Fasting is a powerful way to grow closer to God. It’s a spiritual discipline that helps us deny the desires of our flesh and focus on the things of the Spirit. While fasting is often associated with Lent, it’s something we can practice throughout the year. This guide will show you how to fast, what to do during a fast, and how to make it a regular part of your walk with Christ.
What Is Fasting?
Fasting is voluntarily giving up something—usually food—for a set time to seek God. It’s not just about skipping meals. It’s about replacing that time with prayer, worship, and time in God’s Word. When we fast, we humble ourselves before God, draw near to Him, and invite Him to work in our lives in a deeper way.
Why Fast?
Jesus fasted, and He expected His followers to do the same. In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus said, “When you fast,” not “if you fast.” Fasting helps us focus on God and hear His voice more clearly. It strengthens our spirit, teaches us to rely on God, and helps break the hold of distractions or sinful habits. Fasting is also a way to intercede for others, seek direction, or express repentance.
How to Start Fasting
If you’ve never fasted before, start small. Don’t feel like you need to do a long fast right away. Begin with one meal or fast for a few hours. Here are some simple steps to get started:
- Decide What Kind of Fast to Do.
- Food Fast: This is the most common type of fast. You can skip one meal, fast from sunrise to sunset, or fast for a full day. For longer fasts, you might avoid solid foods and drink only liquids like water, juice, or broth.
- Partial Fast: Give up specific foods like sweets, caffeine, or meat.
- Non-Food Fast: If health issues prevent you from fasting food, give up something else like social media, television, or other activities that take up your time.
- Set a Clear Purpose. Know why you are fasting. Are you seeking God’s direction, asking for breakthrough, or praying for someone? Write down your purpose and keep it in mind as you fast.
- Choose a Timeframe. Decide how long you will fast. It could be a single meal, a day, or several days. Plan what works for your schedule and physical health.
- Prepare Yourself. Let those close to you know you’ll be fasting, so they understand your choice. If it’s a food fast, ease into it by eating lighter meals beforehand. Drink plenty of water, and don’t overeat when you end the fast.
What to Do During a Fast
Fasting isn’t just about what you stop doing; it’s about what you start doing. The key to a meaningful fast is spending time with God. Here’s how:
- Pray. Use the time you’d normally spend eating or doing other activities to pray. Be honest with God. Worship Him. Intercede for others. Ask for His guidance and strength.
- Read the Bible. Let God’s Word speak to you. Meditate on passages that remind you of His faithfulness, power, and love. Write down any insights or encouragement He gives you.
- Journal. Keep a journal of your fasting journey. Write down your prayers, what you sense God is saying, and how He’s working in your heart. This will help you stay focused and reflect on what you’ve learnt.
- Worship. Play worship music, sing, or simply praise God in your own words. Worship helps shift your focus from your hunger or discomfort to God’s greatness.
- Stay Humble. Fasting is not about impressing others. Avoid drawing attention to your fast. Keep it between you and God as much as possible.
- Listen to God. Take time to be still and quiet before the Lord. Fasting helps us tune out distractions so we can hear His voice more clearly.
Types of Fasts to Try
Here are a few ways you can approach fasting:
- One-Meal Fast. Skip one meal and spend that time with God instead. This is a great starting point for beginners.
- Intermittent Fasting. Fast for a set period each day, like from sunrise to sunset, and eat a light meal in the evening.
- Three-Day Fast. Fast from solid food for three days while drinking water or juice. This is a common approach for those seeking deeper spiritual renewal.
- Daniel Fast. Follow the example of Daniel by eating only fruits, vegetables, and water for a set time (see Daniel 1:12).
- Media Fast. Give up TV, social media, or other distractions to focus more on God.
How to Develop Fasting as a Discipline
To make fasting a regular part of your spiritual life, follow these tips:
- Schedule It. Set aside specific times to fast. For example, you might fast one day a week or one day a month.
- Start Small and Build Up. Begin with short fasts and gradually work up to longer ones as God leads you. Don’t compare yourself to others—focus on what God is asking of you.
- Combine Fasting with Prayer and Scripture. Fasting without prayer is just skipping meals. Make prayer and God’s Word central to your fast.
- Be Flexible. Life happens. If you need to adjust your fast for health or other reasons, don’t feel guilty. The heart behind fasting is what matters most.
- Learn from Experience. Reflect on what worked well and what didn’t during each fast. Use those lessons to grow.
- Ask for God’s Help. Fasting can be challenging, but God will give you the strength and grace to persevere.
Ending Your Fast
When your fast is over, break it gently. If you’ve been fasting food, start with something light like soup or fruit. Take time to thank God for what He’s done and journal about your experience. Reflect on how He spoke to you and how you’ve grown.
Encouragement to Keep Going
Fasting isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. When you fast, you’ll discover a deeper connection with God and a greater sensitivity to His Spirit. Over time, fasting will become a natural part of your life and a powerful tool in your walk with Christ.
Don’t wait for the perfect moment to start fasting. Begin today. Take a small step of faith and trust that God will meet you where you are. He’s ready to draw near to you as you draw near to Him.
