21 Days
Fasting and Prayer

1. What Is Biblical Fasting?

Biblical fasting can be defined as abstaining from food for spiritual purposes. Simply going without food because it is not available or because of medical reasons is not biblical fasting. There must be a spiritual motivation to qualify a fast as Scriptural.

John Piper writes in his book Hunger for God:

“Christian fasting, at its root, is the hunger of a homesickness for God. Christian fasting is not only the spontaneous effect of superior satisfaction in God, it is also a chosen weapon against every force in the world that would take that satisfaction away.”

2. Some Biblical Examples and Purposes of Fasting

Jesus fasted to acknowledge His dependence and to gain spiritual strength through reliance on the Holy Spirit and God’s Word. He did this before He began His public ministry (Luke 4:1–2).

Nehemiah fasted for confession, repentance, and favor in the sight of the king to get permission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1:4).

David humbled himself for God to intervene because of injustice (Psalm 35:13). In 2 Samuel 12:17, 23, he fasted for healing and miraculous intervention.

Mordecai and the Jews fasted upon hearing news of Haman’s wicked plot for their extermination (Esther 4:3).

The Early Church fasted while worshiping and committing their ministry to the Lord. They also sought the Lord through fasting for guidance, confirmation, and the appointment of elders (Acts 13:2; 14:23).

Jesus expected His disciples to fast, but He did not command it (Matthew 6:16).

3. Wrong Motivations in Fasting

To be seen by others (Matthew 6:18).
“The critical issue is not whether people know you are fasting but whether you want them to know so that you can bask in their admiration.”

To be justified by God (Luke 18:12–14).
There once were two men. One said, “I fast twice a week.” The other said, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” Only one went down to his house justified.

To be commended to God (1 Corinthians 8:8).
Food will not commend us to God. We are neither the worse if we do not eat, nor the better if we do eat. Fasting does not cause us to earn something from God, but it helps us become more receptive to what He wants to do in and through us.

4. Right Motivations for Fasting

• Repentance
• Spiritual strength against enemy attack
• To break demonic bondage. “This kind does not come out except by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21, HCSB)
• To awaken a spiritual hunger for God that may be dulled by a desire for other things
• To test and see what desires control us
• To forfeit good things for the better and the best
• To express our ache for His return. “I have food to eat that you know nothing about” (John 4:32, NIV)
• To demonstrate our love and desire for God above all things, even His gifts
• To divide our bread with the poor, loosen bonds of wickedness, and let the oppressed go free (Isaiah 58:6–7)

5. Types of Fasts

There are three types of fasts commonly practiced by Christians:

1. Partial Fast
Described in the book of Daniel where for three weeks he abstained from delicacies, meat, and wine (Daniel 10:3).

2. Supernatural Fast
A total fast with no food or water. Paul went on an absolute fast for three days following his encounter with Jesus (Acts 9:9). Moses and Elijah engaged in a supernatural fast of forty days (Deuteronomy 9:9; 1 Kings 19:8). This kind of fast should be done with great care. Our bodies cannot go without water for more than three days.

3. Complete Fast
Water or juice fasting, especially when fasting for an extended period. Juice fasts provide more energy than water-only fasts and still lead into the humbling experience of denying the desire for solid, chewable food.

6. Getting Into a Fast (For Water and Juice Fasts)

For those new to fasting, start slowly. Progressive steps help the body adjust to reduced food intake. Consider fasting one meal a day, one day a week, or one week a month.

Before the Fast
Those planning an extended fast (more than 14 days) should prepare mentally and physically by cutting down food intake one week before beginning. A vegetarian diet can help reduce cravings. Reduce strong beverages such as coffee, tea, or soda, and drink plenty of water.

During the Fast
Use the time normally spent on meals to pray and seek the Lord. Keep a journal of what God is showing or speaking to you. Continue drinking plenty of water. Apple or watermelon juice can help with energy. Sleep early, as the first few days are often the most challenging. Persevere, and consult your doctor if you are unsure about headaches or physical reactions.

Ending the Fast
Do not break an extended fast abruptly. Begin with small portions of food or liquids and gradually return to a normal diet over about a week.

Be cautious, and always consult your doctor if you are unsure about your physical condition.

Source: https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/spiritual-growth/fasting/biblical-fasting.html