Short answer
Fasting as a Christian is a spiritual discipline where you voluntarily abstain from food or other things for a set period to focus more intently on God through prayer and Bible study. It's not about earning favor or punishing yourself, but about expressing a deep hunger for God and dependence on Him. Done with a humble heart, it can deepen your spiritual walk and clarify your focus on eternal things, allowing you to prioritize communion with your Heavenly Father above earthly desires.
What Scripture says
"But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be apparent to others but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
"“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?"
"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.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off."
"Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.”"
Going deeper
Perhaps you've heard about Christian fasting and feel a pull to try it, or maybe you're navigating a difficult season and are looking for a way to earnestly seek God. In a world full of distractions, finding practices that ground us in our faith can feel challenging. Fasting, while not often discussed, is a deeply personal and powerful spiritual discipline practiced by believers for thousands of years, helping them draw closer to God in times of joy, sorrow, and significant decision.
Biblically, fasting is much more than just going without food. It's a deliberate act of self-denial to intensify your focus on God. Jesus assumed His followers would fast (Matthew 6:17-18), not to impress others, but as a private act of devotion to God. The prophets of the Old Testament called for fasting in times of national repentance or desperate need. In the New Testament, early believers fasted while seeking God's direction for ministry (Acts 13:2-3) and when ordaining leaders. It's a way of saying, 'God, you are more important to me than anything else, even my basic physical needs.' The type of fast can vary, from abstaining from all food for a period, to giving up certain foods, or even other activities and pleasures.
Ultimately, Christian fasting is not a works-based effort to earn God's love or attention, but an overflow of faith in Him. Because of Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross, we are already loved and accepted by God. Fasting, then, becomes a response to that love—a spiritual exercise that helps us quiet the clamor of the world and our own fleshly desires to hear His voice more clearly. It sharpens our spiritual senses, reminds us of our dependence on Him, and helps us pursue a deeper intimacy with our Savior, who Himself fasted and prayed.
If you feel called to fast, start by asking God for guidance on how long and what type of fast. Begin with clear intentions: what specifically are you seeking God about or confessing to Him? Replace the time you would normally spend eating or engaging in the activity you're abstaining from with prayer, Bible reading, and worship. Remember to maintain a humble attitude, as Jesus taught, keeping your fasting between you and your Heavenly Father. Most importantly, listen to your body and seek medical advice before beginning any fast, especially if you have existing health conditions.
Key takeaways
- Fasting is a biblical discipline to deepen focus on God.
- It's about intentional self-denial, not earning favor.
- Types of fasts vary (food, activities), chosen with prayer.
- Keep fasting private between you and God, as Jesus taught.
- Fasting strengthens faith and dependence on the Lord.
A prayer
Heavenly Father, I desire to draw closer to You. Guide me as I consider biblical fasting. Show me what to abstain from and for how long, so that my focus may be solely on You. Help me to humble my heart, to seek Your face, and to understand Your will more clearly. May this discipline be for Your glory and for my spiritual growth, all through the grace of my Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Read the full passages
Every scripture cited above, opened for reading and study in context.