How Christians Fast
- Boma
- Sep 6, 2024
- 10 min read
Updated: Jan 6
We have previously looked at Why Christians Fast. Now, let's look at how Christians fast. In this review of the kinds of fasts Christians can participate in we will cover:
You will also find some Biblical tips for Christian fasting and general tips for Christian fasting.
Absolute Fast or Dry Fast
This type of fast is the most physically demanding and is usually undertaken for a short period, ranging from one day to three days
Definition:Â An absolute fast, also known as a dry fast, involves abstaining from all food and drink, including water. It is the most extreme form of fasting.
Duration:Â This fast is usually very short, usually lasting no more than one to three days. Due to the lack of water intake, it is important to approach an absolute fast with caution, as it can be physically taxing and dangerous if extended for too long.
Purpose: The absolute fast is often undertaken in situations of urgent spiritual need or during moments of deep repentance and seeking God’s intervention. Because it is so physically demanding, it is generally reserved for specific, intense circumstances.
Complete Fast
Definition: A complete fast involves abstaining from all food while drinking only water. Some variations of the complete fast may allow for the consumption of liquids like fruit juices or broth, but solid food is avoided entirely.
Duration: The duration can vary, from one day to several days, depending on the individual's purpose and physical capacity. This fast can usually be undertaken with care for extended periods of up to 30 or 40 days
Purpose: This fast is often undertaken to seek clarity, guidance, or breakthrough in specific areas of life. It’s less extreme than an absolute fast because it still allows for hydration, which is crucial for the body’s functioning.
Both the absolute fast and the complete fast involve abstaining from food. The key difference lies in the consumption of water. A complete fast allows for water intake, making it more sustainable for longer periods, while an absolute fast includes no water or food, making it much more intense and suitable only for short periods. Before starting either one, consult with a healthcare professional if you have health issues.
Partial Fast
Although less challenging than some other fasts, partial fasts still require discipline and intentionality.
Definition: A partial fast involves abstaining from certain types of food or drink (e.g., no meat, sweets, alcohol or fizzy drinks) or specific meals (like skipping breakfast and lunch), rather than fasting for a specific period. Variations include:
The single-meal fast: skipping one meal a day or reducing the quantity of food consumed in a particular meal.
The 6 to 6 fast: eating only from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Duration: Common during Lent, Advent, or any time when seeking specific guidance or desiring to build spiritual discipline. Partial fasts can be undertaken for extended periods of time if desired. They can often be easily incorporated into a longer-term routine of fasting
Purpose: Partial fasts can be attractive because eating is allowed. They can be a good place to start for those new to fasting or where medical considerations mean an absolute or complete fast is not recommended.
Daniel Fast
The Daniel Fast is a type of partial fast but is distinct enough to warrant its own category. Somewhat uniquely, in a Daniel Fast participants abstain from certain foods while being intentional about which foods they consume. The permitted foods are inspired by the foods Daniel and his friends ate for 10 days (Daniel 1:12) and Daniel's later 21 days of mourning (Daniel 10:2-3).
“Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink". - Daniel 1:12
In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks. I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks. - Daniel 10:2-3
A Daniel Fast can require some meal planning and preparation unless the permitted foods are usually a large part of your diet.
Definition:Â Based on the diet of Daniel in the Bible. Participants consume only fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and water. Meat, sweets, dairy, and other processed foods are avoided.
Duration:Â Often practised for 21 days at the beginning of the year or at any time when seeking spiritual clarity. Meals are not scheduled for a specific time, but intake is restricted to plant-based foods only.
Purpose: Many Christians choose this type of fast to focus on spiritual growth while maintaining their physical strength. Others may select the Daniel Fast because as well as having spiritual benefits, a change in diet could improve their physical and mental health.
Intermittent Fasting
Definition:Â Intermittent fasting involves cycles of eating and fasting. For example, one might fast for a certain number of hours each day (like 16 hours of fasting followed by an 8-hour eating window) or skip meals on certain days of the week. This type of fast can be tailored to fit various schedules and is often chosen by Christians who want to incorporate fasting into their daily routine without committing to longer periods of fasting. The flexibility of intermittent fasting makes it a practical option for those with busy or active lifestyles. While participants may be more inclined to give thought to eating healthily during the eating window, there are no required food restrictions during intermittent fasting.
Duration: Intermittent fasting can be done at any time. It can be scheduled weekly or monthly. A popular method is the 16/8 method (fasting for 16 hours and eating during an 8-hour window). For example, you might eat between 12:00 PM and 8:00 PM and fast from 8:00 PM to 12:00 PM the next day.
Purpose: The focus of intermittent fasting is often on spiritual discipline, where the periods of fasting are used for prayer, reflection, and seeking God. It can be easily integrated into daily life without drastically changing one’s diet.
Non-food Fasts
Denying the flesh its desires and limiting anything that distracts us from our walk with God is beneficial and Biblical, whether or not we class the practices below as Biblical fasting. I would probably include the practices below in the pursuit of silence and solitude rather than classing them as fasting in the Biblical sense. We may be better able to hear from God when we limit distractions in these ways while fasting from food. Many Christians reduce distractions as a consequence of increasing time spent with God. Others actively limit engagement with social media and other entertainment whether or not they increase time spent focusing exclusively on God while fasting.
The Soul Fast
A soul fast is a modern concept that focuses on abstaining from things that distract or distance us from God, rather than food. This could involve fasting from social media, television, certain types of entertainment, or even negative thoughts and behaviours. The goal of a soul fast is to cleanse the mind and heart, allowing more room for God’s presence and influence in our lives. It’s an excellent option for those who want to grow spiritually but may not be able to abstain from food due to health reasons.
