Understanding Biblical Fasting
Discover the eternal principles and spiritual power of fasting as taught in scripture and practiced by faithful believers throughout history.
🤲What is Fasting?
Fasting is the willing abstinence from food and drink for spiritual purposes. It is a sacred practice that draws us closer to our Heavenly Father, increases our spiritual sensitivity, and demonstrates our commitment to put spiritual needs above physical desires.
As taught in the Doctrine and Covenants: "Verily, this is fasting and prayer, or in other words, rejoicing and prayer" (D&C 59:14). True fasting combines the physical act of abstaining from food with sincere prayer and spiritual reflection.
📖Biblical Foundation
Isaiah 58:6-8
"Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily..."
Isaiah teaches that true fasting involves not only abstaining from food but also serving others, caring for the needy, and breaking the chains of oppression.
Matthew 6:16-18
"Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly."
Christ teaches that fasting should be done with sincerity and humility, not for show or recognition from others.
🌟Purpose and Blessings of Fasting
Spiritual Purposes:
- •Seek revelation and guidance from God
- •Express gratitude and humility before the Lord
- •Overcome temptation and develop self-discipline
- •Seek healing and blessings for ourselves and others
- •Prepare for important decisions or ordinances
Promised Blessings:
- •Increased spiritual sensitivity and revelation
- •Greater personal strength and protection
- •Enhanced ability to resist temptation
- •Physical and spiritual healing
- •Answers to prayers and divine guidance
🙏How to Fast Properly
1. Prepare with Prayer
Begin your fast with sincere prayer, expressing your specific purpose and asking for God's guidance and strength during your fast.
2. Choose What to Fast From
Traditional fasting involves abstaining from both food and water for two consecutive meals (usually 24 hours). However, fasting can also include abstaining from other things such as social media, entertainment, or other worldly pleasures that might distract from spiritual focus.
Those with health conditions should consult with medical professionals and may need to adapt their fast accordingly. The principle of sacrifice and spiritual focus remains the same regardless of what is abstained from.
3. Focus on Prayer and Scripture
Use the time normally spent eating to pray, study scriptures, and meditate on spiritual matters. Let your hunger remind you of your spiritual purpose.
4. Give a Fast Offering
It is customary to donate the money you would have spent on the food you abstained from to help care for those in need. This practice, known as a fast offering, turns your personal sacrifice into service for others and fulfills the commandment in Isaiah to "deal thy bread to the hungry."
5. Serve Others
Following Isaiah's counsel, use your fast as an opportunity to serve others, care for the needy, and show love to those around you. This can include volunteering, visiting those in need, or performing acts of kindness.
6. End with Gratitude
Conclude your fast with prayer, expressing gratitude for the experience and the blessings received, even if answers haven't come immediately.
🌍Fasting in Modern Times
In our modern world, fasting remains as relevant and powerful as ever. Many faith communities set aside regular days for fasting and prayer, often donating the money saved from meals to help those in need.
Community Fasting
When communities fast together for common purposes (such as seeking divine guidance for leaders, praying for those in need, or asking for protection during difficult times) the spiritual power is magnified. United faith and prayer can bring about remarkable blessings.
🤝Universal Principles
While this guide draws from Latter-day Saint perspectives and scriptures, the principles of fasting are found across many faith traditions. Whether you're Christian, Jewish, Muslim, or from another faith background, the core principles remain the same:
- ✓Sincere prayer and spiritual focus
- ✓Voluntary sacrifice for spiritual purposes
- ✓Service to others and care for the needy
- ✓Humility and submission to God's will
- ✓Unity with fellow believers in common purpose
Begin Your Fasting Journey
Whether you're new to fasting or seeking to deepen your practice, we invite you to join a community of believers seeking spiritual transformation through this ancient and powerful practice.