Fasting is a spiritual discipline of denying self, by not eating food, to hunger for more of the Lord.

Fasting is one of the God ordained weapons that He has given us to combat the schemes and tactics of Satan! We believe that fasting is not a recommendation, but it is a command from the Lord. 

• • 16 “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. – Matthew 6:16

Fasting is not a diet. The secret to fasting is to spend intentional time with the Lord. When you would normally be spending time eating, use that time to pray and hear from the Lord. Fast and pray! 

In the Old Testament, the main Hebrew word used for fasting is “tsom”, which means “to abstain from food.” In the New Testament, the Greek word we translate as “fast” is “nesteuo”, which means “to abstain from eating.” In both the Old and New testaments, fasting is simply going without food.

Biblical Fasting means to not eat or drink, and while it is great to stop focusing your attention on things like tv, social media, or other hobbies; these are not considered true biblical fasts. Rather we would consider giving these things up as “lifestyle disciplines”

If someone asks you why you’re not eating you don’t have to act awkward or funny to try to hide that you’re fasting. You can simply say “I’m fasting.”

• • Matthew 6:16-18 NLT “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. 17 But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. 18 Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

Types of Fasts

• Full Fasts:
  1. Liquid only fast (Luke 4:2)
  2. Esther fast – no food or water (Esther 4:15-16)
• Partial Fasts:
  1. Daniels fast – fruits and vegetables (Daniel 10:2-3)
  2. Sun up to sun down fast [5am to 5pm] (Judges 20:26)

Fasting Practicals:

• Beforehand, designate the length of the fast.

• Ask the Lord ahead of time “how long?” (How many hours or how many days)

• If you’ve never fasted before, start somewhere! (1 meal, 1 day, 3 days, 5 days, 7 days, 21 days, 40 days) 

• Challenge yourself.  If you’ve fasted 1 day previously, try 3 days this time, and so on.

• If you mess up and eat something you decided to fast, don’t stop. Continue fasting from that point.

• Drink lots of water – stay hydrated.

• Ultimately, the purpose and priority in fasting is to deepen intimacy with God. Beyond that, name your fast. Meaning: write down what you’re believing for, in faith, before you start.

EX: Conversations you want to have with the Lord.  Miracles you’re going to be contending for.  Specific friends or family members that don’t have a relationship with the Lord that you’ll intentionally be praying for, etc.