Biblical fasting is a long-established Christian practice that helps believers draw closer to God, seek His direction, and experience spiritual breakthroughs. This article will explore the purpose of fasting, the different types of biblical fasts, key scriptures that shape this discipline, and practical ways to seek God through fasting—while also remembering the call to serve others during this sacred time.
Chapel will be open for daily prayer Monday - Friday | 12 noon - 1:00 pm
Chapel will be open for daily prayer Monday - Friday | 12 noon - 1:00 pm
Daily Prayer Points
January 4 - Pray for our new pastor and his family.
January 5 - Pray for our church staff and leaders.
January 6 - Pray for our church during this time of transition
January 7 - Pray for God’s healing touch
January 8 - Pray for the Harvest
January 9 - Pray for our Families
January 10 - Pray for the First Assembly Christian School students and staff
January 11 - Pray for our Nation
January 12 - Pray for our Schools
January 13 - Pray for our National Leaders
January 14 - Pray for our State Leaders
January 15 - Pray for our Local Leaders
January 16 - Pray for our Judiciary
January 17 - Pray for our Churches
January 18 - Pray for financial provision
January 19 - Pray for boldness and compassion
January 20 - Pray for deepening spiritual hunger
January 21 - Pray for our evangelistic outreach
January 22 - Pray for unity, peace, & hope in our congregation
January 23 - Pray for those who need Jesus
January 24 - Pray for the youth in our community
January 5 - Pray for our church staff and leaders.
January 6 - Pray for our church during this time of transition
January 7 - Pray for God’s healing touch
January 8 - Pray for the Harvest
January 9 - Pray for our Families
January 10 - Pray for the First Assembly Christian School students and staff
January 11 - Pray for our Nation
January 12 - Pray for our Schools
January 13 - Pray for our National Leaders
January 14 - Pray for our State Leaders
January 15 - Pray for our Local Leaders
January 16 - Pray for our Judiciary
January 17 - Pray for our Churches
January 18 - Pray for financial provision
January 19 - Pray for boldness and compassion
January 20 - Pray for deepening spiritual hunger
January 21 - Pray for our evangelistic outreach
January 22 - Pray for unity, peace, & hope in our congregation
January 23 - Pray for those who need Jesus
January 24 - Pray for the youth in our community
The Purpose of Fasting
Christians fast for a variety of deeply spiritual reasons. One of the primary purposes of biblical fasting is to seek God’s guidance. In seasons of uncertainty or major decisions, believers set aside food to focus on prayer, creating space for clarity, peace, and a deeper awareness of God’s voice. Fasting is also closely linked with repentance. Throughout Scripture, God’s people fasted to show humility, sorrow over sin, and a sincere desire for forgiveness. Fasting becomes an outward expression of a repentant heart and a longing for spiritual renewal. Another purpose of fasting is spiritual rejuvenation. When believers feel distant from God or spiritually drained, fasting helps quiet distractions and refocus the heart on God’s presence. This intentional act often brings renewed strength, passion, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Fasting may also be done on behalf of others. Intercessory fasting allows believers to carry the burdens of those in need, praying with greater compassion and urgency. This form of fasting expresses love, unity, and a desire to see God intervene in the lives of others. It is important to remember that fasting does not earn God’s favor or manipulate His actions. Instead, it is an act of humility—acknowledging our dependence on Him and submitting to His will. Through fasting, believers align themselves more fully with God’s purposes, draw closer to Him, and strengthen their faith.
Examples of Fasting in Scripture
The Bible provides many examples of individuals and groups who fasted during significant moments:
Moses fasted for forty days on Mount Sinai as he received the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28).
David fasted in grief and repentance as he prayed for his sick child (2 Samuel 12:16).
Esther called the Jewish people to fast for three days before she approached the king to plead for their lives (Esther 4:16).
Jesus fasted for forty days in the wilderness to prepare for His ministry (Matthew 4:1–2).
The early church fasted when seeking God’s wisdom for appointing leaders (Acts 14:23).
These examples show that biblical fasting is not an empty ritual but a meaningful
way to seek God earnestly, prepare for spiritual challenges,
and align oneself with His will.
