“"Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting."”
— Matthew 6:16
If you have wondered how to fast as a Christian, you are in good company; fasting has strengthened believers for thousands of years. Fasting means voluntarily giving up food, or something else good, for a time in order to seek God. Jesus assumed His followers would do it, saying "when you fast" rather than "if" (Matthew 6:16).
Why fast at all?
Fasting is not a hunger strike to twist God\'s arm, nor a way to earn points. It is a way of saying, with our bodies, that we hunger for God more than for anything else. When the stomach growls, the discomfort becomes a prompt to turn to Him in prayer. Fasting humbles us, sharpens our prayers, and reminds us of our dependence. The early church fasted as they sought God\'s direction (Acts 13:2-3).
Start gently and wisely
Beginners should start small, perhaps skipping a single meal, and grow from there. Pair the fast with a clear spiritual purpose and fill the freed-up time with prayer and Scripture, or the fast loses its point. Mind your health, drink water, and do not fast from food if you have a medical condition that makes it unwise; you can fast from other things instead. For deeper guidance on prayer and fasting together, lean on our prayer pillar.
How to Fast for the First Time
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1
Decide what and how long
Start small, such as skipping one meal or fasting for part of a day. You can extend it as you grow.
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2
Set a clear spiritual purpose
Name why you are fasting, whether to seek guidance, repent, or simply draw near to God, and write it down.
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3
Replace the time with prayer and Scripture
Use the freed-up time to pray and read the Word, so the fast points you toward God rather than only emptying your stomach.
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4
Drink water and mind your health
Stay hydrated and listen to your body. If a food fast is unwise for you, fast from something else instead.
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5
Let hunger redirect you
When you feel hunger, treat it as a prompt to turn to God in prayer rather than a problem to fix.
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6
Break the fast gently
Return to eating with a light, simple meal rather than a heavy one, especially after a longer fast.
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7
Reflect afterward
Note what God showed you and how your heart shifted, and let that shape future times of fasting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does fasting make God answer my prayers? +
What if I can't fast from food for health reasons? +
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