Fasting is a powerful spiritual practice that can lead to personal renewal, clarity, and a deeper connection with God.
It involves abstaining from food or certain types of food for a period of time to focus on prayer and seeking God.
Here are some types of Christian fasts, along with biblical examples and guidance on why and how to fast.
types of Christian Fasts
Normal Fast: Abstaining from all food but drinking water. This is the most common form of fasting.
Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights in the wilderness (Matthew 4:2).
Partial Fast (Daniel Fast): Abstaining from certain foods or reducing food intake, often focusing on fruits, vegetables, and water.
Daniel and his companions ate only vegetables and drank water for ten days (Daniel 1:12).
Absolute Fast: Abstaining from all food and drink for a short period, usually not more than three days.
Esther and the Jews fasted from all food and drink for three days before she approached the king (Esther 4:16).
Intermittent Fasting: A pattern of fasting that includes eating at certain times and fasting at other times dedicating oneself to prayer during the times of fasting. This is an ideal method of fasting for those who suffer from medical conditions in which they are required to eat periodically.
Corporate Fast: A group of people or a church community fasting together for a common purpose.
The Israelites fasted together for guidance and protection (2 Chronicles 20:3-4).
Why Christians Should Fast
To Seek God’s Guidance: Fasting helps to humble ourselves and seek God’s will (Ezra 8:21-23).
Seeking God’s intervention on a specific matter: Fasting in times of need shows our faith in God's power and our trust in His ability to intervene in our lives (2 Chronicles 20:3-4).
To Deepen Prayer: Fasting and prayer are often linked as a means to intensify spiritual focus (Acts 13:2-3).
To Overcome Temptation: Jesus fasted to prepare for His ministry and resist temptation (Matthew 4:1-11).
To Express Repentance: Fasting can be a form of expressing sorrow for sin and a desire to change (Joel 2:12-13).
How to Fast
Start Small: Begin with shorter fasts and gradually increase the duration as you grow comfortable.
Set a Purpose: Have a clear reason for your fast, such as seeking guidance, interceding for others, or personal spiritual growth.
Prepare Spiritually: Spend time in prayer and reading Scripture before and during the fast. Remember, fasting is not about a diet, it is about abstaining from food to separate oneself from things of the world to focus on the spiritual things of God. Make sure you separate the time of fasting from daily activities or any distractions.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially during normal and partial fasts.
Break The Fast Gradually: After fasting, reintroduce food slowly to avoid digestive issues.
Old Testament verses in support for fasting
Joel 2:12-13 NLT: That is why the Lord says, 'Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.' Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.
Ezra 8:21-23 NLT: And there by the Ahava Canal, I gave orders for all of us to fast and humble ourselves before our God. We prayed that he would give us a safe journey and protect us, our children, and our goods as we traveled. For I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to accompany us and protect us from enemies along the way. After all, we had told the king, 'Our God’s hand of protection is on all who worship him, but his fierce anger rages against those who abandon him.' So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and he heard our prayer.
New Testament verses in support fasting
Matthew 6:16-18 NLT: When you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
Acts 13:2-3 NLT: One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.' So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.
Matthew 4:2 NLT: For forty days and forty nights [Jesus] fasted and became very hungry