Fasting & Prayer Guide

Fasting and prayer are powerful spiritual disciplines. Jesus expected His followers to fast even saying that God the Father rewards fasting. Through fasting and prayer, the Holy Spirit can transform the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Most Biblical examples of acting are of someone voluntarily reducing or eliminating food intake for a specific time and purpose. John Piper defines fasting as, “a temporary renunciation of something that is in itself good, like food, in order to intensify our expression of need for something greater—namely, God and his work in our lives.”

During a fasting campaign, time eating is instead spent in prayer communing with God and seeking His will (Acts 13:2-3) illustrating the desire for God’s presence in the lives of His people. It requires humble submission to God the Father (Psalm 42:1-2). Unfortunately, fasting is mostly neglected by God’s people. Its difficult to complete, spiritually demanding, and physically uncomfortable, and yet a mighty experience and a good place to start for the believer who desires an inward and outward divine impact.

 

Types of Fasting

Deciding to fast is the easy part. From what to abstain is the harder choice. Most Biblical examples of fasting are when someone stops eating food; however, there are examples that set aside non-food items. Ultimately, the choice is between you and God. Some food-related fasts are:

  • Absolute Fast - No food and no water. Seek guidance from a physician before starting this fast. The human body cannot go without water for more than three days.

  • Full Fast - Drink only liquids and do not eat any kind of food.

  • The Daniel Fast - Do not eat meat, sweets, and bread.  Eat only fruits and vegetables.  Drink juice and water.

  • One Meal a Day - A full fast for one meal every day of the fast.

  • Partial Day Fast - A full fast on a short time-limit; usually 6-12 hours.

  • One Item of Food - Stop eating a specific item or type of food instead of not eating at all.

  • Intermittent Fast - A recurring, ongoing fast; for example one day a week.

A popular, modern fast is pausing technology usage (i.e. social media, TV/streaming services, etc.). Those who fast this way realize how much time is wasted on passive technology and want to repurpose that time to deepen their relationship with God.

Remember, the type of fast is not as important as having an attitude and desire to sincerely seek God and His response during the campaign. Whatever fast is chosen, dedicate time to seek God. Spend time with Him, praying, worshiping, and reading the Bible. Everything else is of lesser importance. God is the top priority.

 

Fasts In the Bible

The Bible gives many examples of fasting, such as:

 

How to Fast

Jesus teaches on fasting in Matthew 6:16-18. He states:

“And 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.” - Matthew 6:16-18

In this passage, Jesus makes it clear that fasting is not about bragging rights; its the desire to seek God and to eliminate all distractions of that goal. Jesus teaches that the person fasting must go about his/her day with as much normality as possible so the focus and purpose of the fast are on God and Him alone; not one’s own pride.

 

How Long Is a Fast

Fasting has no minimum or maximum time limit. A fast is as short or as long as desired.

Anyone who has never fasted food should start slowly. Shorter fasts are similar to pre-season conditioning and practices in sports. It helps with physical and mental preparations for longer periods. Shorter periods of fasting and intermittent fasting are gentler for someone moving into this discipline.

First, decide from what you are fasting, then plan accordingly.

 

Preparing Yourself Spiritually and Physically

Examine your heart before starting your fasting experience. Detect and repent of any unconfessed sin. Trust God to empower you to resist the temptation to abandon your fast.

Depending on your type of fast, begin by eating smaller meals or reducing technology use to avoid stopping cold turkey. Resist the urge to consume that “last big feast” before starting.

Take fasting seriously. Remove temptations. For example, if you are fasting from chocolate, then get rid of all chocolate in your house. If you are abstaining from TV, pull the plug out of the wall and put a cloth over the screen.

 

Responding To Family and Friends

People may (or will) notice you have stopped eating or are refraining from normal habits. Don’t lie or be relunctant to tell others about your fasting experience, but don’t publicize it either. Ease their concerns for your health. If they are believers, ask for their prayers.

Explaining fasting to someone who doesn’t understand is difficult. Many won’t understand.

 

Your Fasting Experience

Fasting takes commitment. Don’t presume absolute and full fasts are easy. Your blood sugar level may drop and you’ll want to rush to eat something, anything, but then remember that you are fasting.

Arrange time to pray and read the Bible because fasting is about seeking closeness to God. For food-related fasts, this time can be during meal times.

Eventually, you’ll feel weak, vulnerable, and irritable. Satan will use these moments to pull your away from prayer and Bible reading time. “Run” to God during these times.

 

Completing Your Fast

Ending a fast is just as critical as deciding to begin. Fasting is a marathon, not a sprint, so its easy to throw in the towel before you’ve completed the journey. Not only does it take perseverance to endure fasting for the entire campaign it also takes willpower not to overdo yourself as you end.

For intensive food-related fasts, like the absolute and full fasts, be careful reintroducing food to your body. Take it slowly. Let your digestive system readjust to food intake.

Spiritually, you should be more alert.

A single fast is not a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Fasting and prayer are constant disciples. Consider your next fast or planning short, periodic fasting sessions like a 24-hour weekly fast. It will be difficult to restart fasting once you’re back in the habit of eating, resumed technology use, etc.

Remain vigilant. Keep seeking His voice, and do not relax your intimacy with Christ.