Fasting and Feasting: A Biblical Guide to Spiritual Growth
What if you could grow closer to God by giving something up? In movements of disciple-making around the world, fasting is more than a religious tradition—it’s a powerful tool for spiritual clarity, breakthrough, and deeper intimacy with God. This guide will help you get started with spiritual fasting and prayer, offering a practical and biblical approach.
What Is Biblical Fasting?
Fasting is refraining from food—or anything else—for a spiritual purpose. It’s letting go of something in the physical realm to take hold of something in the spiritual realm. Jesus expected His followers to fast (Matthew 6:16-18), not as a ritual, but as a way to draw near to God, seek His will, and intercede for others.
Why Fast?
- To pray for God’s will to be done on earth (Matthew 6:10)
- To ask for more workers in the harvest (Luke 10:2)
- To open our eyes to spiritual opportunity (John 4:35)
How to Start Fasting
- Choose What to Fast From: It might be food, media, electronics, or even negative habits like worry or gossip.
- Set a Timeframe: Start small—skip one meal or go without media for two days. Gradually extend your fast as you grow.
- Plan Your Prayer Times: Use the time you would normally spend eating, scrolling, or working to connect with God.
- Engage in Worship & Scripture: Pray, read the Bible, journal, and listen for what God wants to speak to you.
- Expect Resistance: Fasting may not feel amazing right away. The enemy will try to discourage you. Stay faithful—God honors your desire.
Other Ways to Fast
- Fast with a group one day per week
- Pair fasting with a Day Alone With God
- Try different types: partial fasts, media fasts, or meal-skipping over multiple days
Why God's People Fasted in Scripture
- For protection and deliverance (2 Chronicles 20:2–3, Nehemiah 1:4)
- For spiritual renewal (2 Chronicles 7:14, Joel 2:12)
- For wisdom and guidance (Daniel 9:3–22)
- As worship and preparation for ministry (Luke 4:2, Acts 13:2–3)
- For healing and deliverance (Mark 9:29)
Going Deeper in Fasting
As you grow in this discipline, you can gradually lengthen your fast. You might fast one meal a day over several days or engage in multi-day food fasts—just be sure to account for your health and nutrition needs. Always ease back into eating with care.
Fasting isn't about earning favor—it's about clearing space for God to move. Whether you're fasting for breakthrough, guidance, or simply to enjoy God's presence more deeply, your time will never be wasted.
Start today. Fast something. Feast on God.
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