The New Testament makes no mention of fasting for disciples of Jesus Christ. Indeed, the Jews were only obliged to fast once a year in the Old Testament, on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23:27, 29, 32). Any religious leader who demands a fast or imposes dietary restrictions does so without biblical authority. However, Jesus fasted on occasion (Matthew 4:2), and He expected His disciples to do the same (Matthew 6:16–18; Mark 2:20). Therefore, if Christians practise fasting, what is the correct manner to fast? How does the Bible teach about fasting?
The Bible makes reference to many types of fasting. There is such a thing as restricting yourself to a particular type of food (Daniel 1:8–14). There is complete abstinence from food (Daniel 10:2–3). There is a period of abstinence from food and water (Luke 4:2; Acts 9:9). Additionally, there is "fasting" from a particular activity, such as a husband and wife abstaining from sex for a specified amount of time (Exodus 19:15; 1 Corinthians 7:5). With the many sorts of fasting in mind, how to fast is highly dependent on the type of fasting.
Always pray to God for insight (James 1:5) regarding the manner and duration of your fast. Establishing a timeline appears to be the biblical approach (Esther 4:16). Additionally, fasting should have a specific objective. Individuals in the Bible fasted and prayed in order to accomplish a certain goal. They desired either for God to transform them, their circumstances, or for God to reveal something to them. Finally, fasting is significantly more about concentration than it is about eating. Fasting is refocusing your attention away from the things of this world and onto the things of God. Thus, fasting can be used to become closer to God.
A word of warning regarding fasting: anyone with medical issues, particularly those requiring dietary restrictions (diabetes, for example), should see their physician prior to fasting. Bear in mind that there is no biblical commandment requiring followers of Jesus Christ to fast. As a result, it is not incorrect to consider a medical condition when selecting how to fast.
Additionally, it is beneficial to explore your reasons for fasting. Fasting is not a means of coercing God. Fasting will not compel God to act contrary to His will. Fasting is about transforming yourself in order to align with God's plan and to prepare you to carry out your part in it. When determining how to fast, it is critical to keep in mind what fasting is all about—changing yourself, not God.
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