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Fasting: Why and How

This article aims to encourage us in the practice of fasting. It is clear that the New testament does not include a blanket instruction that people are to fast, in the same way as it gives instructions to pray without ceasing, to abide in Christ, or to love one another. There are clear commands and precise prohibitions in both Old and New Testaments, but fasting is not in that category.

At the same time, there is much more in the Bible than one might suspect to encourage us to believe that fasting is a very helpful practice. Sure, it can be abused, but so also the Bible teaches us can prayer, preaching and Holy Communion.

In this paper I intend to draw attention to some literature, to unpack some of the Biblical teaching on fasting, and to give reasons for fasting. The (Anglican) Book of Common Prayer (1662) includes a reference to fast days, though I have never been aware of any significant push towards fasting in the Anglican Church.

I have not dealt with dietary or medical issues that relate to fasting. I recommend that people should consult a medical practitioner before and in relation to fasting, especially if there is serious illness, anemia or in the case of pregnant and nursing mothers. The book by Bill Bright contains some input from medical people, but my input is confined to theological and pastoral considerations.

Biblical Teaching on Fasting

Joel 2: 12,13 brings a call to all Israel to fast for cleansing of sin, possibly with reference to the Day of Atonement.' "Yet even now." Says the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the LORD, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and repents of evil.' It seems that Israel fasted on this day, and Paul observed the fast (Acts 27: 9)

Psalm 35: 13 indicates an occasion when King David fasted on account of the sickness of people (who later acted maliciously towards him). 'But I, when they were sick- I wore sackcloth, I afflicted myself with fasting. I prayed with head bowed on my bosom, as though I grieved for my friend or my brother; I went about as one who laments his mother, bowed down and in mourning.'

On another occasion, David fasted in his quest for humility. 'When I humbled my soul with fasting, it became my reproach.' (Psalm 69: 10)

It is always possible that fasting will be associated with self-righteousness and hypocrisy. 'Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure, and oppress all your workers. Behold, you fast only to quarrel and fight and to hit with wicked fist. Fasting like yours this day will not make your voice to be heard on high… Is not this the fast that I choose; to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?' Fasting to break evil yokes will be married to a lifestyle consistent with the care of those who suffer from material yokes of poverty.

In Nehemiah 9: 1-2 we read that the people of Israel in post-exilic Jerusalem fasted for repentance and greater consecration to the Lord, and to receive his written word expounded.

Daniel fasted prior to praying identificational repentance for all his people (Daniel 9: 3 and ff).

The old prophetess Anna habitually fasted into old age as part of her vigil for the coming of Messiah. 'She did not depart from the temple. Worshipping with fasting and prayer night and day… and spoke of him (i.e. the infant Jesus) to all who were looking for the redemption of Israel.' (Luke 2: 37-38). Her fasting undergirded her persistent prophetic activity.

Jesus gave his disciples instructions that fasting was not to be done in a showy and boastful manner. Although he did not decree fasting, his words implied that fasting was a normal activity. 'And when you fast, do not look dismal like the hypocrites… But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.' (Matthew 6: 16-18). Does this mean that no one should know you are fasting. The answer emphatically is "No!". In Nehemiah 9: 1-2, it was known widely that the bulk of the people were fasting. In Acts 13: 3 it was known that those who laid hands on Paul had first fasted.

But did not Jesus abolish fasting (Mark 2: 18-19) ? Again, "No!" He took a stand against religious legalism. His disciples did not have to fast because of rules or tradition. Indeed, their times of "unexpected" non-fasting were taken as prophetic acts pointing to their nearness to "the Bridegroom". Some ancient versions of Mark 9: 29 indicate that Jesus said that certain instances of demonic deliverance could not be achieved without prayer and fasting. I concede that the word "fasting" is missing from many manuscripts.

Jesus himself fasted for forty days and forty nights prior to a power encounter with Satan and prior to his public ministry (Luke 4: 1-13).

Before Barnabas and Paul were released by the church at Antioch in Syria for their first missionary journey in "Asia Minor", five of the "prophets and teachers" in the church fasted. 'Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.' (Acts 13: 3) Fasting was associated here with commissioning. It is interesting that Luke gives their names. Some were Jewish, some Gentile, and one was a public servant of Herod.

Paul fasted often. (2 Corinthians 11: 27) It is conceded that some of these fasts may have been enforced by deprivation of food supply. He also privately prayed in tongues a lot (1 Corinthians 14: 18), another optional spiritual discipline. Things that were often part of Paul's pilgrimage are often thought today to be quite marginal to the normal Christian life.

James 4: 8-10 refers to mourning (which is often related to fasting).

