Christian Fasting
Fasting
WHAT IS FASTING AND WHY SHOULD WE DO IT?
Fasting (abstaining from food for a time) is an ancient practice about turning and drawing closer to God, reawakening our hunger for Him, and seeking Him for spiritual breakthrough or guidance. The Bible gives many examples of God's people combining fasting with their prayers to stir up their passion for God, seek God's help in a special way, and renew their dedication and intimacy to the Creator. King David wrote that he "humbled himself with fasting" (Psalm 35:13).
The Bible records that great heroes of faith such as Moses, Daniel, Paul and Jesus himself fasted so that they might draw close to God (Exodus 34:28, Daniel 9:3, 2 Corinthians 11:27, Matthew 4:2). Jesus knew that his true followers, once He was no longer there in the flesh with them, would at times need to fast to regain and renew their passion to serve him (Mark 2:18-20).
Fasting is always accompanied by prayer. If you are not praying while fasting, then you are only dieting!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FASTING
Q: Is fasting from food dangerous for my health?
No, within reason fasting is safe and even some say in limited times healthy for our bodies, but for some it might be harmful (illness, pregnancy, eating disorders, children etc.) If you’re unsure, check with a doctor and if you haven’t fasted before start small with just missing a meal or a 24-hour fast.
Q: Can I fast from something other than food?
Fasting in the Bible usually means abstaining from food, so this should probably be the first option if you can. For some this is medically unwise or impossible though, so stopping other enjoyable things like social media or TV can work well too.
Q: Do Christians have to fast?
There is no clear command in the New Testament that you have to fast, so technically, no. BUT it seems to be assumed that God’s people will as a normal part of the Jesus way of life (“when you fast...” - Matthew 6:16). It does seem to be a pretty clear path to seeking more of our incredible God though, and who doesn’t want that! It has also been a regular practise for devoted Christians for centuries.
PRACTICAL TIPS ON FASTING
Have a purpose - decide clearly why you’re fasting and return to that purpose constantly
Start small - just start with skipping one meal a day for a few days in a row
Plan to pray instead of eating - use to time to pray and be filled by God instead of something else
Pray when hunger comes - use hunger pangs to turn your mind and attention to God
Keep a journal - it is sometimes a good idea to write down what God is showing you
Don’t draw attention to your fast - you may have to tell some people you’re fasting for practicality’s sake, but don’t talk about it all the time or make it a big deal
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON FASTING, SAFETY AND PREPARATION CHECK OUT: www.cru.org/train-and-grow/devotional-life/personal-guide-to-fasting
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/fasting-for-beginners