Clicky

Biblical Fasting for Beginners: An Introduction – Viral Believer
Skip to content

Biblical Fasting for Beginners: An Introduction

Introduction

Fasting is a time-honored spiritual practice that has been around for thousands of years. In Christianity, fasting is a vital part of the faith, and it is often associated with prayer, seeking God’s will, and resisting temptation. Many Christians fast as a way to draw closer to God and grow in their faith.

If you’re new to fasting, it can be daunting to know where to start. The good news is that there are many different types of fasts, and there is no one right way to fast. The key is to choose a fast that works for you and your spiritual goals and to prepare yourself spiritually and physically before starting.

In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive list of different types of fasts and how to prepare for them. We’ll also cover the benefits of fasting, the role of prayer and God’s Word during fasting, and common mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re looking to deepen your relationship with God or improve your physical health, this guide will help you get started on your fasting journey.

fasting and prayer in the Bible

Understanding Biblical Fasting

Fasting is the voluntary abstention from food, drink, or other physical needs for a specific period of time. In the Bible, fasting is often associated with seeking God’s favor, drawing closer to Him, and resisting temptation.

Definition of Fasting in the Bible

Fasting in the Bible is an act of abstaining from food, drink, or other physical needs for a specific period of time. In the Old Testament, fasting was often connected with repentance, mourning, or seeking God’s favor. In the New Testament, fasting is seen as a way to draw closer to God and resist temptation. Jesus, in Matthew 4:1-2, fasted for forty days and forty nights in the wilderness, demonstrating the importance of fasting as a spiritual discipline.

Examples of Fasting in the Bible

The Bible contains numerous examples of people who fasted, including Moses, David, Elijah, Daniel, Esther, and Jesus. Moses fasted for 40 days and 40 nights before receiving the Ten Commandments from God. David fasted to seek God’s forgiveness after committing adultery with Bathsheba. Elijah fasted for 40 days and 40 nights before receiving God’s message on Mount Horeb. Daniel fasted to seek God’s guidance for the future of Israel. Esther fasted to seek God’s protection for herself and her people. Jesus fasted to prepare for His ministry and to resist temptation in the wilderness.

Different Types of Fasting

Biblical fasting can take many forms, including absolute fasts (no food or water), water-only fasts, partial fasts (abstaining from certain foods), and intermittent fasts (fasting for certain hours or days). The type of fast that is right for you will depend on your health, schedule, and spiritual goals.

Preparation for Biblical Fasting

Before starting a fast, it’s important to prepare both spiritually and physically.

Spiritual Preparation

Prayer is an essential component of spiritual preparation for fasting. Seek God’s guidance, confess your sins, and ask for His strength and guidance. As you prepare, ask God for clarity on why you should fast and what type of fast to do.

Physical Preparation

Consult with a healthcare professional before starting a fast, especially if you have any medical conditions or concerns. Choose the right type of fast based on your health, schedule, and spiritual goals. Set realistic goals and expectations, and don’t try to do too much too soon.

How to Fast Biblically

Once you’ve prepared for your fast, it’s time to begin. Here are some tips for fasting in a Biblical way:

The Role of Prayer During Fasting

Prayer is a vital part of fasting. Use your fasting time to pray and seek God’s will. Ask God to reveal areas of your life that need improvement or attention. Pray for the strength to resist temptation and stay focused on your spiritual goals.

The Importance of God’s Word in Fasting

The Bible is an essential source of comfort, inspiration, and guidance during fasting. Spend time reading and meditating on the Bible during your fast. Look for verses or passages that relate to your spiritual goals or areas of focus. The Psalms, Proverbs, and the Gospels are excellent places to start.

Tips for Overcoming Hunger and Staying Focused

Hunger and distractions can make fasting difficult, but there are several things you can do to stay focused:

  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  • Avoid high-sugar or high-carb foods before and after your fast.
  • Stay busy with activities that don’t involve food, such as exercise, reading, or spending time with friends.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Fasting

To get the most out of your fast, there are some common mistakes to avoid:

  • Don’t use your fast as a way to lose weight or gain attention.
  • Don’t let your fast become legalistic or a source of pride.
  • Don’t neglect your health or ignore any medical concerns during your fast.

Benefits of Biblical Fasting

Fasting has numerous benefits for both the body and the spirit. Here are some of the main benefits of Biblical fasting:

Spiritual Benefits

Fasting helps us to focus on God and deepen our relationship with Him. By seeking God’s guidance during fasting, we can discern His will for our lives. Fasting can also help us to trust God more and rely on Him for our needs and desires.

Physical Benefits

Fasting has been linked to improved cardiovascular health, better blood sugar control, and reduced inflammation in the body. It can help the body to reset and detoxify, leading to improved overall health. Fasting has also been shown to help boost the immune system, leading to fewer illnesses and infections.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Biblical fasting is a spiritual discipline that has many benefits for the body, mind, and spirit. By abstaining from food, drink, or other physical needs, we can draw closer to God, deepen our faith, and improve our overall health. Whether you’re new to fasting or have been fasting for years, it’s important to approach fasting with the right mindset and heart.

Remember, fasting is not a way to earn God’s favor or to show off our spiritual prowess. Rather, it is a way to humble ourselves before God, seek His will, and rely on Him for our needs and desires. By preparing ourselves spiritually and physically before fasting and following the tips and advice in this article, we can experience the many benefits of fasting and grow closer to God in the process.

In the end, the goal of fasting is not simply to abstain from food or drink but to draw closer to God and deepen our relationship with Him. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:17-18, “When you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” May we fast with the right heart and intention, seeking God’s will and trusting in His goodness and grace.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.