In a world that encourages constant consumption—whether it’s food, entertainment, or information—the spiritual practice of fasting stands as a quiet rebellion. It is not about punishment or performance; it is about making space for God.
Fasting has deep roots in the Christian tradition, with examples throughout Scripture—from Moses and Elijah to Jesus and the early church. Yet for many modern believers, fasting feels confusing, intimidating, or even irrelevant. Where do you begin? What’s the right way to fast? And most importantly: why fast at all?
This guide is designed to help beginners understand the purpose of fasting, how to do it safely and spiritually, and how to deepen your connection with God through this powerful act of surrender.
What Is Fasting?
Fasting is the voluntary act of abstaining from food—or something else meaningful—for a spiritual purpose. It is not a diet. It is not meant to earn God’s favor. It is a discipline of devotion—an offering of the body to focus the soul.
Biblical fasting is typically connected with:
- Prayer
- Repentance
- Seeking guidance
- Spiritual breakthrough
- Intercession
When done with the right heart, fasting brings clarity, humility, and renewed intimacy with God.
Why Do Christians Fast?
Fasting is mentioned over 70 times in the Bible. Here’s why it matters:
✦ To Grow Closer to God
Fasting clears away distractions and re-centers your focus. When the body is hungry, the spirit listens more attentively. Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days in the wilderness—not to impress, but to align Himself with the Father.
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”—Matthew 4:4
✦ To Seek Clarity and Direction
Many fast before major life decisions. In Acts 13, the early church fasted and prayed before sending out missionaries. Fasting creates space to hear God’s voice above the noise.
✦ To Express Repentance
Throughout the Old Testament, fasting often accompanied mourning and confession. It is a way of physically humbling oneself before the Lord, saying: “I need Your mercy. I want to return to You.”
✦ To Intercede for Others
Fasting can be a form of spiritual warfare—especially when praying for healing, deliverance, or breakthrough in someone’s life.
✦ To Practice Self-Discipline
Fasting reminds us that the body does not control the spirit. It strengthens our spiritual “muscles,” teaching us to say no to cravings and yes to Christ.
Different Types of Fasting
If you’re new to fasting, know that there isn’t only one way to do it. Here are several types:
1. Complete Fast (Water Only)
This is the most intense form—abstaining from all food. It should only be done short-term and under guidance, especially for health concerns.
2. Partial Fast
Also known as the “Daniel Fast,” this involves removing certain foods (like meat, sweets, or bread) while still eating vegetables, fruits, and water.
3. Time-Restricted Fast
You might fast from sunrise to sunset, or choose certain hours of the day to abstain from food.
4. Media or Social Fast
Abstaining from digital consumption (TV, social media, etc.) to focus more fully on prayer.
5. Single-Item Fast
Some choose to give up just one thing they love—coffee, sugar, meat—as a spiritual sacrifice.
Choose the form that suits your health, lifestyle, and level of spiritual maturity.
Preparing for a Fast
Fasting isn’t something to jump into randomly. Here’s how to prepare:
✦ Pray First
Ask God what kind of fast He is inviting you to. Not everyone is called to the same kind of fast. Surrender the process before it begins.
✦ Set a Clear Intention
Why are you fasting? Is it to seek direction? To pray for someone? To break a bad habit? Write down your intention.
✦ Start Small
If you’ve never fasted before, don’t start with 3 days of no food. Try skipping one meal and spending that time in prayer. Build from there.
✦ Plan Your Schedule
Fasting during busy, high-stress days might make it harder to focus spiritually. Choose a time when you can also slow down, journal, and pray.
What to Do While You Fast
Fasting isn’t just about removing food—it’s about replacing that time and attention with spiritual engagement.
✦ Read Scripture Slowly
Let God’s Word nourish you. Read Psalms, the Gospels, or Isaiah. Write down what stands out. Don’t rush.
✦ Pray Often
Fasting invites frequent prayer. Even short prayers like “God, I want more of You” can powerfully center your heart.
✦ Journal What You Hear
What is God showing you? What emotions surface? Fasting reveals what’s been hidden beneath the surface.
✦ Be Gentle with Yourself
You may feel tired or irritable. That’s okay. Fasting isn’t about performance—it’s about posture. Let yourself be human, weak, dependent.
Common Struggles and Encouragements
✦ “I’m not very spiritual—I feel like I’m just hungry.”
That’s normal! Fasting is not always emotionally intense or miraculous. It’s about faithfulness, not feelings.
✦ “What if I mess up and eat something?”
Then extend grace. Return to your purpose. Fasting isn’t ruined by imperfection—it’s grown through humility.
✦ “I’m not sure God is saying anything.”
Sometimes fasting brings silence. Don’t be discouraged. God may be working under the surface—removing clutter, preparing soil.
What to Do After Your Fast
Don’t rush back into normal life. Take time to reflect.
- What did you learn?
- What did you let go of?
- What do you want to carry forward?
End with a prayer of gratitude, and if you feel led, plan your next fast—even if it’s a short one.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”—Matthew 5:6
Fasting and the Catholic Tradition
For Catholic believers, fasting has a long and sacred history—especially during Lent, Fridays, and vigils. It is often combined with almsgiving and prayer, forming a threefold path of renewal.
You can also:
- Offer your fast for a specific intention
- Combine fasting with the Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet
- Read the lives of saints who practiced fasting (like St. Francis or St. Catherine of Siena)
Fasting reminds us that true strength comes not from fullness—but from faith.
A Simple Beginner’s Prayer Before Fasting
Lord, I come before You not to impress, but to draw near.
I surrender this fast to You—my hunger, my distractions, my hopes.
Strip away what keeps me from hearing You.Help me find satisfaction not in food, but in Your Word.
Let this fast not be empty, but holy.Let it not be hard, but healing.
I trust that You will meet me here.Even in hunger, I will taste Your goodness.
In Jesus’ name,Amen.
Final Encouragement
Fasting is not for the perfect—it’s for the hungry. Spiritually hungry. Hungry for clarity, peace, breakthrough, and deeper union with God.
You don’t need to know everything to start. You just need a willing heart, an open spirit, and a desire to grow.
So begin. Not with pressure—but with prayer.And let the hunger you feel remind you: you were made for more than bread.