More and more Protestants are discovering the benefits and power of spiritual fasting. While the practice was common among members of the Roman Catholic clergy and other ecclesiastical clergy (specifically priests, nuns, and monks) until recently, not many lay people have fasted. But that is changing.
The Bible mentions fasting frequently. Fasting was common in Biblical times and still is for many Jews and Christians. Two specific times of fasting are Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, for the Jews; and Lent, which is practiced for 40 days before the celebration of Easter Sunday for the Christian. And there are many more.
In this article, I will focus on Christian fasting, as that is my personal experience, while acknowledging that many of the spiritual fasts for followers of Jesus Christ are rooted in Jewish traditions (remember, Jesus was Jewish).
First of all, let me define fasting. The Hebrew word for “fasting” means “to cover the mouth.” The Greek word for “fasting” means “to abstain from eating.” So fasting is abstaining from eating for a spiritual purpose (for more information on what fasting is and is not, see the links below to see “The Daniel Fast is ALWAYS a spiritual fast”).
Additionally, there are different types of fasts, including an absolute fast (no food, no drinks), a normal fast (no food), and a partial fast (abstaining from some specific foods and drinks or abstaining from food and / or drinks for certain hours ). You can learn more about types of fasting by reading the articles referenced at the end of this article, including “Types of Fasting.”
Perhaps one of the most powerful elements of Christian spiritual fasting is that the believer is setting aside a specific period of time to focus more on God. This is a time of “consecration to the Lord”. Consecration means “dedicated to a sacred purpose.” So when a believer decides to fast, the goal is to focus more attention on God for a specific purpose.
Fasting without purpose is like going on a journey without a destination. Several accounts of fasting are included in the Bible, all of which were linked to a purpose. In Daniel 10, the prophet was haunted by a dream. Daniel “did not eat precious food or meat or drink wine” for 21 days. After this partial fast, the angel of the Lord visited Daniel and told him what was to come.
The New Testament points to other accounts of fasting, including one in which church leaders in Antioch sought the Lord’s guidance with prayer and fasting. Acts 13: 2,3 says: “While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Now separate me from Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then, having fasted and prayed, and having laid hands on them, they sent them away. “
When we fast and pray, we are “pressing toward God.” We are increasing our focus for a specific purpose. The purpose may be a particular need for guidance, healing, financial progress, or a desire to draw closer to the Lord.
The discipline of fasting positions us. The believer is alerting his body, soul and spirit that he is setting aside a specific time to seek God and His wisdom. Fasting to the Lord always points us to Jesus. . . to your wishes for us. . . and their ways.
The Bible says in James 4: 8, “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” When we set our hearts to desire more of God in our lives, and position ourselves to seek Him with prayer and fasting, He says He will find us.
This is the power and great benefit of spiritual fasting!
ARTICLES REFERENCED IN THIS ARTICLE: The Daniel Fast is ALWAYS a spiritual fast and types of fasts.