Biblical Fasting

Fasting is a relatively new concept for me. I do not recall ever knowing anyone while growing up who actually fasted, it was never taught in the churches I attended, nor did I give it much thought. During my time in college, a couple of my roommates lived in such a way that made me begin to question and seek the truth on the matter. Not my preconceived ideas, but what does God's given word actually say?

I remember checking out the library and find only two books on the subject of fasting. I was confounded by the idea that people would actually choose not to eat! A basic human function & necessary for life, why would people neglect themselves? One of the two books available helped me explore these questions. "God's Chosen Fast" by Arthur Wallis

Through out the last couple years I've come to realize the scriptural basis of fasting and though I am anything but an expert, I feel like I'm supposed to share the little I do know :)

Various kinds of fasting found in the Bible:

Nazirite Vow: A life set apart to be holy before the Lord. No wine or strong drink, nor vinegar made from grapes or any product made of grapes. No razor on head, nor going near a dead body. (Numbers 6) There are occasions where the parents are called to live holy so that their children to will be a Nazirite from the womb! (Judges 13)

Esther Fast: 3 days of no water & no food (Esther 4:16)
This was Esther & the Jewish peoples response to the possible annihilation of their people. They were seeking the Lord for guidance, favor, and help.

Daniel Fast: No meat, no delicacies of the land, no wine, just veggies! (Daniel 1:8)
Daniel & his 3 friends were being held captive by the Babylonians and were among a group of hand selected men to be groomed & then tested for leadership positions. They were given all the food of the king's table! These 4 men were convicted that certain foods were not honorable to God. They stood firm and ate a restricted diet in order to obey the Lord. God blessed them and increased their health, strength, mental capacities, and favor with the king.

Ezekiel Fast: grains made into bread and rationed water.
This fast was a symbolic gesture to depict the coming siege of Jerusalem. (Ezekiel 4)

Love Sick Fast: raisins & apples
The Shulamite woman says this in Song of Solomon 2:5 "Sustain me with raisins, refresh me with apples, for I am sick with love." While not typically seen as a fast, I believe God brings certain foods into your diet because He knows what will sustain & refresh you for a season.

Corporate Fast:
Many times a fast is proclaimed and the public as a whole comes together to fast for repentance, protection, and seeking the Lord's will. (Ezra 8:21, II Chronicles 20:3, Jeremiah 36:9, Joel 1:14 & 2:15, Jonah 3:5)

Personal Fast:
King David fasted while his son was dying, seeking the Lord on his son's behalf (II Samuel 12:15-23). Daniel sought the Lord in prayer with fasting, sackcloth and ashes (Daniel 9:3)
Anna was married for 7 years in her youth but was then widowed. From then until she was 84 she worshiped God with fasting & prayer night and day in the temple (Luke 2:6)

In all this Isaiah 58 is a significant scripture to read but will require more than I can write at the moment. It concerns how people fasted and sought the Lord and yet God saw how they mistreated those around them and found their fast not pleasing to Him! Also Isaiah 1 talks of our worship & gatherings that are an abomination before Him because our hands are covered with blood. He desires that we repent 1st and remove evil from before us, seek justice, and come to Him willing & obedient. So keep in mind that it is not the act of fasting but the heart behind it that God honors.

Jesus' teaching on fasting:

• Jesus practiced fasting. He went into the desert and fasted for 40 days & nights (Matthew 4)


• He altered the general expression of fasting. (Matthew 6:16) Previously when people fasted they sat in sackcloth and ashes, did not wash or use fragrance, and made their fast known to all. Jesus taught that the Father sees what we do in secret and rewards us. Thus if at all possible, do not tell people you are fasting, nor make it apparent in your appearance. (although if you are visiting for dinner, it might be wise to alert your host so they don't prepare an elaborate meal for you and then you decline!)


• Feast with the Bridegroom, fast when He leaves. (Matthew 9:14) Jesus' disciples did not fast because they were with the Bridegroom! There would be plenty of time later to fast when He was no longer with them.

All through the book of Acts the followers of Jesus worshiped & fasted and then received guidance, and power to heal & deliver!

One misconception that people have about fasting is that it is primaraly to get something from God. Fasting is not a formula for getting what you want. Rather it's shedding everything that hinders and allows God to prepare our hearts. It tenderizes our spirit so that we are more sensitive to the voice of God. It excellerates the process of becoming a new creation! It takes away the dross in us and molds us more into the image of Christ! There are times when God calls us to a time of concecration in which we seek His guidance and purpose, in this God will sometimes call you to fast various things and it will change often :)

Sometimes it's not food we are supposed to fast. Maybe it's a speech fast where you don't talk with others for a period of time. Maybe a media fast where all news, tv, movies, and music are set aside so you can devote that time to the Lord. Or perhaps God will inspire you with a unique fast that is from Him, liquid fasts can be quite fun when the anointing is there :)

For further study, Mike Bickle has his 7 Types of Biblical Fasting study notes available online which offers some great points as well.