Definition and Purpose of Fasting

• Fasting is described as voluntarily abstaining from food (or something else) to focus on God.
• The purpose of fasting is to create space for God, heighten spiritual awareness, and align oneself with God’s will. It is a physical act with spiritual significance, aiming to deepen dependence on God.  It is a tool for spiritual growth, self-examination, and intimacy with God. 
• There are also church-wide benefits when we pray and fast together as a church 
  1. In Judges 20:26, we see the Israelites fasting from sunup to sundown as they sought direction from the Lord.
  2. In Ezra 8, we see Ezra proclaiming a fast to seek God together.

Fasting is a Biblical practice seen throughout Scripture—Moses on Mount Sinai, Jesus in the wilderness, and the early church as they sought God’s guidance. It’s a way of seeking God’s presence, direction, and intervention. People fast to grow in hunger for God, intercede for others, repent, or prepare for what God is calling them to. Fasting can take many forms: complete fasts, food-related fasts like the Daniel Fast, partial fasts, or non-food fasts such as stepping away from media or other distractions.

Fasting should be approached with humility and wisdom—not as legalism or pride—and may not be appropriate for everyone medically. Start small, set a clear spiritual focus, pair fasting with prayer, and extend grace to yourself in the process. When practiced in a healthy, prayerful way, fasting increases our awareness of God, builds humility, and brings spiritual renewal. Ultimately, fasting is more than self-denial; it’s a transformative practice that creates space for God to work deeply in our lives.