The goal of fasting is to draw nearer to God. Biblical fasting always has to do with eliminating distractions for a spiritual purpose; it hits the reset button of our soul and renews us from the inside out. It also enables us to celebrate the goodness and mercy of God and prepares our hearts for all the good things God desires to bring into our lives. Remember, your personal fast should present a level of challenge, but it is very important to know your body, your options, and, most importantly, to seek God in prayer and follow what the Holy Spirit leads you to do.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fasting

Q: What is fasting?

A: Fasting is voluntarily denying the body by giving up something (usually food and drink) so that you can focus more on God, communicate with Him in prayer, and deepen your relationship with Him.

Q: I have a health condition, or have trouble fasting for long periods of time. Are there other kinds of fasts?

A: Yes! Some of the other kinds of fasts include: media (TV, movies, music, or social media); a partial fast (from sugar, soda, or certain kinds of food); or the Daniel Fast (see below). God understands our specific situation may not allow us to fast from food. The main purpose of fasting is to intentionally give something up so that you can focus more on God in prayer and seeking Him. Always ask your doctor before starting a fast.

Q: What should I do about my prescribed medications?

A: Always consult your doctor before beginning a fast, and follow the medical regimen they prescribe. You may also want to try the Daniel Fast (see below).

Q: How do I start fasting?

A: Once you have decided to fast, seek God in prayer to determine your purpose in fasting. Then proceed to abstain from food and drink for the period of time you have committed to.

Q: Why should I fast?

A: There are numerous reasons to fast: to gain a closer personal relationship with God; to pray for healing and against sickness or danger; or for the salvation of a loved one; and many more.

Q: What is the significance of prayer with fasting?

A: Fasting should have a purpose, and this purpose is conveyed to God in the form of prayer. Prayer before a fast, at various intervals during the fast, and at the end of the fast clarifies our purpose, and focuses us on what God may be telling us as we spend time with Him.

Q: How long should I fast?

A: The length of a fast can vary. The length of a fast should be determined by each individual, after praying about how long God would have them fast. Always consult your doctor before beginning a fast.

Q: Can I watch TV while fasting?

A: The purpose of fasting is to grow closer to God, so it's recommended to limit entertainment while fasting so you can focus on Him.

TYPES OF FASTS

Your personal fast should present a level of challenge, but it is very important to know your body, your options, and most importantly, to seek God in prayer and follow what the Holy Spirit leads you to do.

COMPLETE FAST

In this type of fast, you drink only liquids, typically water with light juices as an option.

SELECTIVE FAST

This type of fast involves removing certain elements from your diet. One example of a selective fast is the Daniel Fast, during which you remove meat, sweets, and bread from your diet and consume water and juice for fluids and fruits and vegetables for food.

PARTIAL FAST

This fast is sometimes called the “Jewish Fast” and involves abstaining from eating any type of food in the morning and afternoon. This can either correlate to specific times of the day, such as 6:00 am to 3:00 pm, or from sunup to sundown.

SOUL FAST

This fast is a great option if you do not have much experience fasting food, have health issues that prevent you from fasting food, or if you wish to refocus certain areas of your life that are out of balance. For example, you might choose to stop using social media or watching television for the duration of the fast and then carefully bring that element back into your life in healthy doses at the conclusion of the fast.