What Is a Biblical Fast?

Question: The Bible seems to mention people “fasting” a lot. How did they do that? Should we still do it?

Answer: Let’s see how the Bible defines fasting. God instructs His people that, every year on the Day of Atonement—one of God’s seven annual Holy Days—they are to “afflict your souls” (Leviticus 23:26–32). In the New Testament, this day is described as “the Fast” (Acts 27:9). On this Holy Day, God expects His people to fast—to go completely without food and drink, including water (Esther 4:16).

Apart from that Holy Day, our other fasts may last for varying lengths of time depending on the situation. The Day of Atonement prescribes a one-day fast from sunset to sunset, and for other fasts a similar length is typically a good target. However, some people may not be able to fast for very long—much depends on personal health and circumstances. If you are pregnant or elderly, have a medical condition, or are new to fasting, you may need to adjust how long you fast based on what your body can handle. Those with health concerns may want to talk with a doctor before undertaking any fasts longer than their bodies are used to.

But the duration of a fast is not what is most important about it. What is most important is that we use this tool with the right attitude to achieve the right results. Jesus taught His disciples about proper fasting, saying, “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites” (Matthew 6:16), indicating that He expects His followers to fast. He went on to explain that we shouldn’t try to impress others by making our fasting obvious to them—rather, we should appear to be having a normal day (Matthew 6:16–18). Of course, for practical purposes, those in your household may need to know.

At one time, God condemned the people of ancient Israel for their superficial show of religion. Instead of fasting to humble themselves, seek God’s will, and put off their sinful behavior, they fasted merely to appear righteous (Isaiah 58:3–5). Fasting should remind us that we are mortal beings who become weak very quickly—and that, without God, we are nothing. It helps us see that we need Him and that we must look to and rely on Him for our strength and salvation. This practice brings humility and, when we do it correctly, helps us gain the proper perspective in our approach to God.

How to Fast Correctly

God will not bless our fasting if we aren’t humbly seeking His guidance, His power, and His will for our lives. If we aren’t genuinely trying to put off our selfishness, greed, and vanity, and to put on the mind and character of Jesus Christ, our fasting will be in vain. “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore, submit to God…. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:6–10).

The purpose of fasting is to grow in humility, draw closer to God, and submit to His will in our lives. Therefore, when we fast, we need to spend significant extra time in prayer, Bible study, and meditation. When Daniel was seeking understanding, he “set [his] face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplication, with fasting” (Daniel 9:3). He accompanied his fasting with heartfelt prayer praising God, acknowledging God’s authority and control. He also confessed his sins and asked for God’s forgiveness. Daniel’s prayer displays the humble and submissive attitude God is looking for. Because of that attitude, the angel Gabriel was sent to him, telling him that he was “greatly beloved” and his prayers were heard (Daniel 9:4–23).

When we fast, we strive to shift our focus away from this material world and onto God’s will, His way of life, His promises, His plan, and our spiritual life. To do this successfully, we need to study the Bible and meditate on its truth. As Jesus said after His fast, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God” (Luke 4:4). Biblical fasting is a powerful tool God has given us to humble ourselves, draw near to Him, and seek His will in our lives.