Moses fasted for forty days on Mount Sinai as he received the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28).
David fasted in grief and repentance as he prayed for his sick child (2 Samuel 12:16).
Esther called the Jewish people to fast for three days before she approached the king to plead for their lives (Esther 4:16).
Jesus fasted for forty days in the wilderness to prepare for His ministry (Matthew 4:1–2).
The early church fasted when seeking God’s wisdom for appointing leaders (Acts 14:23).
These examples show that biblical fasting is not an empty ritual but a meaningful
way to seek God earnestly, prepare for spiritual challenges,
and align oneself with His will.
Types of Biblical Fasting
Liquid Fast
Consuming only liquids—such as water, broth, or juice—while abstaining from solid foods.
This option is often chosen by those new to fasting or those with health limitations.
Normal Fast
Abstaining from food for a set period, often 24 hours or longer. This common form requires discipline and
helps believers focus more fully on prayer and reflection.
Intermittent Fast
A pattern of fasting during certain hours or days. This flexible method allows people to incorporate
fasting into normal routines while still experiencing spiritual benefits.
Absolute Fast
Refraining from all food and water for a very short period (usually one day). Because it is physically demanding,
this fast should be approached carefully and only when medically safe.
Corporate Fast
A group of believers fasting together for a shared purpose—such as revival, repentance, or community
breakthrough. Corporate fasting builds unity and amplifies collective prayer.
The Daniel Fast
Based on Daniel’s example, this fast involves abstaining from meat, sweets, and rich foods while eating
only fruits, vegetables, and water. It is often used to seek spiritual clarity, purity, and physical renewal.
Each of these fasting practices offers unique opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper connection with God.
Consuming only liquids—such as water, broth, or juice—while abstaining from solid foods.
This option is often chosen by those new to fasting or those with health limitations.
Normal Fast
Abstaining from food for a set period, often 24 hours or longer. This common form requires discipline and
helps believers focus more fully on prayer and reflection.
Intermittent Fast
A pattern of fasting during certain hours or days. This flexible method allows people to incorporate
fasting into normal routines while still experiencing spiritual benefits.
Absolute Fast
Refraining from all food and water for a very short period (usually one day). Because it is physically demanding,
this fast should be approached carefully and only when medically safe.
Corporate Fast
A group of believers fasting together for a shared purpose—such as revival, repentance, or community
breakthrough. Corporate fasting builds unity and amplifies collective prayer.
The Daniel Fast
Based on Daniel’s example, this fast involves abstaining from meat, sweets, and rich foods while eating
only fruits, vegetables, and water. It is often used to seek spiritual clarity, purity, and physical renewal.
Each of these fasting practices offers unique opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper connection with God.
How to Seek God Through Fasting
Seeking God through fasting involves intentionally setting aside time for prayer, Scripture meditation,
and self-examination. It is not simply the absence of food—it is the pursuit of God.
Biblical figures such as Nehemiah, Daniel, and Jesus emphasized fasting with the right heart.
Isaiah reminds believers that fasting must be sincere and accompanied by acts of compassion and justice.
Jesus taught His followers to fast without drawing attention to themselves, focusing instead on inward devotion.
Spiritual fasting heightens sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, strengthens spiritual discernment,
and often leads to powerful personal transformation. Whether through a complete fast, a partial fast,
or another biblical method, fasting helps believers align with God’s will and deepen their relationship with Him.
Those considering an extended fast should seek medical advice, especially if they have health concerns.
and self-examination. It is not simply the absence of food—it is the pursuit of God.
Biblical figures such as Nehemiah, Daniel, and Jesus emphasized fasting with the right heart.
Isaiah reminds believers that fasting must be sincere and accompanied by acts of compassion and justice.
Jesus taught His followers to fast without drawing attention to themselves, focusing instead on inward devotion.
Spiritual fasting heightens sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, strengthens spiritual discernment,
and often leads to powerful personal transformation. Whether through a complete fast, a partial fast,
or another biblical method, fasting helps believers align with God’s will and deepen their relationship with Him.
Those considering an extended fast should seek medical advice, especially if they have health concerns.