WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER BEFORE FASTING?

1. Check Your Motives

Ask yourself, Why do I want to fast?
- Am I fasting as the result of peer pressure or from a genuine desire to draw close to God?
- Am I doing this merely to try and earn God’s approval or blessing?
- Do I want to appear spiritual to others, or to actually seek God?

Jesus’ teaching is very direct: “When you fast, do not be like the hypocrites…” (Matthew 6:16–18)

The purpose of Christian fasting is:
- to seek God more deeply
- to express longing for Christ
- to humble your heart
- to intensify prayer

Fasting is never a way to impress God or earn favor. It is a response to grace, not a replacement for it.

2. Pair Fasting With Prayer

In Scripture, fasting always goes with prayer. If you’re not praying, you’re just skipping meals.

Ideas:
- set aside the time you would normally eat, and instead, read Scripture and pray
- read Scripture slowly; reflect on what you are reading; apply it to your own heart and life
- pray Psalms, especially those of longing or dependence
- talk to God about what you need guidance or help with

Fasting is meant to create space for prayer, not busyness.

3. Be Clear About the Purpose of the Fast

Fasts in Scripture have specific purposes:
- Repentance
- Direction
- Spiritual breakthrough
- Preparation (Jesus before ministry)
- Grief or lament
- Developing self-control

Ask God to make your purpose clear before you begin.

4. Start Small and Grow

If you’ve never fasted before:
- Begin with one meal
- Then try sunrise to sunset
- Eventually consider a 24-hour fast

There is no spiritual benefit in pushing beyond what is wise. Long fasts (like Jesus’ 40 days) are exceptional and not meant as a normal model for everyone.

5. Consider What Kind of Fast

Christians typically choose from:
a. Food fast (most common) - skipping meals or abstaining from solid food (but not water) for a set time.
b. Partial fast - giving up certain foods (e.g., like Daniel - you eat only vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
    No meats, sweets, or highly processed foods)  
 
If health issues prevent food fasting, some Christians fast from:
- media
- entertainment
- social media
- other meaningful activities

These are not biblical “fasts” in the strict sense, but they honor the biblical principle of self-denial and focus.

6. Keep It Private and Humble

Jesus emphasizes secrecy: “Your Father who sees in secret will reward you…” (Matthew 6:18)

This means:
- don’t announce it publicly
- don’t post about it on social media
- don’t seek attention or sympathy
- keep your appearance normal

Let fasting be something between you and God—unless you are fasting with a group (Acts 13).

7. Be Physically Wise

While we cannot give medical advice, Christians should:
- use wisdom
- listen to their body
- never fast to harm their health
- consult a doctor if they have conditions (diabetes, pregnancy, medications, etc.)
- break the fast gently, not with heavy or large meals

Christian fasting is not supposed to harm you; it’s meant to help you seek God

8. Expect Spiritual Resistance (But Also Closeness to God)

Fasting often heightens spiritual awareness. You may experience:
- distraction
- temptation
- moodiness

Fortunately, you may also experience:
- clarity
- deeper prayer
- emotional sensitivity
- unusual spiritual insight

This is normal: fasting pulls hidden things to the surface, which God can use to transform your heart.

9. Combine Fasting With Obedience and Compassion

Isaiah 58 is the greatest biblical critique of fasting. God says the true fast includes justice, generosity, compassion, and
humility. Fasting without obedience is empty.