Fasting

Fasting is a spiritual discipline found throughout the Bible. Moses, Elijah, Esther, David, Anna, Jesus, Paul, even cities and whole nations are recorded as having fasted. But what exactly is fasting? Well, it is simply the deliberate abstention from food, and sometimes from fluids, for spiritual purposes. Fasting is not a hunger strike to twist God's arm; neither is it dieting to cleanse the body (which is occasionally good to do). Nor is it a form of self-denial to show how spiritual we are. Simply put, we fast to find God. Jesus taught that we should fast (Matthew 6:16). He did not say 'if you fast' but 'when you fast'. While there are no direct commands for us to fast, if we read the Bible correctly we will see that fasting is an important aspect of our relationship with God.

There are three kinds of fast in the Bible: the normal fast, which entails abstention from food but not from water (Luke 4:1-2); the partial fast, where the normal diet is restricted or modified (Daniel 1:8-15; 10:2-3); and the absolute fast in which no food or liquids are taken (Acts 9:9; Esther 4:16). We also have accounts of fasts in which no food or drink was taken for forty days (Exodus 34:28, Deuteronomy 9:9-18).

What is the purpose of fasting?

First and foremost we fast unto God (Isaiah 58:3; Zechariah 7:5).

We fast to humble ourselves before God (Ezra 8:21; Psalm 35:13). This is not to debase ourselves or to grovel before God, but to come before him to call on him in true humility.

We fast to set ourselves apart to God. The prophet Joel called for a holy fast and a sacred assembly in order for God's people to consecrate themselves (Joel 2:15-16).

We fast to remind ourselves that it is God who is the real source of our life (Matthew 4:4). In fasting we forego the legitimate things of life ­ food and drink ­ to show that we really live by 'every word that comes from the mouth of God'.

We fast to be heard by God in prayer (Ezra 8:23). Prayer to God is the natural accompaniment to our periods of fasting; we set aside the legitimate appetites of the body to pursue God in times of fasting with prayer. Of course, God hears prayer that is not accompanied with fasting, but together they form a powerful force. Fasting may not be physically pleasant for us, but it certainly does us a great amount of spiritual good.

What are some of the effects of fasting with prayer?

We receive revelation from God (Daniel 9:2-3, 21-22). Fasting helps sharpen our spiritual appetite and enables us to hear God speak to us more clearly through the Bible and the Holy Spirit.

It brings deliverance from demonic forces (Mark 9:29). There are times when God may call on us to pray and fast to release those held under the power of the devil.

It opens the way for Spirit-led direction for specific circumstances that we have to face as individuals and as the church of Jesus Christ (1 Chronicles 20:1-14; Ezra 8:23).

It can even change situations (Jonah 3). The city of Nineveh turned to God in prayer and fasting, repenting of their sin toward him and he did not bring on them the judgement he had threatened.

If you are not used to fasting but want to start, build up slowly. Don't try to fast for three days if you have never before! Whatever you do, do it unto the Lord. He will hear you.