an increased focus on God over the things of this world. It can be any length of time, whether a day fast that is broken at sundown, or a multi-day fast.

Fasting has a plethora of spiritual benefits. First and foremost, it brings us closer to God. The strategy of fasting is that it clears out things that we regularly rely on for sustenance, and make a conscious decision to allow God to be our Sustainer. In this sense, we acknowledge our reliance on Him.

Similarly, fasting can expose that which we have allowed to control us. As we deny cravings toward food, the other cravings we have (greed, lust, pride, affirmation) are exposed, and we are forced to confess them. Fasting has often gone hand-in-hand with repentance. As we confess that which controls us, we gain strength from the Spirit to overcome sinful cravings’ power over us.

Fasting also allows for a heightened spiritual awareness. As we start by overriding our hunger cravings, and as we program our minds to override our selfish desires, we are able to “tune in” to God and to hear what He has in store for us more clearly. This is especially true when we are faced with an important decision, or preparing for a significant ministry step.

- Dieting: People who seek weight loss should consult a doctor for an effective plan; fasting, while potentially providing this secondary benefit, is strictly engaged for spiritual reasons

- Hunger Strike: Every once in a while, we might hear someone say, “I’m not eating until __________.” This is not a Biblical approach to fasting. Fasting allows us to trust that God will reveal His answer in His timing.

- Self-Punishment: “I sinned, so I deserve punishment.” Fasting ought never be seen as punishment. Quite the opposite is true: there is joy in drawing closer to our God in times of fasting. This is a Divine privilege, in which He draws us near to Him to reveal His heart to us. Also, Jesus took our punishment upon Himself; we are no longer under condemnation (Romans 8:1), and therefore ought not to see fasting as a form of punishment.

- Manipulation: Don’t make the mistaken assumption that, “If I fast, then God has to answer my prayer.” God is God. Fasting is not some type of magic steroid that allows our prayers to get results. Fasting, instead, locks us in to the will of God, allowing us to hear His voice clearer.

Here are some examples from the Bible of people who fasted:

Jesus: “After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry” (Matthew 4:2). This is the context in which Jesus declared, “Man should not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (verse 4, quoted from Deuteronomy 8:3). Thus Jesus sets the example for us to deny ourselves “bread alone,” and dedicate that time toward seeking “every word that comes from the mouth of God.” His example, while not attainable by everyone in terms of length, is our standard.

Moses: “When I went up the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant that the LORD made with you, I remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights. I neither ate bread nor drank water” (Deuteronomy 9:9). Moses’ mission in this time was to receive the revelation that the LORD was to give to him, which is the Hebrew Law. This weighty revelation, the basis for the covenant, required a total entrance into God’s glory. In fact, when Moses was finished meeting with God atop Mt. Sinai, his face glowed, to the point that nobody could look at him (Exodus 34:29-33).

Daniel: “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days. At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead. To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds” (Daniel 1:12-17).

The “Daniel fast,” which is a partial fast abstaining from meat, bread, sugar, and dairy, originates from this story. Daniel and his friends chose not to eat the meat that had been dedicated to pagan worship. Elsewhere, he abstains from meat and other “delicacies” (10:3) during an intense spiritual search.

Ezra: “Then Ezra withdrew from before the house of God and went to the room of Jehohanan son of Eliashib. While he was there, he ate no food and drank no water, because he continued to mourn over the unfaithfulness of the exiles” (Ezra 10:6). In this account, Ezra is seeking God’s forgiveness for a nation that has abandoned their covenant responsibilities. This is a fitting example for us in prayer today.

Elsewhere, fasts are proclaimed by kings (2 Chronicles 20:3; Jonah 3:5-9) and by God Himself (Joel 2:12). The believers in Antioch commissioned Saul (Paul) and Barnabas after setting time aside to fast and pray (Acts 13:3).

The picture is clear: Spiritual strength, genuine repentance, and focused direction are all connected Biblically to the practice of fasting. And if it was important to Jesus to demonstrate, as well as His saints, it must be important to us, as well.

If you have not engaged in fasting, it might be important to consult a doctor to create a plan in case of particular nutrient deficiencies. Also, if this is your first time, it would be unwise to immediately go to a 40-day fast. Start with something small and manageable.

Pick your fast: For some, the Daniel fast (See above) for 21 days is appropriate. This can be effective especially for those who could not do an all-out abstinence of food. Others might want to try one or more days without food altogether (though I would recommend still consuming water, and perhaps other supplemental liquids as necessary). Still others can align with cultures that call for a fast during daytime hours, but allow for food each day at sundown.

Though the length and type of fast is at your discretion with guidance from the Holy Spirit, here are some Biblical precedents for the various lengths:

- One day or part of a day (Judges 20:26; 1 Samuel 7:6; 2 Samuel 1:12; 3:35; Nehemiah 9:1; Jeremiah 36:6)

- A one-night fast (Daniel 6:18–24)

- Three-day fasts (Esther 4:16; Acts 9:9)

- Seven-day fasts (1 Samuel 31:13; 2 Samuel 12:16–23)

- A fourteen-day fast (Acts 27:33–34)

- A twenty-one day fast (Daniel 10:3–13)

- Forty-day fasts (Deuteronomy 9:9; 1 Kings 19:8; Matthew 4:2)

There may be other options for you as well. Before fasting, pick the type of fast that you can do, and set a reasonable goal and time frame. Consult with those who can hold you accountable as well as monitor your nutrition, if necessary.

During the fast, when the time comes when you would normally eat or snack, dedicate that time to seek the Lord through prayer and Scripture. Pay attention to the desires that surface during this time, and be willing to bring those to the Lord (and to trusted brothers and sisters). When fatigue starts to set in (which is natural due to lower nutrition), stay focused in prayer and see how God works through those times of prayer.

If you are like me, times of restricted eating can lead you to feeling “hangry.” This is to be expected, but not an excuse to lash out at anyone. Other side effects, such as headaches, can be common. Maintaining discipline amidst these discomforts can train your spirit to fight through obstacles toward spiritual growth. We must not give up on our prayer and fasting time during the discomfort or inconvenience; in fact, this is all the more reason to pray more fervently.

[As a side note, speaking of discomfort: If you choose the Daniel fast, your digestion will have different, um, “aromas” once the food goes through you. This is normal, though you may want to warn your family.]

As you become familiar with fasting, be willing to extend it the next time. If one meal is all you can skip during a fasting period, try for two the next time. If you do a Daniel fast, but can only maintain for 7 days, that’s ok. Simply try for 10 days the next time, and work your way up to 21. Don’t be discouraged at small beginnings, but do aim to improve upon each time.

On the day that you have scheduled to end the fast, “slow and gradual” is the key. As much as you might want to feast on wings and pizza…don’t. That will hurt.

Your first break-fast meal should be something easy to digest. Soup, soft fruits, or smoothies would work well for this step. Also, don’t devour it, but rather eat slowly, allowing the normal processes of your body to re-engage (rather than be overwhelmed).

Once you are ready for a full meal, it is still wise to keep it light. Rather than jumping to red meat and fried foods, it would be recommended to select vegetables, rice/grains, and eggs. This type of diet should occur at least 24 hours before delving into something more substantive. During this time, it is critical to stay hydrated.

Most importantly, as you are moving away from the fasting period, do not leave the spiritual lessons learned during the fast. It might be wise to document some of your journey throughout the fasting. Take time before your first meal to give thanks to God for drawing near to you. And though the fast is over, don’t stop drawing near to Him.

When we fast together, and take time as a corporate body to draw near to God via fasting, we will see Him work through us even more powerfully! We hope you will join our church on this journey together.