Fasting

Fasting means going without something, usually food, for a time, to give your attention to God. Jesus assumed his followers would fast: he said “when you fast”, not “if” (Matthew 6:16).

Fasting doesn’t earn God’s favour or twist his arm. It’s a way of saying, with your whole self, “I need you more than this.” The hunger becomes a reminder to pray.

In the Bible, people fasted when they were seeking God’s guidance, grieving, repenting, facing danger, or setting people apart for his work.

16“Moreover when you fast, don’t be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen by men to be fasting. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward. 17But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face; 18so that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.

Matthew 6:16–18
More about fasting in the Bible

6“Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to release the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? 7Isn’t it to distribute your bread to the hungry, and that you bring the poor who are cast out to your house? When you see the naked, that you cover him; and that you not hide yourself from your own flesh? 8Then your light will break out as the morning, and your healing will appear quickly; then your righteousness shall go before you; and Yahweh’s glory will be your rear guard. 9Then you will call, and Yahweh will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ “If you take away from among you the yoke, finger pointing, and speaking wickedly;

Isaiah 58:6–9

How to fast

  1. Choose why

    What are you seeking God about? Write it down, so you remember why when it gets hard.

  2. Plan it

    Decide what you’ll go without, and when you’ll start and stop. Start small; you can do more next time.

  3. Fill the gap

    Plan what you’ll do with the time: read a psalm, pray through your list, take a walk with God.

  4. Keep it quiet

    Jesus said to fast without drawing attention. Tell anyone who needs to know, and leave it there.

  5. Break it gently

    End with thanks. If you’ve gone without food, eat something light first.

Plan a fast

What will you go without?