About Fasting
A biblical fast can be defined as abstaining from food for spiritual purposes. Jesus both encouraged and expected His followers to fast (Matthew 6:17–18; Matthew 9:15). During a fast, many people also choose to step away from television, social media, or other forms of entertainment and instead use that time to draw closer to God. What makes fasting spiritually rich is pairing it with prayer, reading Scripture, and worship. Simply put—if fasting is not coupled with prayer and God’s Word, it becomes just a diet.
Below are several fasting options to consider:
Complete Fast
This type of fast involves drinking only liquids, typically water, with light juices as an option.
Selective Fast
A selective fast removes certain elements from your diet. One common example is the Daniel Fast, which includes eliminating meat, sweets, and bread, while consuming fruits, vegetables, water, and juice.
Partial Fast
Sometimes called a “Jewish Fast,” this fast involves abstaining from food during specific times of the day—often from sunup to sundown or from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Soul Fast
A soul fast is a great option if you are new to fasting, have health considerations that prevent food fasting, or desire to refocus areas of life that may be out of balance. This may include stepping away from social media, television, or other distractions for the duration of the fast, and then reintroducing them intentionally and healthily afterward.
Important Note: Please consult with your doctor or healthcare professional before beginning any fast, especially if you have medical conditions or dietary restrictions.
