Growing up in the church, it seems like every few months at church you hear about this thing called fasting and how we, as good Christians, should be doing it. And that’s where it stops. There is no class. There will be no lengthy sermon. or even a book recommendation. Just a passing remark about the need to fast. Well, not anymore! Let’s take a look at what it really means to do Christian fasting. What is fasting in the Bible?
What is Fasting in the Bible?
The practice of fasting is the voluntary abstinence from food and drink for a set period of time. The word ‘fasting’ is derived from the Latin word ‘jejune’, meaning ‘to fast, or to eat nothing. The spiritual discipline of fasting has been practiced for centuries by different religions and cultures.
Christian Fasting Rules?
There are many different spiritual fasting rules depending on which denomination you belong to. However, there are some general guidelines that most Christians agree on.
For example, many Christians believe that you should only fast when you are physically able to do so. If you have any medical condition that could be exacerbated by fasting, please consult with a doctor.
Additionally, most Christians believe that it is important to seek God’s guidance before embarking on a fast. This means taking some time to pray and asking God if He wants you to fast and for how long.
Finally, when you are fasting, it is important to remember that the point is to draw closer to God. This means that your focus should be on spiritual matters, not simply on physical hunger or deprivation.
Examples of Fasting in the Bible
Fasting seems to be the forgotten practice of the Bible. Fasting is the act of for a specific time period giving up food to draw closer to God. In fact, there are multiple significant stories of people fasting throughout the old testament and new testament in the Bible.
- Moses after a 40-day fast received the ten commandments on mount Sinai (Exodus 34:28)
- Daniel was blessed with wisdom beyond anyone else after a 21-day fast (Daniel 10:2)
- Esther called for a 3-day fast. Resulting in the Jews being spared from persecution. (Esther 4:16)
- Paul, the founder of the early church, fasted 3 days on the road to Damascus
- Jesus Christ began His ministry after fasting for 40 days (Matthew 4:1-11)
Types of Fasting in the Bible
One of the most difficult things about fasting is deciding which type of fast is right for you. There are many types of fasts in the Bible. How do you know which one to choose?
Most Christians are familiar with the practice of fasting, but they may not know when to fast according to the Bible. There are four main types of fasts mentioned in Scripture: the normal fast, the absolute fast, the partial fast, and the prophetic fast.
The Normal Fast
When a person abstains from all food and drinks for a period of time, usually from sunup to sundown. This type of fast is to be done regularly as a part of a healthy lifestyle (1 Corinthians 7:5).
The Absolute Fast
When a person goes without food and water for an extended period of time, usually for spiritual purposes such as intense prayer or mourning (1 Samuel 31:13; Esther 4:16; Jonah 3:5-10).
The Partial Fast
A type of fasting in which you consume fewer calories on certain days of the week while continuing to eat normally the rest of the time. This approach can be helpful for those who want to lose weight or improve their health without having to commit to a strict fasting protocol. There are a few different ways to do a partial fast. The most popular particle fast in the bile is the Danie fast
The Daniel Fast
Based on the story of Daniel in the Bible. He and his friends ate only vegetables and drank only water for 10 days, and at the end of the fast, they were healthier and stronger than before. The Daniel Fast is a great way to detoxify your body and give your digestive system a break. This fast has also gained popularity because actor Chris Pratt has been vocal about how much it has helped him.
The Prophetic Fast
A time of personal spiritual preparation in which believers seek a deeper relationship with God. It is typically a 40-day period of abstinence from food and drink. The fast is based on the biblical story of Jesus’ fasting for 40 days in the wilderness or Moses on Mount Sinai.
Christian Fasting Days? When Should You Fast?
While there is no hard and fast rule about times of fasting, some churches encourage their members to fast once a week, once a month, or at the beginning of the year. Other specific days throughout the year that often are associated with fasting are Lent or Good Friday.
There are seven fast days on the Jewish calendar. The people of Israel fast for various reasons. They are Yom Kippur, Tisha B’Av, the Fast of Esther, the Fast of Gedaliah, the 10th of Tevet, the 17th of Tammuz, and Tzom Gedaliah. For all of these days, it is a Jewish custom to fast.
Jewish Holidays with Fasting
Yom Kippur
Also, known as the day of atonement is the holiest day of the year for Jewish people. On this day, Jews fast and pray to ask God for forgiveness for their sins.
Tisha B’Av
a day of mourning for the Jewish people. It is a day to remember when the Jewish temple was destroyed. The temple was a very special place for the Jewish people. It was a place where they could go to worship God. On Tisha B’Av, the Jewish people remember the destruction of the temple and they pray for its rebuilding.
The Fast of Esther
a special fast day that occurs on the 13th day of the month of Adar. This fast commemorates the day when Esther, a Jewish queen in the Persian empire, fasted and prayed for her people who were facing extermination.
The Fast of Gedaliah
a day when we remember when the Jewish people were forced to leave their homes. It is a day of sadness, but also a day of hope. We hope that one day we will be able to return to our homes and live in peace.
The 10th of Tevet
a day that commemorates the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem. On this day, the Babylonians started to lay siege to Jerusalem, which eventually led to the city’s destruction and the exile of the Jewish people.
The 17th of Tammuz
a Jewish fast day commemorating the breach of the walls of Jerusalem before the city’s destruction by the Romans in 70 CE. It is known as the “Fast of Tammuz.” The fast begins at dawn and lasts until nightfall.
The Tzom Gedaliah
a day of fasting and mourning commemorated on the 3rd of Tishrei. This day marks the end of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot and the beginning of the month of Marcheshvan. The fast is named for Gedaliah ben Ahikam, who was assassinated by Ishmael ben Nethaniah on this day.
