Fasting Reference Guide
Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly. Gather the people, consecrate the assembly… (Joel 2:15-16)
Definition
Purpose
A fast is the self-denial of normal necessities to attend to God in prayer. The physical awareness of emptiness is a reminder to turn to Jesus, who alone can satisfy.
The primary purpose of fasting is to gain more of God. Richard Foster wrote, “We fast in order to feast on God.”
Scripture
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly, I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” ~ Matthew 6:16-18
Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus, “How is it that John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?”
Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast. ~ Mark 2:18-20"
Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus, “How is it that John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?”
Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast. ~ Mark 2:18-20"
Definition
Purpose
A fast is the self-denial of normal necessities to attend to God in prayer. The physical awareness of emptiness is a reminder to turn to Jesus, who alone can satisfy.
The primary purpose of fasting is to gain more of God. Richard Foster wrote, “We fast in order to feast on God.”
Scripture
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly, I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” ~ Matthew 6:16-18
Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus, “How is it that John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?”
Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast. ~ Mark 2:18-20"
Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus, “How is it that John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?”
Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast. ~ Mark 2:18-20"
Suggested Fasts
- Abstain from food, drink, desserts, chocolate, lattes and so on.
- Abstain from media you regularly engage in: TV, radio, music, social media, cell phones, video games, web surfing, YouTube videos, TikTok or Instagram.
- Abstain from habits or creature comforts: Watching or playing sports, gaming, Amazon shopping, etc.
Getting Started
You can fast from anything, but you might want to start with food because food is such a big part of our lives. Here are some suggestions:
1. Ask God: It’s important to ask God to direct your fast. He wants to be included and he will give you strength.
2. Start small: Fast one meal a day or a week or one day a month and give the time you would spend preparing to eat and eating to prayer.
3. Be wise: If you have health problems, are a nursing or pregnant mother, currently struggle with an eating disorder or anything that would be triggered by not eating, then don’t fast from food. Instead, fast television, Netflix, social media, alcohol, the internet, gaming, or shopping, etc.
God-given Fruit
Fasting puts us in touch with people who are suffering
(Isaiah 58:7,10).
Fasting brings freedom
(Isaiah 58:6).
Fasting brings clarity, wisdom from above, and God’s guidance
(Isaiah 58:10-11).
“Fasting cultivates in us a gentle receptiveness to divine breakthroughs.”
~ Thomas Kelly
Fasting helps us nurture intimacy with God (Joel 2:12-13).
(Isaiah 58:7,10).
Fasting brings freedom
(Isaiah 58:6).
Fasting brings clarity, wisdom from above, and God’s guidance
(Isaiah 58:10-11).
“Fasting cultivates in us a gentle receptiveness to divine breakthroughs.”
~ Thomas Kelly
Fasting helps us nurture intimacy with God (Joel 2:12-13).
Suggested Fasts
Getting Started
- Abstain from food, drink, desserts, chocolate, lattes and so on.
- Abstain from media you regularly engage in: TV, radio, music, social media, cell phones, video games, web surfing, YouTube videos, TikTok or Instagram.
- Abstain from habits or creature comforts: Watching or playing sports, gaming, Amazon shopping, etc.
You can fast from anything, but you might want to start with food because food is such a big part of our lives. Here are some suggestions:
1. Ask God: It’s important to ask God to direct your fast. He wants to be included and he will give you strength.
2. Start small: Fast one meal a day or a week or one day a month and give the time you would spend preparing to eat and eating to prayer.
3. Be wise: If you have health problems, are a nursing or pregnant mother, currently struggle with an eating disorder or anything that would be triggered by not eating, then don’t fast from food. Instead, fast television, Netflix, social media, alcohol, the internet, gaming, or shopping, etc.
God-given Fruit
Fasting puts us in touch with people who are suffering
(Isaiah 58:7,10).
Fasting brings freedom
(Isaiah 58:6).
Fasting brings clarity, wisdom from above, and God’s guidance
(Isaiah 58:10-11).
“Fasting cultivates in us a gentle receptiveness to divine breakthroughs.”
~ Thomas Kelly
Fasting helps us nurture intimacy with God (Joel 2:12-13).
(Isaiah 58:7,10).
Fasting brings freedom
(Isaiah 58:6).
Fasting brings clarity, wisdom from above, and God’s guidance
(Isaiah 58:10-11).
“Fasting cultivates in us a gentle receptiveness to divine breakthroughs.”
~ Thomas Kelly
Fasting helps us nurture intimacy with God (Joel 2:12-13).
Things to Notice
Not Why We Fast
Don’t be surprised if things that control you are revealed. We often cover up things in our soul with food or entertainment. When these things are removed, those things can surface and be dealt with. Try to notice these buried sin issues without judging yourself too harshly. For instance, if pride or anger controls us, they will emerge when food or entertainment is removed. This is an opportunity to surrender these things to the Lord.
In Matthew 4:4, after fasting for forty days and being tempted to make bread -
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
When Jesus’ disciples bring Him lunch -
Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?” “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. ~ John 4:31-34
Fasting is a good time to remember that we are sustained ultimately not by food but by the word of God and the will of God. He is our source of Life!"
In Matthew 4:4, after fasting for forty days and being tempted to make bread -
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
When Jesus’ disciples bring Him lunch -
Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?” “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. ~ John 4:31-34
Fasting is a good time to remember that we are sustained ultimately not by food but by the word of God and the will of God. He is our source of Life!"
1. We don’t fast to get God’s attention:
Fasting is more about getting our attention on Him not His attention on us. You are His son or daughter. You already have His undivided attention.
2. We don’t fast to get what we want from God:Our relationship with God is governed by grace and mercy not reciprocity. We don’t surrender to get things. We surrender in response to the fact that He’s already given us everything!
3. We don’t fast to lose weight or “detox”:Fasting is not about health benefits but spiritual connection to the Father. The thing most in need of “detox” is our soul. Often food covers buried sin and wounds. Fasting helps these things to emerge and be addressed.
"Things to Notice
Not Why We Fast
Don’t be surprised if things that control you are revealed. We often cover up things in our soul with food or entertainment. When these things are removed, those things can surface and be dealt with. Try to notice these buried sin issues without judging yourself too harshly. For instance, if pride or anger controls us, they will emerge when food or entertainment is removed. This is an opportunity to surrender these things to the Lord.
In Matthew 4:4, after fasting for forty days and being tempted to make bread -
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
When Jesus’ disciples bring Him lunch -
Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?” “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. ~ John 4:31-34
Fasting is a good time to remember that we are sustained ultimately not by food but by the word of God and the will of God. He is our source of Life!"
In Matthew 4:4, after fasting for forty days and being tempted to make bread -
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
When Jesus’ disciples bring Him lunch -
Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?” “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. ~ John 4:31-34
Fasting is a good time to remember that we are sustained ultimately not by food but by the word of God and the will of God. He is our source of Life!"
1. We don’t fast to get God’s attention:
Fasting is more about getting our attention on Him not His attention on us. You are His son or daughter. You already have His undivided attention.
2. We don’t fast to get what we want from God:Our relationship with God is governed by grace and mercy not reciprocity. We don’t surrender to get things. We surrender in response to the fact that He’s already given us everything!
3. We don’t fast to lose weight or “detox”:Fasting is not about health benefits but spiritual connection to the Father. The thing most in need of “detox” is our soul. Often food covers buried sin and wounds. Fasting helps these things to emerge and be addressed.