What Is Fasting For

Official answer 2026-08-22

The second question first, because it matters more: if you have diabetes, a history of eating disorders, are pregnant, take medication, or have any chronic condition, ask your doctor first. Fasting is never required in Scripture, and trading health for spiritual performance is not what it means. There are many forms available — one meal, one kind of food, social media, a particular entertainment; those count too. Now what it is. Fasting is not a technique for making God more likely to agree. That would make it a transaction, and God does not transact in Scripture. Its function is something you do to yourself rather than to God: it empties out an ordinary bodily appetite for a time, and in that empty space you discover what you are actually leaning on. This is why, when Jesus taught on fasting, the emphasis fell almost entirely on motive. He said not to look sombre like those who disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. His teaching assumes disciples will fast, but what concerns him is whether anyone is performing. Practically: start small — one meal or half a day, not three days at the outset. Actually spend the freed-up time praying, or fasting is merely skipping a meal. Do not tell everyone; that is not secrecy but protecting the motive. And watch your body — if you feel faint, stop. A spiritual practice should not cost you physical harm. One caution: if you have any history of an eating disorder, skip fasting entirely and use another form. That is not weak faith; that is discernment.