Guide
A Beginner’s Guide to Biblical Fasting
Fasting is going without food, or something else, for a time in order to seek God. It is not a diet, and it is not a way to earn God’s favor. It is a way of saying with your whole body, “God, I need You more than I need this.”
Jesus assumed His followers would fast
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches about giving, prayer and fasting in the same breath. Notice His words: “And when you fast…” (Matt 6:16). Not if. He expected it. He also said that after He returned to the Father, His disciples would fast (Matt 9:15).
The early church did. In Acts 13, the church at Antioch was “worshiping the Lord and fasting” when the Holy Spirit sent out Paul and Barnabas. Then they fasted and prayed again before sending them (Acts 13:2–3).
Why believers fast
- To seek God’s guidance before a big decision (Acts 13:2–3; 14:23).
- To humble ourselves and repent: “Return to me with all your heart, with fasting” (Joel 2:12).
- To ask God for help in a crisis, like Esther before she went to the king (Esther 4:16) or Ezra before a dangerous journey (Ezra 8:21–23).
- To grieve a loss (2 Sam 1:12).
- To remember we live by God’s word: “Man shall not live by bread alone” (Matt 4:4).
- To make room to serve others. Isaiah 58 says the fast God chooses includes sharing “your bread with the hungry.”
How to fast the right way
- Keep it between you and God. Jesus warned against fasting to impress people (Matt 6:16–18). You don’t need to announce it.
- Replace eating with prayer. When you would normally eat, spend that time with God instead. Otherwise it’s just skipping a meal.
- Remember it earns nothing. God already loves you in Christ. Fasting doesn’t make Him love you more. It helps you want Him more.
- Let it make you generous. Give the money you would have spent on food to someone in need (Isa 58:6–7).
Types of fasts
| Type | What it means | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| One-meal fast | Skip one meal and pray instead | Your first fast |
| Partial or “Daniel” fast | Eat simply: vegetables, fruit, whole grains, beans and water, with no sweets, meat or rich food (Dan 1:12; 10:3) | Longer seasons like 10 or 21 days |
| Normal fast | No food for a day or more; drink water | Experienced, healthy adults who have checked with their doctor |
| Non-food fast | Give up social media, TV, shopping or another habit | Anyone, especially those who can’t fast from food |
The Bible also records absolute fasts (no food or water), like Esther’s three days. These are extreme and can be dangerous. We do not recommend them.
Safety first: who should not fast from food
Talk with your doctor before fasting from food if any of these apply to you. For many people, the answer will be to choose a non-food fast, and that is a full, faithful fast.
- You have ever had an eating disorder
- You are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive
- You have diabetes or any blood-sugar problem
- You are under 18
- You take blood pressure or heart medication, or any medication that must be taken with food
Source: Bastyr University. Also stop fasting and eat if you feel faint, dizzy, confused or unwell.
Your first fast, step by step
- Pick a purpose. Write one sentence: “I’m fasting because…”
- Start small. Choose one meal, like lunch on a weekday.
- Plan the time. Decide what you’ll do instead: read a Psalm, pray through your list, take a prayer walk.
- Drink water. Stay hydrated throughout.
- Use your hunger. Every time you feel hungry, let it remind you to pray. “As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God” (Ps 42:1).
- Break the fast gently. Eat a normal, modest meal. Give thanks.
- Reflect. What did you notice about God, and about yourself?
What if I get grumpy, or it’s hard?
That’s normal, and it’s part of the point. Fasting shows us how much we lean on food for comfort. When you feel irritable, confess it, ask for grace, and keep going, or stop and eat if you need to. There is no failure in fasting, only practice.