Fasting holds a significant place in our theology as a spiritual discipline. It is seen as a way to draw closer to God, seek His will, and practice self-discipline. From an evangelical theological perspective, fasting serves as a means of setting aside physical needs to focus on spiritual growth and obedience.

Types of Fasting 

(Different from Medical Fasting)

1. Normal Fast

• Definition: Abstaining from all food but not water for a specific amount of time.
• Biblical Reference: Jesus’ 40-day fast in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-2).
• Purpose: To draw closer to God, seek His strength, and prepare for ministry or decision-making. 

2. Partial Fast

• Definition: Abstaining from certain foods or meals (like the "Daniel Fast") for a specified amount of time.
• Biblical Reference: Daniel’s fast of vegetables and water for 10 days (Daniel 1:12-15) and his later fast (Daniel 10:2-3).
• Purpose: To express devotion and seek clarity or favor from God without total abstention from food. 

3. Absolute Fast

• Definition: Abstaining from all food and drink for a specified amount of time.
• Biblical Reference: Paul’s fast for three days after his Damascus encounter (Acts 9:9).
• Purpose: Often seen in times of extreme need or repentance; requires God’s direct sustenance and is not typically prolonged. 

4. Corporate (Congregational) Fast

• Definition: A fast called by the church for communal consecration.
• Biblical Reference: Esther’s call to the Jews to fast for deliverance (Esther 4:16), Joel’s call for a sacred assembly (Joel 2:15-16).
• Purpose: To unify the church in prayer for a specific purpose, such as revival, guidance, or deliverance. 

5. Regular Fast

• Definition: A planned period of fasting as part of a regular spiritual discipline, such as during Lent.
• Biblical Reference: Jesus taught about the regular discipline of fasting (Matthew 6:16-18).
• Purpose: Part of ongoing spiritual growth, humility, and alignment with God’s will.  

Times and length can vary from person to person:

• 6 hours (half a day)
• 24 hours (full day)
• Weekday (One day per week)
• Intermittent: 12:12, 14:10, 16:8, 20:4, Meal Skipping, One Meal a Day (OMAD)
• 21 Days
• Any combination of time and length 

While the Bible often depicts fasting as abstaining from food, the core principle is self-denial for spiritual purposes. We can find support for alternative fasting in broader scriptural teachings:

1. Romans 12:1

• "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."
• Insight: Sacrificing personal comforts is a form of worship and dedication to God. 

2. 1 Corinthians 6:12

• "All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be dominated by anything.
• Insight: Believers should not be mastered by any habit or activity, suggesting the value of fasting from various dependencies. 

3. Hebrews 12:1

• "Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles." 
• Insight: Removing distractions helps believers focus on their spiritual journey. 

Fasting from non-food items is a valid and meaningful practice within our tradition. It allows individuals who cannot fast from food to engage in the spiritual discipline of fasting by sacrificing other significant aspects of their lives. The key is intentionality and focusing on drawing closer to God through the sacrifice. By abstaining from activities like social media or entertainment, believers can eliminate distractions, break unhealthy dependencies, and dedicate more time to spiritual growth and service.

1. To Seek God’s Will: Fasting clarifies and deepens our communication with God. It can help individuals or communities seek God’s guidance, wisdom, or intervention in particular matters.

2. Spiritual Breakthrough: Evangelicals often fast when seeking victory over personal struggles, sin, or challenges in ministry, as seen in scriptural examples where fasting brought divine intervention.

3. Repentance and Humility: Fasting signifies repentance and a humble posture before God. Evangelicals see fasting as a way to cleanse spiritually and renew their commitment to God.

4. Preparation for Ministry: Many evangelical leaders and believers fast before major ministry events or decisions to prepare spiritually, seeking strength and focus on God’s mission.

5. Empathy and Solidarity: Fasting can remind believers of the needs of others, such as the poor or suffering, and prompt charitable actions.

Preparing for and participating in a fast requires intentional planning and spiritual focus. Here’s a guide on how to prepare and what to do during a fast:

1. Seek God’s Guidance

• Pray for clarity on the purpose of your fast. Are you seeking direction, repentance, healing, or simply wanting to draw closer to God? Knowing your purpose will give you focus and perseverance.
• Reflect on scriptures related to fasting to encourage and guide you (e.g., Matthew 6:16-18, Isaiah 58:6-7). 

