What is Spiritual Fasting?
In most cases, a spiritual fast
involves abstaining from food while focusing on prayer. This can mean
refraining from snacks between meals, skipping one or two meals a day,
abstaining only from certain foods, or a total fast from all food for an entire
day or longer.
For medical reasons, some people
may not be able to fast from food altogether. They may choose to abstain only
from certain foods, like sugar or chocolate, or from something other than food.
In truth, believers can fast from anything. Doing without something
temporarily, such as sweets, coffee, or soda, etc… that redirect our focus from
earthly things toward God, can also be considered a spiritual fast.
The Purpose of Spiritual Fasting
Fasting provides unique spiritual benefits in the life of the believer. Fasting requires self-control and discipline as one denies the natural desires of the flesh. During spiritual fasting, the believer's focus is removed from the physical things of this world and intensely concentrated on God. Put differently, fasting directs our hunger toward God. It clears the mind and body of earthly attentions and draws us close to God. So, as we gain spiritual clarity of thought while fasting, it allows us to hear God more clearly. Fasting also demonstrates a profound need for God's help and guidance through complete dependence upon him.
Fasting provides unique spiritual benefits in the life of the believer. Fasting requires self-control and discipline as one denies the natural desires of the flesh. During spiritual fasting, the believer's focus is removed from the physical things of this world and intensely concentrated on God. Put differently, fasting directs our hunger toward God. It clears the mind and body of earthly attentions and draws us close to God. So, as we gain spiritual clarity of thought while fasting, it allows us to hear God more clearly. Fasting also demonstrates a profound need for God's help and guidance through complete dependence upon him.
What Spiritual Fasting Is Not
Spiritual fasting is not a way to earn God's favor by getting him to do something for us. Rather, the purpose is to produce a transformation in us—a clearer, more focused attention and dependence upon God. Fasting changes us, not God. By taking our eyes off the things of this world, we can more successfully turn our attention to Christ.
Spiritual fasting is not a way to earn God's favor by getting him to do something for us. Rather, the purpose is to produce a transformation in us—a clearer, more focused attention and dependence upon God. Fasting changes us, not God. By taking our eyes off the things of this world, we can more successfully turn our attention to Christ.
Fasting is not a way to appear more spiritual than
others. Fasting is to be done in a spirit of humility and a joyful attitude. Fasting is never to be a public display of spirituality—it is
between you and God alone. In fact, Jesus specifically instructed us in Matthew
6:16-18 to let our fasting be done privately and in humility, else we forfeit
the benefits. “(Vs 16) Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad
countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to
fast. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. (Vs 17) But thou, when
thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; (Vs 18) That thou appear
not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father,
which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.”
Fasting should not be done with a bad attitude. Clearly Isaiah rebuked those for that
very reason in Isaiah 58:3-7 (NIV), (Vs 3) ”Why have we fasted, they say, and you have not seen it? Why have we
humbled ourselves and you have not noticed? Yet on the day of your fasting, you
do as you please and exploit all your workers.” (Vs 4) “Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife,
and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and
expect your voice to be heard on high.” (Vs 5) “Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to
humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying
in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?” (Vs 6) “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of
injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set
the oppressed free and break every yoke?” (Vs 7) “Is
it not to share your food with the hungry and
to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe
them, and not to turn away from your own flesh
and blood?”
A fast is a day to afflict the soul; if it does
not express true sorrow for sin, and does not promote the putting away of sin,
it is not a fast.
Fasting should not be considered a “dieting method”
or done for the sole purpose to lose weight. The purpose of a biblical fast is
not to lose weight, but rather to gain deeper fellowship with God.
Lastly, it should be understood,
spiritual fasting is never for the purpose of punishing or harming the body. Fasting,
especially from food, should be limited to a determined length of time. Fasting
for too long can cause harm to the body.
While I hesitate to state the
obvious, your decision to fast should be guided by the Hoy Spirit. In addition, I highly recommend, especially if you've
never fasted, that you seek both medical and spiritual counsel before embarking
on any type of prolonged fast. While Jesus and Moses both fasted for 40 days without food and water, this was
clearly an impossible human achievement, only accomplished through the Holy
Spirit's empowerment.
(Important Note: Fasting without
water is extremely dangerous, seek spiritual guidance.)
Fasting and Prayer
Although the connection between prayer and fasting is not specifically explained in Scripture, a common thread connecting the two seems to run through all the instances of prayer and fasting recorded in the Bible. In the Old Testament, it appears that fasting with prayer had to do with a sense of need and dependence, and/or of abject helplessness in the face of actual or anticipated calamity. Prayer and fasting are combined in the Old Testament in times of mourning, repentance, and/or deep spiritual need.
