Fasting Explained: How Prayer and Fasting Unlock God’s Power in Your Life
Fasting is one of the most essential and powerful spiritual practices in the life of a disciple—and yet, it may also be the most neglected. In a culture that loves comfort and convenience, the thought of giving up food or other pleasures doesn’t sound appealing. But in Scripture, fasting is not presented as an optional extra. Jesus Himself said, “When you fast” (Matthew 6:16), not if.
At its heart, fasting is not about dieting, deprivation, or looking “super-spiritual.” Fasting is about creating space for God. It is about trading meals for moments with Him, exchanging temporary comfort for lasting joy.
What Is Fasting?
Fasting is the practice of giving something up—most often food—for a time, in order to draw closer to God in prayer. It’s a way of asking: “Lord, what do you want me to set aside so I can seek You more deeply?”
As one writer puts it: “Fasting is literally praying with your body.” By denying the flesh, you open yourself more fully to the Spirit. By setting aside physical cravings, you make room for a deeper hunger for God.
Fasting is also a form of voluntary suffering. It trains us to be joyful even when we don’t get what we want. Just as parents teach their children that they can’t have everything they desire, God teaches us that true joy comes not from indulging our cravings, but from delighting in Him.
The Example of Jesus
Jesus Himself fasted:
Matthew 4:1–2 (NIV)
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.”
But there were also times He didn’t fast, and even told others not to:
Mark 2:18–20 (NIV)
“Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus, ‘How is it that John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?’
Jesus answered, ‘How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast.’”
Jesus shows us there is a time to fast, and a time to feast. Both are important in the rhythm of a spiritually healthy life.
When Should I Fast?
Fasting is not about religious performance or fad diets. It’s not intermittent fasting or Keto with a prayer added on top. Fasting is Spirit-led. It’s not about shedding pounds—it’s about drawing near to God.
There are also times when fasting isn’t appropriate—holidays, birthdays, celebrations. God calls us to feast as well as fast.
But when He does lead us to fast, Scripture tells us how to do it:
Matthew 6:1, 16–18 (NIV)
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.
But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
The point is clear: fasting is between you and God. Keep it private. Don’t fast for attention or sympathy.
Why Fast?
The main purpose of fasting is simple: seeking God.
Throughout the Bible, God’s people fasted for:
- Breakthrough – Esther, Daniel
- Mission – Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13)
- Repentance and mercy – Joel 2
Jesus also taught that certain things only happen through prayer and fasting:
Mark 9:28–29 (NKJV)
“And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, ‘Why could we not cast it out?’
So He said to them, ‘This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.’”
Fasting doesn’t guarantee answers, but it does amplify our prayers—like putting a megaphone on them. It increases both our capacity to hear God and to be heard by Him.
What Should I Fast?
Traditionally, fasting means abstaining from food and drink (except water) for a set time. But fasting can also include setting aside other things that consume time and attention—social media, entertainment, even good things like workouts or marital intimacy (see 1 Corinthians 7).
Here’s an important distinction: if it’s something sinful, giving it up isn’t fasting—that’s obedience. Fasting is about surrendering something good for the sake of pursuing something better: God Himself.
Feeding on God’s Word
Fasting teaches us to live on a different kind of nourishment.
John 4:31–34 (NLT)
“Meanwhile, the disciples were urging Jesus, ‘Rabbi, eat something.’
But Jesus replied, ‘I have a kind of food you know nothing about.’
‘Did someone bring him food while we were gone?’ the disciples asked each other.
Then Jesus explained: ‘My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.’”
When we fast, every craving for food becomes a reminder to crave God more deeply. It is a time to savor His Word instead of food.
How to Fast Well
If you sense God calling you to fast, here are a few simple steps:
- Pray – Begin by asking the Holy Spirit to guide you.
- Read – Spend time in Scripture; fill your soul with truth.
- Journal – Write down what God is showing you.
- SAVOR – Use this journaling practice to stay present with God:
- S – Stillness: pause and breathe.
- A – Acceptance: face reality honestly.
- V – Verify: find a verse that speaks to it.
- O – Observe: notice what’s stirring in your heart.
- R – Return: repent and realign with God.
And finally—share. Fasting itself is private, but what God reveals to you can build up others.
An Invitation
Ann Voskamp writes: “Prayer (and fasting) aren’t about getting what you desperately want, but about getting more of the One who desperately wants you.”
This is the heart of fasting. Not striving to get more from God, but making space to receive more of God Himself.
So here’s the invitation: Ask the Lord what He wants you to fast from, and what He wants you to fast for. Trade your cravings for communion. Let fasting become a doorway to deeper intimacy, breakthrough, and joy.
Come Experience This With Us
We’d love for you to experience God’s presence, His Word, and His people in person. If you’re in the Bradford, PA area, join us this Sunday at Open Arms Community Church.
🕘 Service Times
- Sundays at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM
✨ You don’t have to have it all together—just come as you are. We’ll save you a seat, and we can’t wait to welcome you.
