Simply stated, biblical fasting is refraining from food for a spiritual purpose. There is a connection between what we do physically and what God releases spiritually in the Bible, and when you fast, you partner with God.
He desires to have a divine partnership with you in the area of fasting and prayer for your family, your life, and His purpose in the earth, and there are times when God requires us to take a physical action to receive a spiritual blessing.
Start with a clear goal. Be specific. Why are you fasting? Do you need direction, healing, restoration of marriage or family issues? Are you facing financial difficulties? Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Pray daily and read the Bible.
Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness. Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended. Surrender your life fully to Jesus and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you.
Your fasting type is up to you. You could go on a full fast in which you only drink liquids, or you may desire to fast like Daniel, who abstained from sweets and meats, and the only liquid he drank was water. Remember to replace that time with prayer and Bible study.
You may fast as long as you like. Most can easily fast from one to three days, but you may feel the grace to go longer, even as much as 21 to 40 days. Use wisdom and pray for guidance. Beginners are advised to start slow.
When you fast, your body detoxifies causing mild discomfort (headaches, irritability). You will naturally have hunger pains. Rest. Limit activity and exercise moderately. Listen to praise and worship. Pray as often as you can. Get away from normal distractions and keep your heart and mindset on seeking God’s face.
Fasting brings about miraculous results and you are following Jesus’ example! Don’t overeat when the time comes to end your fast. Begin eating solid food gradually; eat small portions or snacks.
This type of fast removes all foods, and you drink only liquids.
With this fast you abstain from certain types of food throughout the fast — often called a Daniel Fast.
This fast means you abstain from a certain meal (or meals) each day during the fast.
This fast involves a group or community collectively abstaining from food for a shared purpose.
Esther and Paul
Queen Esther called for a three-day fast among the Jewish people in Susa, including herself, before approaching King Xerxes to intercede for her people (Esther 4:16).
After encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul fasted and prayed for three days (Acts 9:9-19).
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Feast of Unleavened Bread
The Israelites observed the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days, during which they ate unleavened bread and refrained from leavened products (Exodus 12:15-20).
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Daniel
Daniel and his friends fasted from the king's rich food and wine for ten days as a form of dedication and purification (Daniel 1:12-15).
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Daniel
Daniel saw a terrifying vision from God. It was so terrifying, in fact, that Daniel fasted for three weeks, in mourning for what was about to come upon the earth. (Daniel 10:2-3)
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Jesus and Moses
The Gospels record that Jesus fasted for forty days and nights in the wilderness before facing temptations by Satan (Matthew 4:1-2; Luke 4:1-2).
Moses fasted for forty days and nights twice while on Mount Sinai, receiving the Ten Commandments during these periods (Exodus 24:18; 34:28; Deuteronomy 9:9, 18).
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