How to Properly Fast for the Lord as a Christian

If you’re a Christian, fasting is a way to humble yourself in the presence of God and reaffirm your faith. While fasting isn’t a required part of Christianity, completing a fast can bring a great sense of accomplishment and leave you feeling much more connected to God. A Catholic priest and a nutrition coach partnered with wikiHow to explain what it means to fast as a Christian, as well as how to safely begin a fast for the first time and worship God during your spiritual break from food. When you’re done reading, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to connect with God on a new level.

How to Start Fasting: Overview

Catholic Priest Fr. Scott Bailey says fasting is a sign of repentance, mourning, and detachment from the world. To start fasting, go a few hours or a full day without food, using the time you’d normally spend eating to worship, pray, and read Scripture. Drink water to stay hydrated, which is generally permitted.

Section 1 of 7:

Types of Fasts

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Choose between an absolute, partial, or “juice” fast. The most extreme form of fasting is an absolute fast, which means you don’t eat any food or drink any water during the fasting period. Many people often go for a milder version where they don’t eat any food but still drink water or juice for hydration and necessary nutrients. This is considered a “normal” fast and is also sometimes called a “juice fast.” A partial fast just eliminates foods and beverages of certain categories, such as sweets or meat.
- A typical “juice” fast lasts from sunrise to sunset (sometimes called a “6 to 6” fast) or for 24 hours. No food is allowed, but water and juice are OK. This is the most common form of Christian fasting, although some choose to fast for longer periods of time (modeled after Elijah’s 40-day fast in 1 Kings 19:1-8).^{[1]
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- A partial fast is inspired by Daniel’s fast in the Bible (Daniel 10:2-3). He abstained from rich foods, meat, and wine for 3 weeks, although the exact duration and type of food you give up is up to you (10 days is common).^{[2]
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- Absolute fasts without water are rare. It’s not recommended to do this for longer than 3 days, as you can die from dehydration after this point.^{[3]
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  Research source} Paul (Acts 9:1-19) and Esther (Esther 4:12-5:2) did absolute fasts for 3 days in the Bible.
  - Do not attempt an absolute fast without consulting your doctor first.
Meet the wikiHow Experts

Fr. Scott Bailey is a Catholic Priest based in Denver, Colorado. He currently serves as a Pastor at Risen Christ Catholic Parish and is the face of Risen Christ’s YouTube channel.

Alyssa Chang is a nutrition coach who uses her background in neuroscience to help clients improve their connections with their brain and body to heal.
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Give up something other than food if a medical condition makes fasting unsafe. Remember, the point of a fast is to connect with God, not to harm or punish yourself. Don’t fast if it will put your health at risk, and discuss the potential effects of fasting with your doctor if you take medication or have a condition that makes fasting dangerous, like diabetes.^{[4]
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Cleveland Clinic
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Go to source} Other things you can give up instead include:
- Social media or the Internet
- Your phone
- Television or video games
- Coffee, soda, or alcohol
- Anything else you regularly consume that brings you pleasure

Section 2 of 7:

Preparing to Fast for the First Time

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Ease into fasting by skipping 1-2 meals if you're just starting out. Prepare your body for fasting by skipping or eating smaller meals during the days leading up to your fast, as going from eating full meals to nothing at all can be dangerous for your body. If you’re new to fasting, start slowly with a fast that lasts just one meal. If you feel confident afterward, fast for 2 meals and work your way up.^{[5]
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- If you have medical conditions that make fasting for long periods of time difficult, talk to your doctor first to see if your condition will allow you to participate in the fast.
- Your fast might be just a couple of hours, or go on for a few days. How long you decide to fast is completely up to you and what you feel you need most.
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Fill up on protein, fiber, and healthy fats before the fast begins. Protein and fat take longer to digest and can help you feel fuller for longer after you stop eating. They can also stabilize your blood sugar and slow down your digestion. Fiber-rich foods will also give you energy to sustain yourself.^{[6]
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- For protein, choose foods like tuna, eggs, milk, nuts, beans, tofu, and lean meat or poultry.
- Eat healthy fats like avocados, nuts, olive oil, and peanut butter.
- For fiber, eat plenty of whole-grain bread, vegetables, brown rice, and legumes.
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Remember to stay properly hydrated before and throughout your fast. Your body can sustain itself for a relatively long time without food, but you won’t last long without water (only about 3 or 4 days).^{[7]
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Research source} Before your fast begins, drink at least 2 liters (8 cups) of water (and a sports drink like Gatorade if you expect to be sweating).^{[8]
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- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Dark-colored urine
- Less frequent urination
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Adjust your schedule to accommodate your lower energy. “If you’re choosing to do a religious fast, reorient your schedule to expect that you will have a different energy,” explains nutrition coach Alyssa Chang. “You probably will lose focus and want to take a nap. You have to strategize your day around the lack of food.”^{[10]
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Alyssa Chang
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Expert Interview} This might mean:
- Postponing important meetings or events that require your full focus and energy.
- Excusing yourself from social gatherings to conserve energy and maintain your focus on God.
- Rescheduling group meal plans (or preparing to explain why you’re not eating to your friends or family).
- Choosing rest or light activity over an intense workout.

