WHAT

To fast is to “abstain from all or some kinds of food or drink, especially as a religious observance.” Christian fasting should not be considered a punishment, but rather, a way to be God-focused. When we voluntarily abstain from food, drink, and other activities in our lives, we deepen our relationship with God and grow in greater spiritual maturity. Fasting doesn’t have to be just about abstaining from food - it may include lots of things such as abstaining from certain activities, electronics, TV/media, etc.

WHY

Fasting is not commonplace today but was a fairly routine practice in the early church (1 Samuel 31:13, Exodus 34:28, Matthew 4:1-2, Acts 13:3). Early Christians used fasting to mourn loss, to prepare their hearts to hear from God, to focus during times of intense prayer, and to humble themselves in repentance. There are many benefits of fasting that we should consider. Namely, that it leads to humility, healthy habits, and accomplishment of our goals.

HOW

STEP 1: Set A GOAL

The first step is to determine your goal for fasting. These may include a desire for guidance, healing, spiritual renewal, etc. Humble yourself in pray before God, ask Him to awaken your heart, and pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you in your fast. Prayer and fasting go hand-in-hand, so begin with this in mind.

STEP 2: COMMIT

Before you fast, you must decide:

  • The duration of fast – one meal, one day, a week?

  • The type of fast – food, electronics/media, a certain activity, etc.

  • The details of fast – Will you work out/exercise? Will you pray a certain amount of time? If you are fasting by abstaining from eating, will you consume water only, water and juice, etc.?

Making these commitments ahead of time will help you when you are in the actual fast.

STEP 3: Prepare

We must prepare our hearts and bodies for fasting.

  • Physical prep: Do not rush into fasting. Eat smaller meals, fruits, and vegetables in the few days leading up to your fast. Avoid high-fat and sugary foods. Consult with your doctor, as some medications and bodily conditions may not allow for safe fasting. If you cannot physically fast, do not worry! Join in solidarity with those who can fast through prayer and meditation on scripture (and perhaps fast from something other than food, like caffeine or TV).

  • Spiritual prep: Confess sin, seek forgiveness, meditate on scripture, and begin your fast with a prayerful spirit.

STEP 4: FASTING

During your fast, use your time with God to pray, read Scripture, take a walk, worship, and reflect whilst avoiding food or the thing from which you are abstaining.

  • Note: In the case of food fasts, if you feel hunger pains, drink liquids. If you have allowed for it, drink fruit juices or herbal tea with honey (but no caffeine) throughout the day. Avoid mixing acidic juices with water. Exercise only moderately.

STEP 5: BREAK YOUR FAST

After you fast, do not rush into eating solid foods or immediately go back to the activity or thing from which you abstained. Start slow. If you are abstaining from food, start by eating fruit, then maybe a salad, then more substantial foods. Ending your fast gradually will help you develop healthy physical and spiritual habits.