What does the Bible say about spiritual fasting
In the Old Testament, God commanded Israel to observe several designated fasting periods. For New Testament believers, fasting was neither commanded nor prohibited in the Bible. While early Christians were not required to fast, many regularly practiced prayer and fasting.
Jesus himself stated in Luke 5:35 that after his death, fasting would be appropriate for his followers: "The days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days" (ESV).
Fasting clearly has a place and purpose for the people of God today.
What is fasting?
In most cases, spiritual fasting involves abstaining from food while focusing on prayer. This can mean refraining from snacks between meals, skipping one or two meals a day, refraining from only certain foods or a total fast from all foods for a whole day or more.
For medical reasons, some people may not be able to fast completely. They can choose to abstain only from certain foods, such as sugar or chocolate, or from anything other than food. In truth, believers can fast from anything. Doing something temporarily, such as television or soda, as a way of redirecting our attention from earthly things to God, can also be considered a spiritual fast.
The purpose of spiritual fasting
While many people fast to lose weight, dieting is not the purpose of spiritual fasting. Instead, fasting offers unique spiritual benefits in the believer's life.
Fasting requires self-control and discipline, since the natural desires of the flesh are denied. During spiritual fasting, the believer's attention is removed from the physical things of this world and intensely focused on God.
In other words, fasting directs our hunger for God. It clears the mind and body of earthly attention and brings us closer to God. So as we gain spiritual clarity of thought as we fast, it allows us to hear more clearly the voice of God. . Fasting also demonstrates a profound need for God's help and guidance through complete dependence on him.
What fasting is not
Spiritual fasting is not a way to gain God's favor by making him do something for us. Rather, the aim is to bring about a transformation in us: clearer, more focused attention and dependence on God.
Fasting must never be a public manifestation of spirituality, it is only between you and God. In fact, Jesus specifically commissioned us to let our fasting be done privately and in humility, otherwise we lose the benefits. And while the Old Testament fast was a sign of mourning, New Testament believers were taught to practice fasting with a cheerful attitude:
“And when you fast, don't look as gloomy as the hypocrites, because they disfigure their faces so that their fasting can be seen by others. Actually, I tell you, they received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting cannot 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)
Finally, it should be understood that spiritual fasting is never meant to punish or harm the body.
More questions about spiritual fasting
How long should I fast?
Fasting, especially from food, should be limited to a certain period of time. Fasting for too long can cause harm to the body.
As I hesitate to declare the obvious, your decision to fast should be guided by the Holy Spirit. Also, I highly recommend, especially if you have never fasted, to consult a doctor and a spiritual before undertaking any type of prolonged fast. While Jesus and Moses both fasted for 40 days without food and water, this was clearly an impossible human achievement, accomplished only through the empowerment of the Holy Ghost.
(Important note: fasting without water is extremely dangerous. Although we have fasted on many occasions, the longest without food is a six day period, we have never done so without water.)
How often can I fast?
New Testament Christians regularly practiced prayer and fasting. Since there is no biblical command to fast, believers should be guided by God through prayer regarding when and how often to fast.
Examples of fasting in the Bible
Fasting of the Old Testament
Moses fasted 40 days on behalf of Israel's sin: Deuteronomy 9: 9, 18, 25-29; 10:10.
David fasted and mourned the death of Saul: 2 Samuel 1:12.
David fasted and mourned Abner's death: 2 Samuel 3:35.
David fasted and mourned the death of his son: 2 Samuel 12:16.
Elijah fasted 40 days after fleeing Jezebel: 1 Kings 19: 7-18.
Ahab fasted and humbled himself before God: 1 Kings 21: 27-29.
Darius fasted worried for Daniel: Daniel 6: 18-24.
Daniel fasted on behalf of Judah's sin as he read Jeremiah's prophecy: Daniel 9: 1-19.
Daniel fasted on a mysterious vision of God: Daniel 10: 3-13.
Esther fasted on behalf of his people: Esther 4: 13-16.
Ezra fasted and wept for the sins of the remaining return: Ezra 10: 6-17.
Nehemiah fasted and wept on the broken walls of Jerusalem: Nehemiah 1: 4-2: 10.
The people of Nineveh fasted after listening to Jonah's message: Jonah 3.
Fasting of the New Testament
Anna fasted for the redemption of Jerusalem through the next Messiah: Luke 2:37.
Jesus fasted 40 days before his temptation and the start of his ministry: Matthew 4: 1-11.
John the Baptist's disciples fasted: Matthew 9: 14-15.
The elders of Antioch fasted before sending Paul and Barnabas away: Acts 13: 1-5.
Cornelius fasted and sought God's plan of salvation: Acts 10:30.
Paul fasted three days after meeting Damascus Road: Acts 9: 9.
Paul fasted 14 days while he was at sea on a sinking ship: Acts 27: 33-34.