The Spiritual Discipline of Fasting
The Hebrew word for fasting literally translates to “abstain from food.” Christian fasting is a powerful way for believers to draw nearer to God by setting aside the physical desire for food in favor of spiritual nourishment. Typically, this practice involves abstaining from food for a determined period of time, whether it be a partial fast (limiting certain foods) or a complete fast (avoiding meals entirely). During this time, believers focus on prayer, repentance, and renewed devotion to God, seeking to align their hearts with His will and invite transformation by the Holy Spirit. Although fasting can be physically challenging, many find that these moments of dependence on the Lord become opportunities for deeper intimacy, humility, and growth in faith.
Even though traditional fasting often centers on abstaining from food (and occasionally water), Scripture does not restrict believers from voluntarily surrendering other forms of physical or worldly gratification. In other words, while you may feel called to skip meals for a day—or even several days—you could also choose to fast from media, entertainment, or any other activity that regularly consumes your attention. The heart behind this practice remains the same: to set aside personal comforts in order to draw closer to God. By giving up these earthly gratifications, we free ourselves to spend more time in prayer, meditation on the Word, and service to others, seeking to deepen our relationship with the One who truly satisfies.
Significance of Food
Food has always been more than mere sustenance and for survival; it fosters fellowship, strengthens relationships, it’s engrained into all cultures, and plays a central role in moments of celebration and community gatherings. The following provides an insight into the significance of food in our daily lives:
We often eat as a form of entertainment or during meetings. In a meeting context, providing a delicious or expensive meal can be an effective tactic because it may influence how a client feels when making a decision—even more so when alcohol is involved.
In most cultures, going out for a meal or a drink is a common way to socialize. When you visit someone's home, you are usually greeted with food to enjoy.
Certain foods are tied to memories, childhood or happy experiences so when you eat certain dishes it evokes feelings of warmth and comfort.
Food also plays a central role during celebrations – birthdays, holidays, weddings, or religious ceremonies always include food
Food is also used as a treat or a tool for motivation for rewarding yourself.
We also draw near to food as a way to feel good, as a way to counter our stress and anxiety (stress eating is a thing).
Food can have a powerful impact on people. Gluttony, the overindulgence of food to the point of waste, is considered one of the seven deadly sins.
Spiritual Aspects of Fasting
Fasting is not merely an act of self-denial; rather, it is a focused spiritual pursuit that aligns our hearts with God’s desires. By temporarily stepping away from the routine of daily meals and worldly distractions, we create space to concentrate on prayer, repentance, and drawing closer to the Lord. Through this discipline, we cultivate humility, deepen our devotion, and learn to rely on God’s strength instead of our own.
Fasting is an outward expression of an inward commitment to pursue God and is often combined with prayer.
As there are many reasons to why we draw near to food, by giving up food through fasting, we are then drawing near to God, deepening our relationship with Him and to seek Him in times of special need.
When you go without food, your senses can become heightened. This idea aligns with the belief that fasting deepens your connection with God by sharpening your spiritual awareness, thereby drawing you closer to God.
Fasting is a way to glorify God in heaven, to express our sorrow and shame for our transgressions, to wait for an increase of purifying grace, to add seriousness and earnestness to our prayers, to avert the wrath of God, and to obtain all the promises He made to us in Jesus Christ.
Fasting is a way to offer God a sacrifice. This is a way to praise Him. We are sacrificing the thing we need for survival. We are sacrificing our enjoyment. We are sacrificing this thing that makes us feel good. We are telling God you are more important and you come first, even before food.
Fasting is a spiritual discipline – it helps us grow in our faith.
Fasting is a tangible way to deny ourselves – to declare before God that we know it’s all about Him. Your prayers will be that much more powerful declaring to the Lord while fasting vs declaring to the Lord while NOT fasting.
Fasting is God’s appointed way for us to cry out to Him in situations of special need.
Fasting shows God that we are desperate for His help and seeking His attention by the extraordinary measure of forsaking what we are fasting with.
Fasting creates power to resist demonic temptation and attack. In Matthew chapter 4 Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights the devil came and tried to tempt Jesus three times but He prevailed. So this shows that even Jesus had to fast in order to gain this spiritual discipline, heightened senses and spiritual power as mentioned earlier to resist the devil. So how much more important is it for us to fast.
Fasting creates power to resist demonic temptation and attack. In Matthew chapter 4 Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights the devil came and tried to tempt Jesus three times but He prevailed. So this shows that even Jesus had to fast in order to gain this spiritual power.
Fasting is for the Holy Spirit’s vision, guidance and empowerment in ministry. In Acts 13:1–4, while the church in Antioch worshiped and fasted, the Holy Spirit instructed them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for God’s work. After further prayer and fasting, the believers laid hands on them, commissioning them for their missionary journey.
Fasting is for the protection of the nation in times of great difficulty or danger. In 2 Chronicles 20:3-4, King Jehoshaphat faced a daunting alliance of enemies and responded by proclaiming a fast throughout Judah. This act of seeking God in prayer and humility highlights how fasting can unify believers and deepen their reliance on divine guidance during challenging times.
Fasting is for national repentance and mercy when God’s judgement of sin is at hand. In Jonah chapter 3, after Jonah proclaims God’s warning to the city of Nineveh, the people respond by proclaiming a fast and wearing sackcloth.
Fasting is hungering for God; to seek after Him, to be closer to Him, to hear Him clearly and the byproduct of this is that we may be easier for us to be guided by God for the answering of our prayers but at the same time we are reminded that He is not obligated to answer our prayers. We may ask Him to be merciful.
