Biblical Fasting: Drawing Closer to God Through Prayer
There have been several seasons throughout my walk with Christ when the Holy Spirit gently called me to a fast. Each one looked a little different.
There was a time I completed a Daniel Fast, eating only fruits and vegetables. Another season led me to a partial fast where I ate only Ezekiel bread, peanut butter, and orange juice. I've fasted one meal a day, and I've also experienced a water fast.
While each fast was unique, they all had one thing in common—they drew me closer to the Lord.
Fasting has never been about earning God's favor or proving my spirituality. Instead, it has become one of the sweetest ways I've learned to quiet the distractions of life so I can focus my heart completely on Him.
Each time I have fasted, I have experienced a greater awareness of God's presence, a renewed spirit, and a deeper dependence on Him.
One Fast I'll Never Forget
One experience stands out more than all the others.
I remember finding a lump in my breast. Instead of allowing fear to consume me, I turned to the Lord.
During that season, I fasted, prayed, and worshiped. I even spent time worshiping the Lord through dance, simply pouring out my heart before Him.
It became one of the sweetest seasons of intimacy I have ever experienced with God.
I felt His peace in ways I cannot fully describe.
When I went to have the lump examined, the doctor discovered it was nothing more than a tiny pea-sized tissue. I walked away overwhelmed with gratitude for God's faithfulness. Praise God I have not had any other problems.
Whether He had chosen a different outcome or not, He had already given me exactly what I needed—His presence.
That is one of the greatest gifts fasting has given me.
Listening to the Holy Spirit
There have been other moments that remind me how the Lord speaks during seasons of fasting.
One morning, around three o'clock, I woke up unexpectedly.
If you know me, you know I love my sleep!
I tried everything I could to go back to sleep, but I couldn't.
Finally, I sensed the Holy Spirit gently impressing upon my heart, "Get up and pray."
So, I did.
Those quiet early morning hours became a precious time of communion with the Lord that I still treasure today.
Another season, I felt the Holy Spirit leading me to study the book of Ezekiel. Along with that study came a gentle prompting to participate in a partial fast using Ezekiel bread, peanut butter, and orange juice.
Looking back, I can clearly see how God used both His Word and fasting together to shape my heart.
A note before we start: If you have a medical condition, are pregnant, nursing, have a history of an eating disorder, or take medications that require food, consult your healthcare provider before fasting from food. Remember, fasting is about seeking God, and there are other meaningful ways to fast—such as setting aside social media or other distractions—if abstaining from food is not appropriate.
What Is Biblical Fasting?
So, what comes to your mind when you hear the word fasting?
For many people, fasting sounds intimidating. Some wonder if it's only for pastors or missionaries. Others think it's something Christians used to do but isn't necessary today.
The Bible paints a very different picture.
Simply put, biblical fasting is voluntarily setting aside food—or occasionally something else—for a period of time in order to seek God with greater focus.
According to the New Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, the Hebrew word tsom means to cover over the mouth, while the Greek word nesteia refers to abstaining from food.
But fasting is about far more than simply not eating.
It is about intentionally making room for God.
When we remove something, our bodies naturally depend on, we are reminded that our greatest need is not physical food but the presence of the Lord.
As Jesus said:
"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God."
—Matthew 4:4 (ESV)
Fasting is not a way to manipulate God or earn His blessings.
Instead, it is an act of humility, dependence, worship, and surrender.
Did Jesus Expect His Followers to Fast?
If you're new to fasting, one of the most surprising discoveries may be that Jesus expected His followers to fast.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said:
"And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others... But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."—Matthew 6:16–18 (ESV)
Notice that Jesus didn't say "if you fast." He said, "when you fast."
His concern wasn't whether His followers would fast—it was their attitude while fasting.
He taught that fasting is not meant to draw attention to ourselves but to deepen our relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Later, John's disciples asked Jesus why His disciples weren't fasting like others.
Jesus replied:
"Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast."—Matthew 9:14–15 (ESV)
After Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension, we see believers in the book of Acts fasting as they worshiped, prayed, sought God's guidance, and appointed leaders.
Fasting remained important in the early church, and it continues to be a meaningful practice for believers today.
Different Types of Biblical Fasts
The Bible describes several different kinds of fasting. Each one served a unique purpose, but all were centered on seeking God.
1. Regular Fast
A regular fast is the most common type of fast found in Scripture.
During this fast, food is set aside while water is still consumed.
Jesus modeled this kind of fast before beginning His earthly ministry.
"And after fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry."
(Matthew 4:2)
2. Absolute Fast
An absolute fast involves abstaining from both food and water for a short period of time.
Examples include Ezra mourning over Israel's sin (Ezra 10:6), Queen Esther calling the Jewish people to fast for three days before approaching the king (Esther 4:16), and the Apostle Paul after his conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:9).
