8 Ways to Fast Biblically 

What types of fasting do we see in the scriptures? And how can we apply these to our own lives so that when we fast, we can be sure we are fasting biblically?
 
I’d like to suggest that we see eight different ways of fasting in the bible:
 

(1) Diet or Distractions

Perhaps it’s just me that associates the words fast and food together all too easily – but even spiritually, whenever we think about fasting we instantly imagine abstaining from food… however, there are other times when it’s not the diet that takes a hit – but distractions.

In both the Old and New Testament there are examples of couples mutual agreeing to abstain from sex for a period of time in order to sacrifice that pleasure and focus more fully on prayer together.
 
There may be good reasons, age, health or other personal circumstances why fasting from food would be unwise for us in this particular season – so what other distractions might we think about fasting from in order to give us more time, space and focus upon God?
 

(2) Response or Rhythm

Sometimes fasting is a response to something. There are so many examples in scriptures of people fasting in response to a particular crisis, challenge or need: Deliverance, direction, healing, empowering…
The urgency of the situation calls for a radical and sacrificial response.

However, of one church we simply read that they were: “worshipping and fasting” – and we’re not given any hint as to any cause to do so. It seems to have simply been part of their rhythm.

I’ve had friends who have had a monthly and even weekly rhythm of fasting in their lives and the resulting spiritual health has been clear to see!
  

(3) Full or partial

It’s true to say that fasting usually refers to abstaining from food and drink – and just drinking water for a day or more at a time… but in the scriptures we also have examples of people who fast from certain types of food.

Famously, there’s the Daniel fast – where he expressed his grief through not eating any “choice foods” or drinking any wine.
 
It may be that we feel called to a “full fast” or that we might feel (for all kinds of reasons) able to partake in a “partial” fast where we simply sacrifice one meal or one type of food in order to create that space, time and focus for prayer.
 

(4) Individually or in community

We often get a bit confused in those seasons when God’s people are called to prayer and fasting corporately – because Jesus’ teaching in the sermon on the mount commands secrecy about the spiritual practice of fasting…
 
However, Jesus’ teaching about how we fast is really getting to heart of why we fast. If, as an individual, fasting is a way of appearing more spiritual in front of others – Jesus says that’s all we will ever get out of it.
 
But, there are clear times in both Old and New Testament when God’s people fast and pray together… and that is just as valid, precious and powerful… so long as our motives for doing it remain centered fully on God.
 
 
So don’t be put off by the idea of fasting – as we have seen there are many ways we can engage in this healthy habit of fasting.
 
Whenever, it’s diet or distractions, in response or in rhythm, full or partial, individually or in community... the time, space and focus can add a powerful dimension to our prayer lives and relationship with God!