Fasting is the spiritual practice of refraining from something to focus on something else. Biblically speaking, fasting was about refraining from food. In the modern sense, however, fasting can include refraining from other things such as social media, alcohol, television, etc. Now while it’s true that fasting can be misused, and misunderstood - Jesus assumes in Matthew 6:16-18 that this is a spiritual practice that His followers will do.

And when we fast, that is, when we intentionally set something aside to focus on the Lord, the Spirit transforms us in the following ways: 

  • We are spiritually powered up because we’re more dependent on His Spirit to sustain us (Luke 4:1, Luke 4:14)

  • Our love for others increases because as we say no to things, we’re able to more clearly see those who are in need (Isaiah 58:6)

  • We experience more of God because we’re driven to pray whenever we’re reminded of our fasting (John 4:34, Matthew 4:4)

  • And, perhaps most noticeably, fasting reveals who we really are because we’re able to see more clearly the things that control us. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 6:12, we don’t want anything to have mastery over our lives. By saying no to things for a season, we’re more empowered to say yes to things of Jesus.

questions to ask before you fast

  1. Looking at the list below, what would you like to fast from? Why? Where have you seen its grip on your life?

  2. Once you’ve selected what to fast from, how long would you like to fast? Who can you invite to fast with you and/or hold you accountable?

  3. As you’re fasting, what biblical truths and verses do you need to remind yourself of? When you’re reminded of your fast, what/who can you pray for?

Questions to ask after your fast

  1. During your fast, what did the Lord reveal to you? What made it challenging? What biblical truths were brought to mind? 

  2. When you break from your fast, how might you be more intentional with whatever you fasted from? (For example, if you fasted from social media, how might you use it going forward in a more manageable way?)

  3. Since Jesus assumes fasting is something we ought to regularly practice, how might you incorporate fasting more regularly into your life? To create a plan, try using our Rule of Life template.

POTENTIAL THINGS TO FAST FROM

Background noise - Music/Radio/Podcasts

Background noises include music, podcasts, radio, or anything you listen to without any real intentionality. By abstaining from these, we unbusy our minds to be more present and in the moment. In those moments where we recognize the silence, let’s invite God into those moments and more fully recognize His presence.

TV/Movies/Video games 

This includes streaming services, going to the movies, channel surfing, etc. By abstaining from these, we step back from the need to always entertain ourselves, and instead, we fix our minds on Jesus and press more into the relationships God has placed around us.

Non-essential phone and Internet usage 

Essential usage includes whatever you need for work - text, email, etc. Non-essential usage includes social media, Internet browsing, among others. By abstaining from these, we recognize that our phones shouldn’t demand our constant attention. Life goes on even if we step back from our phones for a whole hour or day. Instead of setting our attention on our screens, we set our attention on Jesus, the true source of life.

Non-essential shopping

Essential shopping includes things like groceries and other basic necessities. Non-essential shopping includes window shopping, scrolling mindlessly through Amazon, eBay, etc. By abstaining from these, we recognize how much we are ruled by consumerism and the nagging need to always want more, more, more. Instead, we see that in Jesus alone we have everything we need to live a full life of contentment and joy. 

Caffeine, Alcohol, Sweets and/or Desserts 

Because Jesus is our Lord that means He ought to have mastery over every sphere of life. That’s why Paul is able to say in 1 Corinthians 6:12b, “I will not be mastered by anything.”

By abstaining from caffeine, alcohol, and/or processed sugar, we recognize that such things can have mastery over our lives - both body and mind. We can often run to these things to make the day more manageable or to numb ourselves from reality. By fasting from these, we remember that it is the Lord who ultimately sustains us. 

Food 

Biblically speaking, fasting was about abstaining from food as a means of repentance and seeking the Lord. If you’ve never fasted before, we would suggest starting out by skipping one to two meals for one day a week. During that time, whenever you feel the hunger pangs set in, use that as a prayer prompt and press into Jesus.*


* For those who have complications with food - whether that’s low blood sugar, dietary restrictions, or you’ve struggled/been diagnosed with an eating disorder - we’d encourage you to process with the Lord and seek wisdom from others as to whether you should fast from food or not.