Fasting

The Definition of Fasting in the Bible: Fasting is the practice of abstaining from food or drink (or other pleasures) for a period of time, primarily for spiritual purposes. It is an act of humility and submission before God, often accompanying prayer, repentance, and seeking God’s will.

Fasting is seen as a way to draw closer to God, seek His guidance, express repentance for sin, or intercede on behalf of others. It is a form of worship, expressing dependence on God and seeking His presence.

Key Bible Scriptures on Fasting

1. Isaiah 58:6
   “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?”
   • This passage speaks to the true purpose of fasting: not just abstaining from food, but breaking the chains of injustice and living righteously.
2. Matthew 6:16-18
   “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.”
   • Jesus instructs on the right attitude towards fasting, emphasizing humility and sincerity.
3. Joel 2:12-13
   “Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.”
   • Fasting is associated with repentance and a heartfelt return to God.
4. Ezra 8:21
   “Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.”
   • Fasting is used to seek God’s guidance and protection.
5. Acts 13:2-3
   “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”
   • Fasting was practiced by the early church as they sought the Holy Spirit’s guidance for ministry.
6. Nehemiah 1:4
   “And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven.”
   • Nehemiah fasted and prayed in response to the plight of Jerusalem.

Prayer Points with Scriptures

1. Seeking God’s Guidance and Wisdom
   • Scripture: James 1:5
     “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
   • Prayer: “Lord, as I fast and seek Your guidance, grant me wisdom in every area of my life. Lead me in the right path and give me understanding in all decisions.”
2. Repentance and Forgiveness
   • Scripture: Psalm 51:10
     “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
   • Prayer: “Heavenly Father, I humble myself before You in fasting and repentance. Cleanse me of all sin and renew a right spirit within me. Help me walk in holiness and righteousness.”
3. Breaking Strongholds
   • Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:4
     “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.”
   • Prayer: “Lord, as I fast, I pray that every stronghold in my life, family, and community be broken. Let Your power be manifest to bring freedom and deliverance.”
4. Healing and Restoration
   • Scripture: Isaiah 58:8
     “Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.”
   • Prayer: “Father, as I fast and pray, let Your healing and restoration flow in my body, mind, and spirit. Renew my strength and restore me to perfect health.”
5. Revival and Spiritual Awakening
   • Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14
     “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
   • Prayer: “Lord, we fast and pray for revival in our land. Let Your Spirit move mightily to awaken hearts and bring salvation, healing, and transformation to our nation.”
6. Divine Intervention and Protection
   • Scripture: Psalm 91:11
     “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.”
   • Prayer: “As I fast and pray, I ask for Your divine intervention and protection. Surround me and my loved ones with Your angels and keep us safe from all harm.”

Fasting, coupled with prayer, aligns the believer with God’s will and releases spiritual breakthroughs. These scriptures and prayer points provide a foundation for seeking God’s presence during times of fasting.

---

How to Start Fasting?

Starting a fast requires spiritual and physical preparation to ensure you approach it with the right mindset and intentions. Here’s a guide on how to start fasting, incorporating both biblical principles and practical advice.

1. Seek God’s Guidance

• Pray for Direction: Before starting a fast, spend time in prayer to seek God’s will and guidance. Ask Him to reveal the purpose of your fast and to help you remain focused on Him during the fasting period.
• Scripture: James 1:5 – “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God…”

2. Define the Purpose of Your Fast

• Spiritual Focus: Identify the purpose of your fast. Are you seeking God’s guidance, interceding for someone, repenting, or asking for a breakthrough? Clearly defining the purpose will help keep you spiritually focused.
• Scripture: Isaiah 58:6 – “Is not this the fast that I have chosen?…”

3. Choose the Type of Fast

• Different Types of Fasts:
  1. Full Fast: Abstaining from all food, possibly only drinking water or juice.
  2. Partial Fast: Abstaining from specific foods or meals, such as a Daniel Fast (eating only fruits and vegetables).
  3. Intermittent Fast: Limiting eating to certain hours of the day.
  4. Non-food Fast: Abstaining from non-food pleasures (e.g., media, social media).
• Scripture: Daniel 10:3 – “I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth…”

4. Set a Duration

• Decide How Long: Determine the length of your fast—whether it’s for one meal, one day, three days, a week, or more. Start with a duration that you can realistically commit to, especially if you’re new to fasting.
• Scripture: Esther 4:16 – “Go, gather together all the Jews… and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day…”

5. Prepare Physically

• Ease into It: If you’re planning an extended fast, it’s wise to gradually reduce your food intake before you begin. Avoid a heavy meal before starting your fast to make the transition easier on your body.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially if you are doing a water fast. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks.
• Listen to Your Body: Fasting can have physical effects, so be mindful of your body’s response. If you have any health conditions, consult a doctor before beginning an extended fast.

6. Create a Spiritual Plan

• Prayer and Scripture Reading: Plan specific times during your fasting period to pray, read the Bible, and meditate on God’s Word. Fasting without prayer is just going hungry; the goal is to focus on God.
• Worship and Reflection: Incorporate times of worship and reflection. Use this time to be still before God, listen for His voice, and draw closer to Him.
• Scripture: Matthew 6:6 – “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret…”

7. Stay Focused and Avoid Distractions

• Limit Distractions: During your fast, limit activities or distractions that take away from your time with God (e.g., TV, social media). Instead, focus on spiritual activities.
• Spiritual Accountability: If possible, find a trusted friend or spiritual mentor to support you during your fast. They can pray with you, encourage you, and hold you accountable.

8. End the Fast Gradually

• Ease Out of It: When you conclude your fast, don’t rush to eat heavy meals. Gradually reintroduce food, starting with light and easily digestible options, like fruits and soups.
• Reflect on the Experience: Spend time reflecting on what God has revealed to you during the fast. Write down any insights, lessons, or answered prayers you received during this time.

Practical Tips for Fasting

• Stay Committed: Fasting can be challenging, but staying committed is key. When you feel hungry or tempted, use that as a prompt to pray and focus on God.
• Be Patient with Yourself: If you falter during your fast, don’t be discouraged. Pray for strength and get back on track.
• Adjust Based on Needs: If your body responds negatively (e.g., dizziness, extreme weakness), consider adjusting your fast. God desires your heart, not just your hunger.

Scriptures for Motivation

• Isaiah 40:31: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
• Matthew 4:4: “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”
• Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Starting a fast is a powerful spiritual discipline that helps you draw nearer to God. By preparing spiritually and physically, staying focused, and committing your time to prayer, fasting can lead to personal transformation and divine encounters.