Fasting

Written By Jordan VanBoden

What It Is

Fasting is when we choose to give something up — usually food — for a set time in order to focus more fully on God. It’s not about punishing ourselves or earning God’s favor. Instead, it’s a way to quiet distractions, humble our hearts, and make space for God to speak and move in our lives.

When we fast, we remind ourselves that God is our greatest need — more important than even the basic things we rely on every day. It’s a way of saying, “God, I want You more than anything else.”

Why It Matters

  • It draws us closer to God. Fasting helps us focus on Him without distractions.

  • It gives clarity. Many people fast when seeking direction or breakthrough, and God often brings fresh wisdom and answers.

  • It strengthens our spirit. Saying “no” to the flesh helps us grow in self-control and dependence on God.

  • It deepens prayer. Fasting and prayer together are powerful — they position us to hear God more clearly and see Him work mightily.

How to Practice Fasting

Here are simple ways to start if fasting is new to you:

Fast a Meal

  • Skip one meal and spend that time reading Scripture, worshiping, and praying.

  • Use the hunger you feel as a reminder to seek God and rely on Him.

Fast for a Day

  • Choose a day to go without food (or certain foods) from sunrise to sunset.

  • During the times you would normally eat, focus on prayer and reading the Bible.

  • Ask God for direction, breakthrough, or a deeper awareness of His presence.

Fast Something Other Than Food

  • If fasting food isn’t possible for health reasons, you can still practice this discipline by giving up something that takes your time and attention — like social media, TV, or certain habits.

  • Use that time and mental space to pursue God intentionally.

Fast with Purpose

  • Always pair fasting with prayer — otherwise it’s just skipping a meal.

  • Be clear about your focus: Are you fasting for direction, for someone’s healing, for a breakthrough, or simply to grow closer to God?

Tips for Staying Consistent

  • Start small — one meal or one day — and build from there.

  • Drink plenty of water if you’re fasting food.

  • Tell God what you’re fasting for and write down any insights or answers He gives you.

  • Keep your focus on God, not on the difficulty of the fast.

Scriptures to Hold Onto

  • “When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites… But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret.” – Matthew 6:16-18

  • “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” – Matthew 4:4

  • “‘Even now,’ declares the Lord, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.’” – Joel 2:12

Start Here:

  • Fast one meal this week and use that time to pray for a specific need or person.

  • Try a 24-hour fast and journal what God speaks to your heart.

  • Give up social media for three days and spend that time reading Scripture.

Fasting helps us re-center our lives around what matters most — God Himself. It’s a way of saying, “I need You more than anything else.”

Jordan VanBoden
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