How long do Christians Fast?
Fasting can be done for short periods of time, such as giving up coffee for a week, or for longer periods, such as going without food for 40 days. How long a person chooses to fast is between them and God. Here are the different lengths of fasts found in the bible.
- Ezra 3 days (Ezra 10:6-17)
- Ester 3 days
- Paul 3 days (Acts 9:1-9)
- Daniel 10 days (Daniel 10:1-3)
- Daniel 21 days (Daniel 10:1-3)
- Moses 40 days (Deuteronomy 9:9)
- Elijah 40 days (1 King 19:4-8)
- Jesus 40 days (Matthew 4:1-2)
Why did Jesus Fast?
There are many theories as to why Jesus fasted, but however, the most popular one is that he was trying to prepare himself for his public ministry. Some people believe that he was trying to show solidarity with the poor and hungry, while others believe that he was trying to cleanse himself spiritually. Regardless of the reason, it is clear that fasting was an important part of Jesus’ life and ministry.
The Purpose of Fasting in the Bible
What is the goal of a fast? There is a number of reasons but the main purpose of a biblical fast is to humble oneself before God, to seek His guidance and wisdom, and to deny oneself of physical pleasures in order to focus on spiritual matters. Fasting reminds us of our dependence on God and our need for His strength and power. Fasting also allows us to focus on prayer, reading the word of God, being in God’s presence, and communicating with God. It is an act of self-discipline that shows our commitment to God.
“Christian fasting, at its root, is the hunger of a homesickness for God”
John Piper
Biblical Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough
When you feel like you’ve hit a wall in your spiritual life, it might be time to consider fasting. Fasting is a practice that has been used for centuries to help people have a breakthrough in their spiritual lives.
First, decide how long you want to fast. This can be anywhere from one day to several weeks. Once you’ve decided on a timeframe, commit to it, and no cheating!
During your fast, focus on prayer and reading your Bible. These activities will help you draw closer to God and experience his presence more deeply. As you spend time with God, be open to what he wants to show you during this season of fasting.
Top 7 Verses about Fasting in the Bible
“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
“Moses was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments.” Exodus 34:28
“…I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions….So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.” Ezra 8:21-23
“After fasting forty days and forty nights, he [Jesus] was hungry.” Matthew 4:2
“So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” Acts 13:3
“I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.” Daniel 10:3
“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” Esther 4:16
Fasting for Wisdom and Guidance
Fasting is a spiritual practice that has been around for centuries. Many people fast for different reasons, but one of the main reasons is to seek wisdom and guidance from God.
When you fast, you are essentially telling God that you are serious about seeking His guidance and wisdom. You are setting aside your own desires and placing your trust in Him. This can be a difficult thing to do, but it is very rewarding.
If you are considering fasting for wisdom and guidance,be sure to pray and ask God to lead you in your fast. Be prepared to listen to His voice. He may speak to you in many different ways, so be open to His guidance. Finally, don’t forget to thank Him for His wisdom and guidance while you are completing your fast.
Health Benefits of Fasting
Fasting has been practiced for centuries. When you fast, your body is able to rest and heal. Fasting allows your digestive system a break and can help improve your gut health. Some of the rewards of fasting also help to improve your insulin sensitivity and can be beneficial for people with diabetes. In addition, fasting boosts brain health and protects against Alzheimer’s disease.
There is some scientific evidence to support the claims made by those who advocate fasting for physical healing. One study found that fasting helped to improve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Another study found that fasting could help to reduce inflammation and improve gut health.
If you are considering trying a fast for medical reasons, it is important to consult with your doctor first. Fasting can be dangerous if not done correctly, so it is important to make sure that you are healthy enough to fast and that you are doing it in a safe way. Fasting can conflict with some medications or medical conditions.
Intermittent Fasting: Fasting for Weight Loss
Intermittent fasting is an effective weight loss method that has been gaining popularity in recent years. While there are many different methods of intermittent fasting, the most common is to fast for 16 hours and eat for 8 hours.
Intermittent fasting has many benefits for weight loss, including reducing calorie intake, increasing metabolism, and reducing hunger. If you’re considering intermittent fasting as a way to lose weight, talk to your doctor first to make sure it’s safe for you and any health conditions you might have.
How to Fast: Practical Tips
1. Decide why you want to fast and what type of fast you want to do. There are many different types of fasting, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs.
2. Get rid of all tempting foods from your house and workplace. If you’re trying to do a complete fast, this step is crucial.
3. Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks. This will help keep your energy levels up and prevent cravings.
4. Eat small, frequent meals leading up to the fast. This will help ease your body into the fasting process and as a result, make it less likely that you’ll feel hungry during the fast.
5. Avoid strenuous activity during the fast.
How to Break a Fast?
When you’re ready to break your fast, it’s important to do so gradually. Start by drinking small amounts of water or juice and eating small, light meals. Avoid foods that are high in fat, sugar, and salt. After a few days, you can start to eat more solid foods and return to your normal diet.
Breaking a fast can be difficult, but it’s important to do it slowly and carefully. Drink plenty of fluids and eat small meals first. Avoid sugary, salty, or fatty foods. After a few days, you can return to eating solid foods and your regular diet.
Another great way to break your fast is to go straight into the Eden Detox. This is the detox I did that helped me lose 10 pounds in just 5 days. You can download it free down below.
Fasting in the Bible – Conclusion
Fasting is a powerful Christian tool that can help us to grow closer to God. When we fast, we deny ourselves of things that we enjoy in order to focus on God. This can be difficult, but it is worth it because it helps us to remember what is truly important in life. Additionally, fasting can help us to overcome temptation and to develop self-control. Before fasting, you need to speak with your pastor and doctor.