Reasons for Fasting

This brief survey has not intended to exhaust Biblical references to fasting. It needs to be emphasized that the purpose of fasting should never be to manipulate or pressure God into action, or to psych ourselves up to be more spiritual. God remains sovereign. His purposes are often past finding out and his ways are sometimes mysterious. He says that he honours those who honour him. In line with the Biblical material I have quoted, we may well agree with Bill Bright in his assertions (in the book referred to at the end of the article) that fasting is often entered into with the following purposes:

To seek a deeper cleansing from the effects of sin;
To seek God's guidance when the church is at a turning point;
To seek a personal breakthrough in one's own life;
To intercede for the people of God in general;
To be more sensitive to the presence of God, to seek his face, and to touch him intimately;
To clear and liberate our minds to understand what God is saying to our spirits;
To experience "increased effectiveness in intercessory prayer, deliverance from bondage, and guidance in decisions" (B. Bright, p.116);

From the Scriptural passage we may also add:
To pray effectively for the sick;
To cast out demons;
To break evil yokes brought either by the demonic order or by wiles of deceitful people;
To receive the expounded Scriptures more fully;
To maintain a prophetic edge within one's Christian service.

"Fasting in the biblical sense is choosing not to partake of food because your spiritual hunger is so deep, your determination in intercession so intense, or your spiritual warfare so demanding that you have temporarily set aside even fleshly needs to give yourself to prayer and meditation." (Wesley L. Duewell, in Bright p. 117)

Types of Fast

There are fasts that avoid solids, but imbibe water, juices, and soups.
There are fasts which avoid solids other than vegetables (avoiding "delicacies"-Daniel 10:3)
There are fasts that involve water alone.
People unable to fast for medical reasons, can choose to refrain from gourmet food or other privileges for a period.
Some of John Wesley's followers fasted certain days until 4.00 pm.
Imagination can be used, and there is no place for legalism.
People often choose to fast one day at a time. Some may fast for two, three, or more days.

Commencing a Fast

Set aside a specific purpose for your fast. Prepare by repentance (Psalm 66: 16-20, Psalm 32: 1-6)
If your fast will be for several days, prepare by reducing volume of food intake for a few days prior.
Limit your activity. Expect to feel some discomfort (This can vary from day to day)

During the Fast

Restrict food intake appropriately (subject to medical advice)
Limit your activity level.
If your are on medication, check with your doctor as to the implications and management of your fast.
Set aside ample time to be alone with the Lord.

Concluding a fast

End your fast gradually Sudden intake of food can be dangerous, and will also distract from the spiritual benefits you have been experiencing.

Bill Bright includes specific dietary material, quoting doctors, on pages 149 -150 Ending a one-day fast is much more straightforward, but avoid the temptation to over-eat.

"Most people experience a measure of revival as a result of fasting. But just as we need fresh infillings of the Holy Spirit daily, we also need new times of fasting before God. A single fast is not a cure-all. John and Charles Wesley advocated fasting two days a week to "keep the flesh under" and to maintain the closeness with God that fasting brings." (Bright p.151)

Fasting in my own pilgrimage

Fasting has helped us in many areas, and I mention three specifically.

At turning points in the life of our church we have wondered where to go next. Nearly five years ago we believed we should refurbish our buildings and equipment, to enable us to minister more relevantly in our current world. Fasting and other prayer helped us overcome many hurdles. We replaced pews with moveable seating and all-over carpet. A new sound system, keyboard and modern musical equipment came. We were now able to run seminars, and streamline our ways of doing ministry, and reach people in different ways. Personal and corporate voluntary fasts all helped.

The second area is to do with finance. Many times the church has received financial release after specific fasting and prayer. In my own life I received breakthroughs in this area that I never knew before I fasted.

The third example comes from healing and deliverance prayer ministry. Sometimes this runs smoothly, but at times we have run up against hurdles in dealing with the results of heavy drug dependence, sexual abuse, or chronic illness. Sometimes we have asked the person to fast for a day or more, and we have fasted as well. This has led to people receiving new levels of freedom, forgiveness, health and hope.

(Disclaimer: I take no responsibility for opinions regarding diet or medical matters. I have referred to the views of others. People should consult with their doctor where appropriate.)

Books that include material on Fasting

Bill Bright, Fasting and Praying for the Coming revival (New Life Publications, 1995)
Elmer Towns, Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough (Regal, 1996)
C. Peter Wagner, Warfare Prayer (Regal 1992)
Arthur Wallis, God's Chosen fast (Christian Literature Crusade, 1969)
D. Martin Lloyd Jones, Studies on the Sermon on the Mount (Eerdmans, 1971)

Lindsay Johnstone

Copyright 2001 J. H. L. Johnstone

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