Biblical Fasting

Traditionally, a regular fast means refraining from eating all food. Most people still drink water or juice during a regular fast.

This type of fast generally refers to omitting a specific meal from your diet or refraining from certain types of foods.

These fasts are complete – no food and no drink. Acts 9:9 describes when Paul went on a full fast for three days following his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus.

Although not mentioned in the Bible, Christians today commit to fasting from other activities as well. Some give up entertainment such as TV or movies, social media to concentrate on prayer. Others fast from sleep or another activity for a specified period of time.

Examples

Sleep Fast – Getting up extra early for the purpose of meeting with God.

Media Fast – Avoiding all types of media for a set amount of time. Also known as the Facebook Fast.

Other- 1 Corinthians 6:12 says that we should not be mastered by anything. Another fast could be giving up anything for a set amount of time that may be mastering you such as Facebook, television, cell phone, exercise, or shopping.

Be mindful of any health issues that could make a fast unwise. For example, if you are a diabetic or have any other physical condition that requires a strict diet, be especially mindful not to put yourself in a compromised position as a result of a fast.

Please check with your doctor if you are concerned to see if there are any physical limitations on how you should fast.