The Media Fast
Similar to the soul fast, the media fast involves abstaining from all forms of media, including social media, television, and even non-essential internet use. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with information and entertainment, a media fast helps believers quiet the noise and refocus on God. This type of fast is particularly beneficial during times when you need to make important decisions, as it allows you to hear God’s voice more clearly without the distractions of the digital world.
Biblical Tips for Christian Fasting:
The Bible lets us know how to fast and how not to. Here are a few Biblical tips for Christian fasting.
Pray
We see examples of fasting and prayer in Acts 14:23, Luke 2:37, Acts 13:2-3 and Joel 1:14, to list a few. When Christians fast the end goal is not on abstinence. We abstain from things that dull us from seeking God and hearing His voice. Yes, we can be motivated to fast for different reasons. We may fast as a sign of repentance or in times of dire need as Esther did during an absolute fast (see Esther 4:16). However, it is important to know that the fast does not earn God's forgiveness or rescue. We repent with fasting because we recognise God is holy and we are serious about not letting sin limit how close we can get to God. We may fast in a crisis because choosing to rely on the Spirit of God rather than our flesh makes us better able to hear from God, align with His will and know how to pray or act. Fasting is an act of faith in God.
Faith in God essentially means we believe God is who He says He is and therefore we believe God will do what He says He will do. What we believe about God is the ultimate driver to fast. Our faith in a Holy God who loves us dearly means we should ensure we talk to and listen to God when we fast.
We do not need to spend the whole fast exclusively praying but it is advisable to set aside some time to seek God in prayer while fasting.
Fast in Secret
When we make it obvious to others that we are fasting we are not dying to the flesh as much as we might like to think. Gloomy looks and disfigured faces are like large neon signs above our heads saying, "Look at me". When we do our best to keep our fasting secret from others we reduce any ego boost we might get from appearing pious to others.
“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 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)
I do not believe we need to go to extraordinary lengths to keep our fasting secret. However, as well as abstaining according to the fast we have committed to, we do well to commit to denying the flesh its need to be recognised, affirmed or praised by others.
Christian fasting is not purely physical. It is a spiritual act of worship. We are spirit, soul and body. Our soul comprises our mind, will, emotions and personality. God, however, is spirit. To "worship God in spirit and truth" (see John 4:24) requires refusing to let the needs of both our body and soul lead us. We are instead to "be led by the spirit" (See Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:18).
Seek God:
A spiritual focus is key to Christian fasting. Such fasting should be combined with a focus on God. Intentionally engage in prayer, singing songs of praise and worship, Bible reading, repentance and reflection. Increase your usual engagement or use the same time to focus on God more than your needs.
Avoid Strife
Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to hit with a wicked fist. Fasting like yours this day will not make your voice to be heard on high. (Isaiah 58:4 ESV)
There are many reasons Christians should avoid quarrelling and fighting. See James 1:19-20 for example. It is even more crucial to avoid strife when fasting.
When fasting it may be easier to get into arguments. While hungry and low on energy we may be more likely to snap at people and be short-tempered or irritable. After all, we have been well-practised at relying on food to regulate our mood. If we intend to fast regularly, we may consider that this will improve naturally as our bodies get used to fasting. There may be some truth to this, but relying on our flesh is unwise.
Christians filled with the Holy Spirit do not need to rely on our natural condition to operate from contentment. We are blessed to have been given the Holy Spirit. We can choose to invite the Holy Spirit to produce His fruit in our lives rather than letting our flesh thrive.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (Galatians 5:22-24)
Galatians 5 and Isaiah 58 are good Scriptures to study and meditate on when fasting.
General Tips for Christian Fasting
Rely on God
Fasting is not an exclusively Christian or religious practice. In modern times, fasting has been increasingly popularised for its physical health and well-being benefits. It is possible to fast without God in mind. It should not be this way when Christians fast. When Christians fast our focus is to be on God. We must also recognise that our ability to fast comes from God. This is why we see fasting accompanied by prayer in the Bible. When we fast, let us remind ourselves to rely on God to sustain us during the fast and beyond.
Hydration:Â
Unless it's an absolute fast, drink plenty of water. Where possible start drinking plenty of water a few days before fasting and continue in the days after.
Health Considerations
Consult a doctor if you have medical concerns or conditions that might be affected by fasting. Fasting is not supposed to be life-threatening.
Break the Fast Gradually
If fasting for an extended period, break the fast with light, easily digestible foods.
Lasting change
Use the fast as an opportunity to implement and build on positive changes you will continue long after the fasting has ended. Don't simply go back to living or seeking God as you did before each fast.
Use a Fasting Journal
Keeping a record of what we learn about God and ourselves while we fast is powerful. It indicates the value we place on hearing from God and growing spiritually. It's an act of faith demonstrating that we expect to hear from God. Intentionally preparing to take notes in a journal can help us approach fasting with a listening ear. Using a fasting journal also gives us something to review to help us retain what we consider significant enough to record. Reviewing the journal also helps us identify patterns in our walk with God.
How Christians Fast
Christian fasting is a transformative spiritual practice. Whether you choose a complete fast, a Daniel Fast, or a partial fast, the key is to approach it with a heart focused on God. It is important to understand how to fast, but the most important thing is why. Remember, the purpose of fasting is not to achieve perfection but to grow closer to the Lord. By choosing the type of fast that best allows you to seek God first, you can embark on a journey of renewal, clarity, and deeper connection with God.
Blessing in Action: How Christians Fast
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 ESV
Fasting is a powerful practice. Consider how you could incorporate fasting into your life or engage in it more effectively. Do you focus more on the nature of the fast or its purpose? How successfully do you disengage from distractions and seek God first? How might fasting help you in this area?
Blessings!
Boma