Although the connection between prayer and fasting is not specifically explained in Scripture, a common thread connecting the two seems to run through all the instances of prayer and fasting recorded in the Bible. In the Old Testament, it appears that fasting with prayer had to do with a sense of need and dependence, and/or of abject helplessness in the face of actual or anticipated calamity. Prayer and fasting are combined in the Old Testament in times of mourning, repentance, and/or deep spiritual need.
The first chapter of Nehemiah describes Nehemiah
praying and fasting, because of his deep distress over the news that Jerusalem
had been desolated. His many days of prayer were characterized by tears,
fasting, confession on behalf of his people, and pleas to God for mercy. So
intense was the outpouring of his concerns that it’s almost inconceivable he
could “take a break” in the middle of such prayer to eat and drink. The
devastation that befell Jerusalem also prompted Daniel to adopt a similar
posture: Daniel 9:3, “And I set my face
unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and
sackcloth, and ashes.” Like Nehemiah, Daniel fasted and prayed that God
would have mercy upon the people, saying, “(Vs
5) We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done iniquity, and
have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and
from thy judgments.”
In several instances in the Old Testament, fasting
is linked with intercessory prayer. David prayed and fasted over his sick child
(2 Samuel 12:16),
weeping before the Lord in earnest intercession (Vs 21-22). Esther urged
Mordecai and the Jews to fast for her as she planned to appear before her
husband the king (Esther 4:16).
Clearly, fasting and petition are closely linked.
There are instances of prayer and fasting in the
New Testament, but they are not connected with repentance or confession. The
prophetess Anna “never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and
praying” (Luke 2:37).
At age 84, her prayer and fasting were part of her service to the Lord in His
temple as she awaited the promised Savior of Israel. Also in the New Testament,
the church at Antioch was fasting in connection with their worship when the
Holy Spirit spoke to them about commissioning Saul and Barnabas to the Lord’s
work. At that point, they prayed and fasted, placed their hands on the two men
and sent them off. So, we see in these examples that prayer and fasting are
components of worshipping the Lord and seeking His favor. Nowhere, however, is
there any indication that the Lord is more likely to answer prayers if they are
accompanied by fasting. Rather, fasting along with prayer seems to indicate the
sincerity of the people praying and the critical nature of the situations in
which they find themselves.
The more critical the situation, the more
appropriate the fasting and prayer. In Mark 9, Jesus casts a demon from a boy.
The disciples had been unable to perform the exorcism, although they had
previously been given authority over unclean spirits (Mark 6:7). Later, the disciples asked Jesus why they
failed in their attempts to free the boy from the demon, and Jesus said, “This
kind can come out only by prayer” (Mark 9:29). Matthew’s account adds the phrase “and
fasting” (Matthew 17:21).
In this particular case, the demon was exceptionally malicious and obdurate (Mark 9:21-22). Jesus seems to be saying that a
determined foe must be met with an equally determined faith. Prayer is a ready
weapon in the spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:18), and fasting helps to focus prayer and
give it resolve.
Our “confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the
blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19),
whether fasting or not fasting, is one of the most delightful parts of that
“better thing” which is ours in Christ. Prayer and fasting should not be a
burden or a duty, but rather a celebration of God's goodness and mercy to His
children.
New Testament Christians practiced
prayer and fasting regularly. Since there is no biblical command to fast,
believers should be led by God through prayer concerning when and how often to
fast.
Physical
Benefits of Fasting
Antiaging effects
Better attitude
Better resistance to disease
Better sleep
Change of habits
Clearer planning
Clearer skin
Creativity
Diet changes
Drug detoxification
Improved senses
(vision, hearing, taste)
Inspiration
More clarity
(mentally and emotionally)
More energy
More relaxation
New ideas
Purification
Reduction of allergies
Rejuvenation
Rest for digestive organs
Revitalization
Right use of will
Spiritual awareness
Weight loss
Six Different Types of Fasts in the Bible
1. Normal - abstaining from food. Example: Jesus “ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them was hungry” (Luke 4:2).
2. Absolute - abstaining from food and water; normally no more than 3 days. Examples: For three days Paul was blind, and did not eat or drink anything” (Acts 9:9), Moses (Deut. 9:9), Israel (Ezra 10:6), Israel (Esther 4:16).
1. Normal - abstaining from food. Example: Jesus “ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them was hungry” (Luke 4:2).