A Word of Caution
These absolute fasts were extraordinary circumstances recorded in Scripture. Because the human body cannot safely go long without water, this type of fast should never be attempted casually. If someone senses God leading them in this direction, wisdom, prayer, and appropriate medical guidance are important.
3. Partial Fast
A partial fast involves limiting certain foods while continuing to eat others.
Daniel and his friends chose vegetables and water for ten days rather than the king's rich food (Daniel 1:12-16).
Later, Daniel described another partial fast:
"I ate no delicacies; no meat or wine entered my mouth..."
(Daniel 10:3)
This is often the type of fast many believers begin with because it allows them to focus on God while still receiving nourishment.
4. Corporate Fast
A corporate fast is when a group of believers or an entire community joins together for a common purpose.
One powerful example is found in the book of Jonah:
"And the people of Nineveh believed God. They called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them."—Jonah 3:5 (ESV)
Another example is found in Joel:
"Consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly; gather the people."—Joel 2:15–16 (ESV)
Even today, many churches set aside seasons of prayer and fasting as they seek God's direction together.
5. Private Fast
Jesus also taught about private fasting in Matthew 6:16-18.
Rather than making our fasting known to others, He encouraged His followers to seek the Father quietly and sincerely.
Private fasting is often one of the most intimate expressions of our relationship with God because our focus remains on Him alone rather than on the opinions of others.
6. Supernatural Fast
The Bible also records a few extraordinary fasts that could only have happened through God's miraculous power.
Moses remained on Mount Sinai for forty days and forty nights without food or water while in God's presence (Deuteronomy 9:9).
Elijah also traveled for forty days in the strength God provided after one meal (1 Kings 19:8).
These events were unique acts of God's supernatural provision and should not be viewed as a pattern for believers to imitate. They remind us of God's power rather than our own strength.
Why Do We Fast?
One of the most important lessons I've learned is this:
We should never fast simply because everyone else is doing it.
Biblical fasting always has a purpose.
It is not about following a religious tradition or checking off a spiritual box. It is about intentionally seeking God.
Sometimes we fast because we need wisdom.
Sometimes we fast because our hearts need to be humbled before the Lord.
Sometimes we fast because we long to worship Him with greater devotion.
Whatever the reason, our focus should always be on drawing closer to Jesus.
Ten Biblical Purposes for Fasting
In his excellent book Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, Donald S. Whitney identifies ten biblical purposes for fasting.
Fasting can help us:
Strengthen our prayers.
Seek God's guidance.
Express grief before the Lord.
Seek God's protection or deliverance.
Express repentance and return to God.
Humble ourselves before Him.
Express concern for God's work.
Minister to the needs of others.
Overcome temptation and dedicate ourselves to God.
Express our love and worship to the Lord.
While not every fast will include all of these purposes, each one reminds us that fasting is ultimately about cultivating a deeper relationship with God.
A Simple Place to Begin
If you've never fasted before, don't feel like you have to begin with a long fast.
Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you.
Perhaps you begin by fasting one meal and spending that time reading Scripture and praying.
Maybe the Lord leads you to a partial fast for a day or several days.
The goal isn't the length of the fast.
The goal is drawing closer to Jesus.
As you spend time with Him, you'll discover that He is faithful to meet you right where you are.
My Prayer for You
Looking back over the different seasons of fasting in my life, I'm grateful that each one pointed me to Jesus.
Some began during difficult circumstances.
Others came during seasons of learning and spiritual growth.
Every one of them reminded me that God's presence is far more satisfying than anything this world can offer.
Friend, if the Holy Spirit is stirring your heart to fast, don't let fear keep you from taking that first step.
Begin where you are.
Trust the Lord to lead you.
He is far more interested in your heart than in the details of your fast.
As you seek Him, I pray you'll experience His peace, His presence, and the joy of knowing Him more deeply.
He is faithful.
He always has been.
And He always will be.
A Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for inviting us into a deeper relationship with You. Thank You that fasting is not about earning Your love but about drawing near to the One who already loves us perfectly.
Teach us to seek You with sincere hearts. Give us wisdom to know when You are calling us to fast and help us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus rather than on the sacrifice itself.
May every season of fasting lead us to greater faith, deeper dependence, and a stronger desire to know You more.
Fill us with Your peace, guide us by Your Spirit, and help us walk in joyful obedience each day.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Until Next Time...
Friend, I'm cheering you on as you continue to grow in your walk with Christ.
Whether the Lord is calling you to spend more time in prayer, to open His Word with fresh expectation, or to step into your very first fast, know that He will meet you there.
Remember, fasting isn't about perfection—it's about pursuing the heart of God.
Blessings,
Beth
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