The dictionary defines fasting as voluntary abstaining from food, usually for a particular period of time. Abstaining from food in some form seems to be a universal practice among humankind. The practice of fasting for religious purposes goes back to ancient times. All major world religions recognize its value. In modern times people have realized its political value, as in hunger strikes, its health value, as in abstaining from certain foods, and its value as an aid to weight control. Among the people of God, fasting has specific goals that render it more than merely abstaining from food.
Scripture has much to say about fasting as a spiritual discipline. Sometimes, a partial fast is mentioned (Daniel 10:3). More often the scripture speaks of abstinence from food for a full day, that is from morning to nightfall (Joshua 7:6). In some cases a fast would last longer (Esther 4:16). However it has been practiced, in the Old Testament or the New, fasting has one primary goal: to focus on God. Fasting is used in scripture to enhance communication with God, to strengthen one spiritually and to loosen one's ties to the material world, while enhancing one's bond with God (1st Cor. 7:5 Phillips, Acts 13:2).
It has been noticed through the ages that the Lord seems particularly willing to answer prayer when it is coupled with fasting. (Mark 9:29 KJV). The two combined shape a particularly forceful form of worship (Luke 2:37). While we are not commanded to fast, the scriptures lead us to believe that fasting is expected. That we will practice forms of fasting as an inner spiritual discipline is implicit in a number of passages, either through teaching or example (Matt. 6:16, II Cor. 11:27 KJV, Matt. 9:15 and others). Many heroes of the faith incorporated fasting into their worship of God. Moses, David, Esther, Daniel Paul, John and Anna are a few. Of course, the Lord began his ministry with a long 40-day fast. The Didache proscribed two days of fasting per week for the early church, Wednesdays and Fridays. Many later church leaders, including Calvin, Luther, Wesley and Knox saw fasting as fundamental to their faith practice.
Considering that fasting has such a long history, one wonders why its practice has fallen into disuse in modern times. Richard Foster suggests two reasons. First, fasting as practiced in the middle ages, became rigid, legalistic and mandatory. It was practiced in conjunction with extreme self-mortification. Modernity reacts strongly to these excesses. Second, modem western culture is replete with messages that lead us to believe that we will be unhealthy if we don't eat three large meals a day along with two or three snacks! Further, self-denial in our affluent "please yourself' milieu isn't looked on with favor. Those who take fasting seriously as a spiritual discipline may become suspect. Another objection to fasting concerns, rightly so, the eating disorders that affect many. (There are those who shouldn't practice fasting.) Most people seem not to realize that the digestive system can actually benefit from a rest. Fasting helps unclog the system and eliminates poisons from the body. In less affluent times people knew seasons of plenty and times of scarcity. There was a natural opportunity for the body to rest from eating. Studies have found that people who are slightly under fed live longer. The secondary rewards for fasting from an emotional as well as physical and spiritual stand point are widely written about.
As we said earlier, not everyone should practice fasting. Children, pregnant women, the infirmed and those with a history of eating disorders should avoid the practice. Because fasting is a physical discipline as well as a spiritual one, anyone with concerns should contact a health care provider before commencing a fast. There are other spiritual disciplines that bring glory to God. For a disciple, the most vital requirement is a heart aligned with God's heart.
If one is healthy and would like to consider fasting as a personal practice, what should one do? First, one should begin by discovering if God is prompting one to fast. If you feel that you are being called to fast the following may be helpful; 1.) Seek God's guidance in the process. 2.) Have a specific goal in mind involving type of fast, duration of the fast and to what end you will pray. 3.) Examine your conscience and confess any sin that comes to mind. 4.) Plan scripture passages that you will read, study and meditate on during the fast. 5.) Gather other appropriate materials that will aid you in your time of prayer, meditation and study. 6.) Find a prayer partner who will support you during the fast.
Consider the following forms of fasting:
The partial fast- Abstinence from certain foods for a prolonged period. An example of this would be abstaining from meat or chocolate during Lent, A variation involves abstaining from all food for a portion of a day or skipping a meal. Son to like to donate the money that would have been spent on the food for the day.
The liquid fast- Abstaining from solid foods In it allowing for liquid foods from dinner of one day to dinner of the next (or any meal one chooses.) Similar to this is the St. Benedict fast, where one eats one light meal a day but may rotate the time of the ma :al from day to day. Obviously, this type- of fast lasts longer than 24 hours. Where possible, devote the time normally spent eating to prayer and meditation.
The twenty-four hour fast- This involves total abstinence. Water should be drunk in good quantities. A tablespoon of lemon juice may be added to it, if one doesn't like plain water. Water will satisfy the normal hunger pangs and still the stomach gruff grumblings. This type of fast is best undertaken when one can be free of family and other obligations. Time should be spent in study, worship and prayer. Attend corporate worship if possible.
The extended fast- Having been successful with the twenty-four hour fast, one may move on to a longer fast. Seeking guidance from God as well as those who have participated in a longer fast would be wise before commencing. If you feel called to a longer fast, 3 to 7 days is recommended. It is general good to taper off food and not cease eating abruptly. Likewise, commence eating again with a light meal or in the case of an extended fast, reintroduce food gradually.
It goes with out saying that one should follow Jesus' teaching concerning fasting (Matt. 6:16-17) and refrain from making public what is being done. Only those who need to know should be told. They spiritual rewards for fasting are many. One word of caution, however. Many writers warn that fasting involves entering into spiritual warfare so be prepared. (Ephesians 6:10- 19) Properly prepared, one should find fasting combined with reverent prayer a means of receiving God's grace and blessing.
