The short answer: biblical fasting is going without food, or certain foods, for a set time in order to seek God in prayer. Jesus said "when you fast," not "if" (Matthew 6:16). Start small: skip one meal and spend that time praying and reading the Bible. Have a clear purpose, keep it between you and God, drink water, and check with a doctor first if you have a medical condition.
What the Bible Says About Fasting
And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
That is Matthew 6:16–18, ESV. Jesus assumed His followers would fast, and He cared about why: for God, not for show. Jesus Himself fasted forty days in the wilderness before His public ministry began (Matthew 4:2), and answered temptation with Scripture: "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4, ESV).
Why Fast?
- To seek God with focus. Hunger becomes a reminder to pray. "'Yet even now,' declares the LORD, 'return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning'" (Joel 2:12, ESV).
- To ask for His help. Before a dangerous journey, Ezra and the people fasted: "So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty" (Ezra 8:23, ESV).
- To seek direction for mission. "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them'" (Acts 13:2, ESV).
- To humble ourselves and repent. Fasting expresses that we need God more than food.
- To love our neighbour. God says true fasting includes justice and mercy: "Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house?" (Isaiah 58:7, ESV).
Kinds of Fasts
- A meal fast. Skip one meal and use that time to pray. A good place to start.
- A day fast. No food from one evening to the next, or from morning until evening, drinking water.
- A partial fast. Give up certain foods for a period, as Daniel did when he "ate no delicacies, no meat or wine" (Daniel 10:3, ESV).
- Longer fasts. Several days or more. These need wisdom and, for most people, medical advice first.
Some people also set aside media or other habits for a season of prayer. That can be helpful, but in the Bible fasting is usually about food.
How to Start Fasting
- Check your health first. If you are pregnant or nursing, have diabetes or another medical condition, take regular medication, or have a history of disordered eating, talk to your doctor before fasting from food. A partial fast may be wiser.
- Choose a clear purpose. Write down what you are seeking God about: a person's salvation, a decision, your city, repentance, or simply to draw near.
- Start small. One meal or one day. Do not begin with a long fast.
- Plan your prayer time. Use the time you would spend eating to pray and read Scripture. See how to pray.
- Drink plenty of water. And break your fast gently with a light meal.
- Keep it quiet. Jesus said to fast for the Father who sees in secret (Matthew 6:18).
- Expect hunger and keep praying. When hunger comes, let it turn you back to God.
Fasting Is Not a Way to Earn
Fasting does not make God love you more, and it does not force His hand. We are saved by grace, not by our efforts. See what grace means. Fasting is a way of making room to seek the God who already loves you.
Fasting for Your City
Before a festival, an outreach season, or a new venture, a day of prayer and fasting is a way to say: "Lord, we cannot do this without You." It follows the pattern of Acts 13, where the church fasted and prayed before sending out missionaries. Pair it with praying for your city.
Common Questions
What is biblical fasting? Biblical fasting is going without food, or certain foods, for a set time in order to seek God in prayer. Jesus taught His followers how to fast in Matthew 6:16–18 and fasted Himself (Matthew 4:2).
How do I start fasting as a Christian? Check with a doctor if you have a medical condition, choose a clear purpose, start small with one meal or one day, use mealtimes to pray and read Scripture, drink water, and keep your fast between you and God (Matthew 6:18).
Can I drink water while fasting? Yes. Most fasts in practice include water, and drinking water is important for your health. Some fasts in Scripture were more extreme, but those were exceptional and not a pattern to copy without wisdom.
What should I pray about when fasting? Pray about the purpose you set: drawing near to God, repentance, a decision, someone's salvation, or your city. Use the time you would spend eating to pray and read the Bible.
Hungry for Him. Make room, and seek His face.