2. Decide the Type and Length of the Fast

• Choose the type of fast that aligns with your spiritual goals and health needs (e.g., a normal, partial, or absolute fast). 
• Consider the length of time (a day, several days, or a season) that is manageable for your current circumstances and spiritual readiness. Start with a shorter fast if you’re new to the practice. 

3. Prepare Physically

• Gradually reduce meal sizes a few days before the fast to prepare your body, especially if abstaining from food entirely. 
• Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious foods leading up to the fast. 
• If you have health conditions, consult a healthcare provider to ensure the fast will be safe. Adaptations, such as a partial fast, may be more appropriate. 

4. Set a Focused Schedule

• Plan dedicated times for prayer, Bible reading, and meditation during the fast. Consider specific prayer points that relate to the purpose of your fast.
• Make adjustments to your daily schedule to minimize physical activities that could drain energy and avoid situations that may challenge your commitment. 

5. Prepare Spiritually and Mentally

• Approach the fast with a humble, repentant heart. Confess any sins or distractions that may hinder your spiritual growth. 
• Set realistic expectations and know that physical hunger or discomfort is a part of the process, reminding you of your dependence on God. 

1. Prayerful Consideration 

• Seek God's guidance on what to fast from, focusing on areas that may be hindering your spiritual growth. 
• Reflect on activities that consume significant time or have become sources of dependency.

2. Set Clear Intentions

• Define the purpose of your fast, whether it's to seek clarity, break a habit, or dedicate time to prayer. 
• Determine the duration of the fast, aligning it with your spiritual goals and daily responsibilities. 

3. Prepare Mentally and Spiritually

• Inform close friends or family members for support and accountability.
•  Anticipate challenges and plan strategies to stay committed. 

4. Engage in Spiritual Practices

• Replace the activity you're fasting from with prayer, Bible study, worship, or service. 
• Use this time to deepen your relationship with God and reflect on His word. 

5. Reflect and Journal

• Document your experiences, insights, and any challenges faced during the fast. 
• Reflect on how abstaining affects your spiritual and emotional well-being. 

1. Pray and Meditate on Scripture 

• Use prayer times to lay your needs and desires before God. Express your purpose for fasting, whether it’s for guidance, breakthrough, or worship. 
• Meditate on scriptures that inspire perseverance, humility, and reliance on God’s strength. Some commonly used passages are Psalm 63:1, Isaiah 58:6-12, and Matthew 4:4. 

2. Stay Hydrated 

• Drink water regularly if you’re on a normal or partial fast. Staying hydrated will help manage hunger and maintain energy levels, especially if you’re abstaining from food. 

3. Embrace Silence and Solitude 

• Avoid excessive noise or distractions that could detract from your time with God. Spending quiet moments in prayer and listening allows God’s voice to speak into your heart.

 4. Journaling and Reflection 

• Write down any insights, scriptures, or impressions you receive. Journaling can deepen your spiritual understanding and give you something to reflect on after the fast.
• Reflect on areas of spiritual growth and renewal, observing how God may be revealing truths about your life, desires, or challenges. 

5. Exercise Patience and Self-Control 

• Be mindful that hunger or physical discomfort can bring irritability. Practice self-control and patience, redirecting thoughts to God when you feel weak. 
• Remember that fasting is not about self-punishment but about seeking dependence on God. Use moments of discomfort as opportunities to lean on Him.

 6. Engage in Acts of Kindness and Service 

• If possible, include acts of kindness or charity, as encouraged in Isaiah 58, which describes fasting as an opportunity to free the oppressed and care for those in need. 
• Consider using the time you would typically spend eating to serve others or engage in acts of worship.

1. Break the Fast Gradually 

• Start with small portions of light foods (e.g., fruits, soups) and gradually ease back into your regular diet, especially after extended fasts. 
• Avoid overloading your body, as fasting changes your digestive system’s pace and sensitivity. 

2. Reflect and Give Thanks 

• Spend time in gratitude, thanking God for the experience, the insights, and any spiritual breakthroughs. 
• Reflect on how the fasting experience may change your daily walk, and consider incorporating aspects of what you learned into regular spiritual practices. 

3. Apply What You’ve Learned 

• If God revealed new directions or insights, think about how you can apply them in your life, ministry, or relationships. 
• Consider making fasting a regular part of your spiritual disciplines, perhaps even joining a congregational fast periodically.

Fasting, done with preparation and intentionality, can profoundly shape your spiritual life. It not only draws you closer to God but also strengthens spiritual discipline and opens your heart to hear His guidance and will.