Fasting Basics
What Is Fasting?
To keep things simple, fasting is refraining from food for a period of time for a spiritual purpose. According to the Bible, there are three duties of every Christian: give, pray, and fast.
“Now while they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’” — Acts 13:2
“When you give…” — Matthew 6:2
“When you pray…” — Matthew 6:5
“When you fast…” — Matthew 6:16
The discipline of fasting releases the anointing, the favor, and the blessing of God in the life of a Christian. When we fast, we set aside time to seek the Lord & align our hearts and values to His.
“Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness…?” — Isaiah 58:6–11
“Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.” — Isaiah 58:8“You will seek me and find me, when you search for me with all your heart.” — Jeremiah 29:13
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” — James 4:8
We want to encourage you to target your prayers during the fast. Another great promise, from the book of Isaiah, proclaims that the chosen fast will “undo the heavy burdens and let the oppressed go free.” We are living in tough economic times, and we know that so many people are under a financial burden.
“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19
“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33
Why should I fast?
- Are you in need of healing or a miracle?
- Do you need the tender touch of God in your life?
- Is there a dream inside you that only He can make possible?
- Are you in need of a fresh encounter?
- Do you desire a deeper, more intimate, and powerful relationship with the Lord?
- Are you ready to have heightened sensitivity to the desires of God?
- Do you need to break away from the bondages that have been holding you hostage?
- Is there a friend or loved one who needs Salvation?
- Do you desire to know God’s will for your life?
Three forms of fasting:
1: A Full Fast:
This is when you go without food or water for a short period of time. Depending on your health, this should only be attempted with medical supervision. We see examples of this type of fasting from Moses & Jesus.
2: A Normal Fast:
You go without food of any kind for a certain period. Drink plenty of water; you may also drink clear broth and juices.
3: A Partial Fast:
A partial fast can be interpreted in many ways. The way it cannot be interpreted is to include that time between about 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., when you’re sleeping! A partial fast typically involves abstaining from specific foods and drinks for an extended period. This is most commonly seen in the Daniel fast. Other examples in Scripture include a sun up to sun-up-to-sun-down, or 7 AM – 4:30 PM. This is the most common fast practiced in the bible.
What Did Jesus Teach About Fasting?
When we ask, “Why should I fast?” the simplest answer is, “Because Jesus said so.” If that were the only reason the bible gave us for fasting, it would be enough. Jesus said, “The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days.” (Luke 5:35, ESV)
Jesus also taught, “But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting isn’t obvious to others but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:17-18(CSB) When we fast with the right heart, Jesus promises a reward from the Father.
Rewards Are Ready To Be Released:
The scandals and corruption on the front pages of our newspapers and the gross perversion that is prevalent on every level of society tell us how much we need revival in this country.
How much more should we, as Christians, devote ourselves to fasting and prayer? God promised, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chron. 7:14).
God does not lie. His promises are true; His rewards are waiting to be released, so what are we waiting for? It doesn’t matter how dark the hour is or what is going on in the White House or overseas. God rules and reigns above all those things.
A Model For Your Time In Prayer:
Prayer & Fasting is about us taking extra time to spend with the Lord. Jesus challenged His disciples in Matthew 26:40, “Could you not watch with me for one hour?” Spend one hour in prayer each day using this formula for the next month. (We’re confident, though, that you won’t stop there! )
- 15 Minutes – Worship
- 15 Minutes – Read and meditate on a chapter in the New Testament.
- 15 Minutes – Pray through that chapter, verse by verse.
- 15 Minutes – Sit in silence, allowing time for God to speak to you!
Teaching Sermons From Morning Star:
1: The Power Of The Empty Plate – Pastor Jonathan
2: Prayer & Fasting – Ryan Defrain
Extra Resources & Books:
If you’re ready to take your prayer life to the next level, check out the resources below. Click the link to see more.
2: Fasting: Opening the Door to a Deeper, More Intimate, More Powerful Relationship With God