Another intention of fasting is when you are seeking God’s guidance. In Judges 20:26-28 the Israeli army fasted when they were seeking for God’s guidance if they should fight against the Benjamites, which were their fellow brothers.
Use fasting as a time for repentance as we should always be repenting but what a great time to do so while fasting as in 1 Samuel 7:6.
Fasting is a tool and a lifelong journey to weaken the flesh in order to strengthen the spirit. There’s a disciplinary growth that comes from fasting where one learns more about self-control, making it harder for Satan to tempt you.
The Significance of Isaiah 58
Isaiah 58 is a chapter in the Old Testament of the Bible that focuses on what true devotion and fasting should look like in the eyes of God.
The chapter starts by condemning those who practice outward religious rituals (like fasting) without any genuine inward change. Simply abstaining from food or participating in religious acts is not enough if one’s heart and actions toward others remain unjust or self-centered.
It continues by emphasizing that the kind of “fast” God desires involves doing good, showing kindness, and practicing justice. This includes freeing the oppressed, sharing food with the hungry, providing shelter for the homeless, and clothing the naked.
The prophet outlines the blessings and benefits that come from true acts of compassion and sincere devotion to God. These blessings include personal renewal, healing, guidance, and a strengthened relationship with God.
Toward the end of the chapter, there’s a focus on observing the Sabbath in a way that honors God, rather than merely going through the motions. Keeping the Sabbath with a joyful heart is portrayed as an extension of genuine devotion.
This chapter serves as a powerful reminder that genuine faith is demonstrated through actions that embody love, mercy, and justice, rather than mere outward displays of piety.
Other Aspects of Fasting
Beyond its significance and spiritual dimensions, fasting encompasses a variety of other essential elements that contribute to its overall impact and effectiveness. Here are more important facets before you start fasting:
We are reminded that the essence of fasting is abstaining from food. But fasting can take various forms and last different lengths of time, from partial fasts where one abstains from certain foods or meals to complete fasts where one abstains from all food for a day or longer.
According to Jesus, fasting should be done discreetly, without making a show of it to others, as seen in Matthew 6:16-18.
Jesus said: “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Jesus clearly assumed that His followers would fast, though He gave no details about how long or how frequently. This means that it is up to the individual to discern the type, timing and length of their fast.
Before you plan out your fast, pray to God and ask for guidance to figure out what type of fast, how long and when to start and remember to make God the focus of your fast. Set aside time to worship and seek God in prayer. Repent of any sins the Holy Spirit brings to mind and ask God for forgiveness. Plan time to make your requests to God and to seek His will.
During the fast you seek God through prayer, Scripture reading, and meditation.
It may taken 18-24 hours from your last meal before your bodily functions slow down to the point where you notice greater mental sharpness and spiritual sensitivity.
For someone that has never fasted or hasn’t fasted in awhile, it may be a good idea to do a few short fasts first as a means to get your body ready and awakened.
Like most challenges, be prepared for failures. The key is to not give up. Spend time and re-evaluate what were the difficulties leading to the failure. Recollect, pray and try again. God will honor you for your faithfulness. He won’t hold you for failing. He sees where your heart is. Quitting and not trying again is a different story.
In modern day, besides fasting food, it may also be common to give up anything that the flesh desires, including and not limited to nicotine, alcohol, drugs, soda, candy, junk food, TV, social media, video games, and sex. It can be just about anything that gives you pleasure and that will create some level of suffering through fasting.
Galatians 5:16-18 “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”
Different types of fasts:
From sunup to sundown
24 hour fast
Daniel Fast – vegetables, fruits, water. Just enough to get by. No pleasure.
Lent (40 days)
Intermittent fasting
Going X number of days without Y (medical guidance is advised if you are going past three days without food)
Absolute fast: no food, no water (THIS IS NOT FOR MOST PEOPLE. THIS SHOULD ONLY BE DONE IF IT’S LED BY THE LORD)
Health benefits from fasting:
Autophagy comes from the Greek word meaning “self-eating”and it’s a cellular process where cells break down and recycle their own components. Look at it as a form of cellular housekeeping and by clearing debris, autophagy supports healthier cell function and may help slow aging process. There’s also disease prevention with conditions like alzheimer's and may help prevent or delay some forms of cancer.
Weight management
Improved insulin sensitivity: periodic fasting may help stabilize blood sugar levels and enhance insulin sensitivity, potentially lowering the risk of type-2 diabetes.
Reduced inflammation: reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
Cardiovascular health: leads to improvements in cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Cognitive benefits: increased mental clarity, focus, and alertness.
Longevity: ongoing research shows that certain fasting protocols might slow aging process and extend lifespan.
In conclusion, Christian fasting is a deeply enriching spiritual discipline that goes beyond merely abstaining from food. It offers believers a unique opportunity to heighten their spiritual senses, draw closer to God, and align their lives more fully with His purposes. Prayer requests are a part of fasting but may we be reminded that the focus and intention is drawing closer to God. Any answered prayers are secondary and granted by the mercy of God.
Through the various types of fasts and the multifaceted aspects discussed fasting serves as a powerful tool for spiritual growth, humility, and renewed devotion. Additionally, the health benefits of fasting provide a holistic approach to well-being, supporting both body and spirit. As you embrace fasting in your own walk with Christ, may you experience deeper intimacy with God, greater clarity in your spiritual journey, and a transformative connection that strengthens your faith and commitment.