FASTING
1. Definition
Fasting is the voluntary abstaining from food, drink, or other comforts for a period of time, undertaken as a spiritual discipline to seek God, humble oneself, and focus on prayer and repentance.
It is not an end in itself, but a means of drawing nearer to God, cultivating dependence on Him, and expressing sincerity of heart.
2. Biblical Foundations
A. Old Testament
Fasting was often a communal or personal expression of mourning, repentance, or petition:
• Moses fasted 40 days (Exodus 34:28)
• David fasted for mercy (2 Samuel 12:16–23)
• Esther called for a fast (Esther 4:16)
• Joel 2:12 — “Return to me… with fasting”
B. New Testament
Jesus modelled fasting:
• 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11)
• Teaching on fasting (Matthew 6:16–18)
The early church fasted:
• Acts 13:2–3 — before sending missionaries
• Acts 14:23 — before appointing elders
Fasting is intertwined with prayer, discernment, and spiritual guidance.
3. The Purpose of Fasting
A. Humility and Repentance
Fasting humbles the body to reflect dependence on God.
B. Spiritual Focus
Fasting removes distractions to focus on prayer and Scripture.
C. Seeking God’s Intervention
Fasting accompanies petitions for deliverance or guidance.
D. Strengthening Spiritual Discipline
Fasting trains self-control.
E. Participating in Christ’s Suffering
Fasting expresses solidarity with Christ.
4. Forms of Fasting
• Absolute fast
• Partial fast
• Corporate fast
• Personal fast
• Intercessory fast
5. Influential Christian Voices on Fasting
Wesley — “Fasting is a means of grace…”
Henry — Fasting softens the heart…
Bonhoeffer — Withdrawal to awaken hunger for God…
Willard — Emptying oneself for God’s fullness…
Augustine — "dedicate your soul and body to God through fasting, prayer, and almsgiving."
6. Spiritual Benefits of Fasting
• Awareness of God
• Clarity in prayer
• Humility
• Self-discipline
• Empathy
• Preparedness for spiritual warfare
7. Principles for Fasting
Purposeful
Prayerful
Humble
Faithful
Temporary
8. One-Sentence Summary
Fasting is a spiritual discipline of voluntary abstention that humbles the body, heightens dependence on God, deepens prayer, and aligns the believer’s heart with His will.
In Daily Faith:
Discipline the body to strengthen the spirit and dependence on God.
In Daily Life: Applying Fasting to Grow in Faith
Fasting is not only an occasional spiritual exercise—it is a way to align every part of life with God.
1. Fasting in Your Personal Walk With God
Daily Application
• Set aside extra time for prayer and Scripture.
• Replace hunger with seeking God.
• Let hunger remind you to turn your heart toward Him.
Why It Matters
Fasting reorders your desires, placing God above comfort.
It cultivates humility and deepens intimacy with Him.
Encouragement
Every moment of hunger becomes an invitation — God meets you in your weakness with His strength.
2. Fasting in Decision-Making
Daily Application
• Fast before major decisions.
• Quiet your heart to seek clarity.
• Ask God to remove selfish motives.
Why It Matters
Fasting clears mental and spiritual noise so you can discern God’s voice.
It aligns your choices with His wisdom rather than impulse.
Encouragement
God delights to guide you — He will make your path straight as you seek Him.
3. Fasting in Your Work and Responsibilities
Daily Application
• Fast from distractions.
• Offer your work to God.
• Practice digital fasting for focus.
Why It Matters
Fasting trains discipline and attentiveness, shaping how you work and serve.
It purifies motives and strengthens integrity.
Encouragement
God works through your work — fasting helps you see Him in every task.
4. Fasting in Relationships
Daily Application
• Fast and pray for loved ones.
• Let fasting soften your heart.
• Allow fasting to lead to reconciliation.
Why It Matters
Fasting breaks pride, heals wounds, and cultivates compassion.
It helps you love others with Christlike patience.
Encouragement
God can transform even strained relationships — your fasting becomes a seed of healing.
5. Fasting in Times of Anxiety, Stress, or Emotional Struggle
Daily Application
• Fast from anxiety-feeding habits.
• Release burdens to God.
• Pray Scripture during pressure.
Why It Matters
Fasting redirects emotional energy toward God’s presence and promises.
It anchors your heart in His peace.
Encouragement
God is close to the broken-hearted — He holds you tenderly in every moment of distress.
6. Fasting in Spiritual Warfare and Temptation
Daily Application
• Fast when battling persistent sin.
• Ask for deliverance.
• Replace temptation with Scripture and worship.
Why It Matters
Fasting weakens the flesh and strengthens the spirit.
It opens space for God’s power to overcome temptation.
Encouragement
You are not fighting alone — God equips you with strength beyond your own.
7. Fasting in Financial Stewardship and Material Desires
Daily Application
• Fast from unnecessary spending.
• Redirect money toward generosity.
• Ask God to purify desires.
Why It Matters
Fasting breaks the grip of materialism and cultivates contentment.
It teaches you to treasure God above possessions.
Encouragement
God provides abundantly — fasting helps you see His provision more clearly.
8. Fasting in Mission and Ministry
Daily Application
• Fast for your church and leaders.
• Fast before serving or evangelizing.
• Align ministry efforts with God’s heart.
Why It Matters
Fasting sharpens spiritual sensitivity and empowers ministry.
It invites the Holy Spirit to work through you.
Encouragement
Your ministry becomes more fruitful when rooted in fasting and prayer — God multiplies what you offer.
9. Fasting as a Lifestyle, Not Just an Event
Daily Application
• Make fasting a regular rhythm.
• Practice micro-fasts.
• Let fasting shape humility and compassion.
Why It Matters
A lifestyle of fasting forms long-term spiritual maturity.
It keeps your heart soft, dependent, and attentive to God.
Encouragement
Every small act of fasting shapes you into Christ’s likeness — God honours your devotion.
One-Sentence Summary
Fasting shapes every part of life by teaching believers to depend on God, seek His will, grow in humility, resist temptation, and love others with Christlike compassion.
Scripture References:
Matthew 6:16–18
Isaiah 58:6
Joel 2:12