How do I fast?
Maybe you’ve heard people talk about fasting and want to try it, but you’re not sure how. Maybe you’re facing something big and want to seek God more seriously. Fasting is one of the most powerful ways to do that.
Fasting is going without food, or something else, for a set time to focus on God in prayer. Jesus expected His followers to fast: He said “when you fast,” not “if” (Matthew 6:16–18). You start simply: choose your fast and how long, replace the meals or habit with prayer and Scripture, drink water, and keep it between you and God. Fasting doesn’t earn anything from God; it humbles you, clears your focus, and helps you hear Him.
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Jesus fasted forty days
Before Jesus began His ministry, the Spirit led Him into the wilderness, where He fasted forty days and nights. When the devil tempted Him to turn stones into bread, Jesus answered, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:1–4). Fasting is how we learn, in our bodies, that God is what we truly live on.
Kinds of fasts
A full fast: no food, only water, usually for a day or a few days. A partial fast: giving up certain foods, like Daniel, who ate only vegetables and water (Daniel 1:12; 10:3). A meal fast: skipping one or two meals a day. A habit fast: giving up social media, TV or something else that takes your time and attention.
How to start this week
1. Decide your purpose: what are you seeking God about? 2. Choose your fast and how long; start with one meal or one day. 3. Plan what you’ll do instead: prayer, a Psalm, worship. 4. Drink plenty of water. 5. Break the fast gently with a light meal.
If you have diabetes, are pregnant or nursing, take medication, or have struggled with eating, talk to your doctor and choose a habit fast instead.
What the Bible says
- 01
When you fast.
“When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Matthew 6:16–18 - 02
The fast God chooses.
“Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will come quickly. Your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry out, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you remove the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger and malicious talk,”
Isaiah 58:6–9 - 03
Not by bread alone.
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. The tempter came to Him and said, “If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ””
Matthew 4:1–4 - 04
Return to Me with fasting.
““Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.””
Joel 2:12 - 05
Fasting and direction.
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.”
Acts 13:2–3 - 06
A partial fast.
“In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three full weeks. I ate no rich food, no meat or wine entered my mouth, and I did not anoint myself with oil until the three weeks were completed.”
Daniel 10:2–3
Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.
Choose one meal tomorrow to skip. Spend that time in prayer about one specific thing, and read Isaiah 58.
Common questions
How long should a Christian fast?
There’s no required length. Start with a meal or a day; some people grow into three-day, seven-day or longer fasts with wisdom.
Can I drink water while fasting?
Yes. Most biblical fasts were from food. Drink water, and be wise with your health.
Does fasting make God answer my prayers?
Fasting isn’t a way to force God’s hand. It draws you close to Him so your heart aligns with His will, and Scripture shows God responding to people who humble themselves this way.
Pray with people, not alone.
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