2. Absolute - abstaining from food and water; normally no more than 3 days. Examples: For three days Paul was blind, and did not eat or drink anything” (Acts 9:9), Moses (Deut. 9:9), Israel (Ezra 10:6), Israel (Esther 4:16).
3. Partial - restricting diet of certain foods or a meal a day. Examples: Daniel “so the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead” (Daniel 1:16), (Daniel 10:3).
4. Regular - fast days that commemorate an event or weekly fasts on a regular day. Examples: Day of Atonement (Lev. 23:27; Ps. 35:13; Is. 58:5), a fast day (Jer. 36:6); four separate festivals (Zech 8:19); twice a week (Luke 18:11-12).
5. Public - fasts called to times of special need and emergency. Almost all regular fasts were public fasts, but all public fasts are not necessarily regular ones. Examples: King Jehoshaphat when Judah was invaded (2 Chron. 20:1-4), Ezra returning the exiles (Ezra 8:21-23) Nineveh, as a result of Jonah’s preaching (Jonah 3:5,10).
6. Involuntary -no desire for food because of anxiety, sorrow, or mental distress (Dan. 6:18), and where a person finds themselves in a situation where no food is available (Matt. 15:32; 2 Cor. 6:5, 11:27)
Some Examples of Fasting in the
Bible
Old Testament
Moses fasted 40 days on behalf of Israel’s sin:
Deuteronomy 9:9,18,25-29; 10:10.
David fasted and mourned the death of Saul: 2 Samuel 1:12.
Old Testament
Moses fasted 40 days on behalf of Israel’s sin:
Deuteronomy 9:9,18,25-29; 10:10.
David fasted and mourned the death of Saul: 2 Samuel 1:12.
David fasted and mourned the
death of Abner: 2 Samuel 3:35.
David fasted and mourned the death of his child: 2 Samuel
12:16.
Elijah fasted 40 days after fleeing from Jezebel: 1 Kings 19:7-18.
Ahab fasted and humbled himself before God: 1 Kings 21:27-29.
Darius fasted in concern for Daniel: Daniel 6:18-24.
Daniel fasted on behalf of Judah's sin while reading Jeremiah’s prophecy: Daniel 9:1-19.
Daniel fasted regarding a mysterious vision from God: Daniel 10:3-13.
Esther fasted on behalf of her people: Esther 4:13-16.
Ezra fasted and wept for the sins of the returning remnant: Ezra 10:6-17.
Nehemiah fasted and mourned over the broken walls of Jerusalem: Nehemiah 1:4-2:10.
Elijah fasted 40 days after fleeing from Jezebel: 1 Kings 19:7-18.
Ahab fasted and humbled himself before God: 1 Kings 21:27-29.
Darius fasted in concern for Daniel: Daniel 6:18-24.
Daniel fasted on behalf of Judah's sin while reading Jeremiah’s prophecy: Daniel 9:1-19.
Daniel fasted regarding a mysterious vision from God: Daniel 10:3-13.
Esther fasted on behalf of her people: Esther 4:13-16.
Ezra fasted and wept for the sins of the returning remnant: Ezra 10:6-17.
Nehemiah fasted and mourned over the broken walls of Jerusalem: Nehemiah 1:4-2:10.
The people of Nineveh fasted after hearing the message of
Jonah: Jonah 3.
New Testament
Anna fasted for the redemption
of Jerusalem through the coming Messiah: Luke 2:37.
Jesus fasted 40 days before his
temptation and the beginning of his ministry: Matthew 4:1-11.
The disciples of John the Baptist
fasted: Matthew 9:14-15.
The elders in Antioch fasted before
sending off Paul and Barnabas: Acts 13:1-5.
Cornelius fasted and sought God’s
plan of salvation: Acts 10:30.
Paul fasted three day fast after
his Damascus Road encounter: Acts 9:9.
Paul fasted 14 days while at sea on
a sinking ship: Acts 27:33-34.
Scriptures About Fasting
Mark 9:29 “And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but
by prayer and fasting.”
Psalms 69:10 “When I wept, and
chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach.”
Psalms 109:24 “My knees are weak through fasting; and my flesh faileth of
fatness.”
Joel 2:12 “Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and
with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:”
Daniel 9:3 “And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and
supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:”
Acts 14:23 “And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had
prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.”
Acts 27:33 “And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This
day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having
taken nothing.”
Daniel 6:18 “Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting:
neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from
him.”
1 Corinthians 7:5 “Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to
fasting
and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not
for your incontinency.”
Psalms 35:13 “But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with
fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.”
Acts 10:30 “And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this
hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood
before me in bright clothing,”
Kim Howard
email: kimlovesjesus@icloud.com
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