But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
What the Bible Says About Fasting
Fasting is a spiritual discipline practiced throughout the Bible by believers who wanted to draw closer to God, seek His guidance, and express deep dependence on Him. Moses fasted forty days on Mount Sinai. David fasted when his child was sick. Esther called for a fast before approaching the king. Jesus fasted forty days in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry. The practice spans both testaments and is modeled by the most faithful servants of God.
Jesus assumed that His followers would fast. In Matthew 6, He did not say if you fast but when you fast, indicating that fasting was an expected practice. He instructed His followers to fast privately, without making a show of it, and promised that the Father who sees in secret would reward openly. The purpose of fasting is not to impress others or earn God's favor but to humble the soul and focus the heart on God alone.
Isaiah 58 reveals God's heart for the kind of fasting that truly pleases Him. He rejected Israel's fasts because they fasted while continuing to oppress their workers and quarrel with one another. The fast God chooses is one that loosens the bonds of wickedness, sets the oppressed free, shares bread with the hungry, and brings the poor into shelter. True fasting produces not just personal devotion but tangible justice and compassion.
In the early church, fasting was practiced at critical moments of decision and commissioning. Before sending out Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey, the church at Antioch fasted and prayed. Before appointing elders, Paul and Barnabas fasted and prayed. This pattern shows that fasting creates spiritual clarity and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's direction, making it an invaluable practice for seeking God's will in important decisions.
Key Bible Verses
“But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.”
— Matthew 6:17-18
“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?”
— Isaiah 58:6
“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”
— Acts 13:2-3
“Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:”
— Joel 2:12
Practical Application
- Begin with a simple fast, such as skipping one meal, and use that time for focused prayer and Scripture reading.
- Fast with a specific purpose: seeking God's guidance on a decision, praying for a breakthrough, or expressing repentance.
- Keep your fasting private, between you and God, following Jesus' instruction not to make a display of it.
- As you fast from food, consider also fasting from distractions like social media or entertainment to create more space for God.
- If you have health conditions that prevent food fasting, consider fasting from other things while maintaining the spiritual posture of dependence and devotion.
Family Discussion & Activity
Discussion Questions
- ? What is fasting, and why do people in the Bible fast?
- ? How is fasting different from just going hungry?
- ? What does Jesus say about how we should fast?
- ? In Isaiah 58, what kind of fasting does God say pleases Him most?
Family Activity
This week, look for examples of fasting in your daily lives. Share one example at dinner each night and talk about how the Bible's teachings on fasting can guide your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fasting required for Christians?
The Bible does not command specific fasting schedules for Christians, but Jesus clearly expected His followers to fast (Matthew 6:16-18, using the word when rather than if). Fasting is a voluntary spiritual discipline that deepens prayer and increases sensitivity to God. While not technically required, it is strongly modeled and encouraged throughout Scripture.
What are the different types of fasts in the Bible?
Scripture records several types of fasts. A normal fast involves abstaining from food while continuing to drink water. An absolute fast involves abstaining from both food and water for a short period (Esther 4:16, Acts 9:9). A partial fast involves restricting certain foods, as Daniel did when he ate only vegetables and water (Daniel 1:12). Jesus and Moses both fasted for forty days, which were supernatural fasts sustained by God's power.
How do I start fasting if I have never done it before?
Begin small. Try skipping one meal and spending that time in prayer and Bible reading. Stay hydrated. Have a specific prayer focus for your fast. Do not announce your fast to others. As you grow more comfortable, you can extend the duration. If you have any medical conditions, consult a doctor before fasting from food. Remember that the heart behind the fast matters more than the length.
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