“He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30 ESV)
Family, prayer and fasting is not a religious ritual – it is a spiritual realignment.
Throughout Scripture, God’s people fasted in moments of transition, need, repentance and consecration. Each time, fasting created space for God’s presence to be more clearly seen, heard and obeyed.
(PLEASE NOTE: It is wise to consult your medical professional before fasting.)
1- Why We Fast
We fast to become more aware of God’s presence and more responsive to His voice.
The Lord reminded Joshua as he stood on the edge of an unknown future:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 ESV)
Fasting helps us remember this truth – not just intellectually, but experientially. When we quiet our appetites, distractions and noise, we become more conscious of the God who is already with us.
At times, like Joshua 3:4 declares, we fast because “we have not passed this way before.” When direction is needed, fasting humbles us and sharpens our spiritual eyesight.
2- What Fasting Is (and Is Not)
Biblical fasting is voluntary, purposeful and grace-filled.
- It is not mandatory
- It is not a test of spirituality
- It is not punishment for the body
Rather, fasting is choosing to say no to the flesh so we can say yes to the Spirit.
“In fasting we decrease our physical intake to increase our spiritual intake.”
If medical reasons prevent fasting from food, you are still encouraged to fast from distractions – entertainment, news and social media – and invest that time in spiritual pursuits.
3- A Sensible Pattern for Fasting
Some kinds of fasts include:
- No food or liquids for a reasonable time
- Water only
- Water and natural fruit juices
- One normal, healthy meal a day
- No desserts or dessert-like foods
- No sweet beverages
- Elimination of entertainment, news and social media
- Limiting non-work related screen time to spiritual pursuits
The time and resources saved through fasting can be reinvested in:
- Prayer
- Worship
- Bible reading and study
- Listening to Scripture, sermons and worship music
- Serving others
- Giving to ministries that help the poor or helping someone directly
This reflects God’s heart as revealed in Isaiah 58, which teaches that the fast the Lord chooses:
- Looses the bonds of wickedness
- Frees the oppressed
- Feeds the hungry
- Causes light to break forth
- Brings healing, clarity and guidance
True fasting always produces both vertical devotion to God and horizontal compassion toward people.
4- What Happens When We Fast
Scripture and experience teach us that true fasting:
- Helps us seek God more earnestly
- Helps us hear God more clearly
- Brings life into proper perspective
- Realigns our priorities
- Strengthens our prayer life
- Weakens the carnal nature
- Strengthens us spiritually
- Increases compassion for those in need
A helpful insight to remember:
The more our flesh reacts to fasting, the more we need it.
The more we appreciate fasting, the more we understand why we need it.
Resistance often reveals necessity.
5- Prayer: The Companion of Fasting
Fasting without prayer is merely dieting. Prayer is where fasting finds its power.
During this season, we are called to:
- Stay in the Word
- Stay in Prayer
- Practice Constant, Conscious Communion with Christ
Prayer and fasting invite us to seek the Lord with one voice, whether we are praying for:
- Personal clarity
- Family direction
- Church vision
- Outreach opportunities
- The spiritual needs of our community
As we unite in prayer, God sharpens our focus so we see Him more clearly and discern His will more accurately.
6- Walking Together
Times of prayer and fasting remind us that we are not walking alone. We journey together – encouraging one another, praying for one another and trusting God together.
As we humble ourselves before the Lord, He promises to meet us giving:
- Greater clarity
- Renewed strength
- Sharpened spiritual senses
- Deeper love for God and people
What a joy it is to unite in seeking our Father.
