FASTING

Fasting is the voluntary abstention from some legitimate thing in order to humble ourselves before God as we seek his will for some spiritual purpose. In Scripture we most often see the example of people giving up food and drink for a season of time. The Bible often makes a connection between the practice of fasting and prayer. {Daniel 9:3; Luke 2:37}

It is important to understand that the spiritual discipline of fasting is not transactional. We do not fast with the expectation that it will guarantee a particular response from God. Fasting is done in obedience to Scripture, for our own benefit and so that God will be glorified. The act of fasting reminds us of our deep and desperate dependence on our Creator and thus is an aid to us as we pray that we might implore him with all of our heart. 

Jesus has an expectation that his followers will occasionally fast. {Mark 2:20; Matthew 6:16} Scripture does not tell us how often or for how long we should fast. Our church leaders may call us to a season of fasting from time to time, we may feel a personal conviction through the Holy Spirit, or we may choose to make fasting a regular part of our devotional rhythms. Whatever our motivation, fasting should never be imposed on anyone through coercion or manipulation. 

The most common example of fasting we find in Scripture is food and drink. However, fasting does not have to involve food or drink in order to be legitimate. Indeed, some people probably should not fast from food because of health conditions. The idea is to give up some legitimate activity in order to become more absorbed in a time of spiritual activity. What we give up should not be trivial, we want to experience a degree of desperation that moves us to greater dependence on God. 

Jesus calls us to fast privately (in secret) in Matthew 6. In Joel 2 and Acts 13 we see examples of congregational (public) fasts. There are also examples of national fasts and regular fasts such as the one required on the Day of Atonement.

Some people fast all day and night for a set period of time. Others fast only one meal a day. Some fast six days a week but not on Sunday. There's no right or wrong way to do it - pray about it and see what the Spirit prompts you to do.

In a typical fast we give up all food but not water. This is the way that Jesus fasted in Matthew 4. Many people will drink fruit or vegetable juice during this kind of fast. Sometimes people will continue to drink coffee or tea.

In a partial fast we give up specific (but not all) foods. Some people will limit portion size. Others will eat only simple foods such as raw vegetables. It is common for people to give up a cherished food such as chocolate, cheese, or meat. Daniel fasted this way in Daniel 1. John the Baptist fasted this way in Matthew 3.

In an absolute fast we give up all food and drink. Most often in Scripture we see this kind of fasting limited to three days. Queen Esther called her people to this for three days in Esther 4. Paul did this for three days after encountering Jesus on the Road to Damascus, in Acts 9. Of note is that the human body can only go three days without water.

Moses and Elijah did a forty day fast in which they went without food or water. NOTE: God provided for their physical needs supernaturally. {Deuteronomy 9; 1 Kings 19} This kind of fast is not advisable without a clear and specific call from God.

TO STRENGTHEN PRAYER

Fasting and prayer go hand in hand. When there is a special urgency to a situation, fasting is important. However, it is not like a hunger strike where we try to manipulate God. Fasting changes our prayer, not the all powerful God.

TO SEEK GOD’S GUIDANCE

In Judges 20 and other places we see that God’s people fasted before taking action to seek the will of the Lord. Fasting does not ensure the certainty that we will hear God clearly, but it does makes us more receptive. (Romans 12:2)

TO EXPRESS GRIEF

Fasting is a means to express the depth of our feelings. It is appropriate for grief-stricken prayers.

TO HUMBLE OURSELVES

In 1 Kings 21, King Ahab humbled himself before God by fasting and averted disaster.

TO EXPRESS LOVE TO GOD

Luke 2:37 gives an example of a widow who devoted her life to adoration of God through fasting and prayer.

TO EXPRESS CONCERN FOR GOD'S WORK

When Nehemiah saw that despite the return from exile the Jews had not rebuilt the wall around Jerusalem, he fasted first and then set about getting to work. (Nehemiah 1)

TO SEEK GOD'S PROTECTION

In 2 Chronicles 20 we see God’s people fast when in need of God’s protection. In Esther 4, the Queen declares a fast so that she would be protected from the anger of the King.

TO OVERCOME TEMPTATION

In Matthew 4 we see that Jesus fasted immediately before his temptation by Satan. It didn’t make him weak and vulnerable, but victorious.

TO MINISTER TO THE NEEDS OF OTHERS

Isaiah 58 stresses the need of fasting in direct correlation to concern for the needs of others.

New City Church insists that you consult with a licensed physician who has a good understanding of biblical fasting before you begin a fast, especially if this is your first time. If you are taking medications or have any ongoing medical condition, it is absolutely essential to check with your physician before beginning a fast. This does nothing to diminish the spiritual nature of a fast: God has provided us with access to excellent medical professionals and we glorify Him by taking advantage of this blessing.

New City Church insists you do not fast from food if you meet any of the following criteria:

• You are underweight or emaciated
• You are prone to anorexia, bulimia, or other eating disorders
• You suffer from weakness or anemia
• You have a tumor, bleeding ulcer, cancer, blood disease, or have heart disease
• You have a chronic problem with the kidneys, liver, lungs, heart, or other vital organs
• You are pregnant or nursing
• You take insulin for diabetes or suffer from any other blood sugar problem such as hyperglycemia

Dr. Bill Bright wrote some helpful things about fasting that are hosted on the Cru website.