Section 3 of 7:

Focusing on God During Your Fast

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Prepare scriptures and prayers to read during your fast. Decide how you’re going to spend your time during the fast. Fasting isn’t just about giving up food. It’s mostly about worshipping God and spending time reflecting on yourself and your relationship with Him through prayer. Come up with a basic schedule of when you’ll pray and spend some alone time with God. Also, prepare the prayers or scriptures you’d like to read during this time.^{[11]
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- Praying or reading Scripture during your normal meal times, when you feel hungry, or when you’re tempted to break your fast will help you refocus your energy on God and his teachings.
Try meditating on the Gospel and the Holy traits of the Lord. These may include the ability to forgive, His strength or wisdom, His peace, and His capacity to love unconditionally. Praise Him for these attributes. Surrender your life and thank Him for all He has done for you.^{[12]
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Hold morning worship. Worship Him and praise Him for His attributes. Read God’s Word and pray for God's Will to be done and for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Ask God to lead you in spreading His Glory into the world. A phrase to recite during this time may be something like, “I pray that God will lend me His Wisdom so that I can input His Word into my life and gain a fuller understanding of it.”^{[13]
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- Some verses from the Bible to draw inspiration from include:
  - “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” (Luke 22:40)
  - “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God…” (Ephesians 6:10)
  - “Nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will [be done].” (Mark 14:36)
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Go for a prayer walk during meal times. Walk outside, hand in hand with nature, while noticing God's wondrous creation. Thank Him for everything He has created as you walk. Ask Him to give you a spirit of thanksgiving and appreciation. Stroll through your neighborhood, near your school or place of work, and out in nature, praying as you go.^{[14]
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- For your health, refrain from doing any intense exercise or activity. Your body isn’t getting as many nutrients as it normally would, so preserve your energy by cutting down activity levels. If you go for a walk, make it short and rest afterward.^{[15]
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Take this time to pray not only for yourself, but also for your friends and family, church leaders, and other people in need around the world. Pray for church leaders to preach His Word as God intended so that your friends and family members will grow closer to Him and help make the world a better, more peaceful place.^{[16]
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Section 4 of 7:

Breaking the Fast Safely

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Breaking your fast is a gradual process. Immediately going back to your normal diet can cause your insulin and blood sugar levels to spike and put your health at risk. Start with just liquids, such as water and fruit and vegetable juices. Introduce a few small, healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit, yogurt, soup, or cooked vegetables.^{[17]
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On the first day, start with a raw salad. This is just lettuce and a couple of raw vegetables, like carrots or broccoli. On the second day, eat a baked potato, but don’t add any salt or fatty and rich substances (such as meat or cheese). On the third day, add some steamed vegetables to the menu. After that, slowly reintroduce foods from your normal diet.^{[18]
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Your worship doesn’t stop just because you’ve finished your fast. Pray that your faith will be strengthened and deepened after your fast. Continue to express your thankfulness and well wishes for those around you. Let this passion carry you until your next fast.
Call upon the Lord for forgiveness and continue your fast if you’re able to. Remember, it’s not a competition. The most important thing is that you give your best effort and focus your energy on seeking God and connecting with Him. Mistakes happen, so don’t let it get you down if you don’t succeed the first time.

Section 5 of 7:

What does it mean to fast in a Christian sense?

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In Christianity, fasting means to voluntarily go without food in order to seek God. Father Bailey says fasting is a source of spiritual strength, especially against evil, as Jesus says that certain spirits can only be cast out “by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21).^{[19]
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Fr. Scott Bailey
Catholic Priest

Expert Interview} By foregoing food, you’re reminded that your well-being is ultimately in God’s hands; fasting is a way to humble yourself before Him, ask for His help, and surrender to His will and guidance. It’s also a reminder that you will be spiritually fed in the next life, and that your needs and comforts in this life are temporary.^{[20]
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- Father Bailey adds that biblical tradition sees fasting as a sign of repentance, mourning, and detachment from the world.^{[21]
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- Fasting is not intended to be a form of self-punishment. Instead, think of it as an opportunity to set aside your material attachments and focus completely on God.
- Fasting is not a way to “get in good” with God or have Him do something for you in return. Rather, it’s a way for you to get in tune with God and reflect on your commitment to Him.
- Fasting is not a way to appear more spiritual or pious than others. In fact, Jesus warns against “prideful” fasting in Matthew 6:16–18:^{[22]
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  - “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”
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Fasting is not required in Christianity, but is viewed as a beneficial practice. There is no Scripture or word from God that “commands” Christians to fast, but it’s often linked to prayer and worship throughout the Bible.^{[23]
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Research source} Historically, fasting has been a common religious practice in many faiths (including Christianity), as spiritualist Elianne El-Amyouni explains: “The centuries have proven that the best way to cleanse the spirit is to fast. This is done in almost every spiritual and religious tradition throughout history.”^{[24]
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Elianne El-Amyouni
Spiritualist

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- “Fasting helps quiet all the noise,” adds Holy Bible expert Olivia Woodford. “You become clearer, and you’re able to speak more from your heart. There's a vulnerability, a sensitivity, a deep connection with your feelings that makes prayer richer.”^{[25]
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- According to Father Bailey, Jesus talks about fasting as a normal part of spiritual life. Rather than saying, “If you fast…” he says, “When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites” (Matthew 6:16).^{[26]
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  Expert Interview} This implies that fasting is a common and accepted practice.
  - Leading by example, Jesus fasted in the desert before beginning his public ministry (Matthew 4:4), Father Bailey continues.^{[27]
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  - In Matthew 9:15, he also says, “...and then they will fast” (not “might”).^{[28]
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Section 6 of 7:

Is it safe to fast?

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Generally, fasting is safe for healthy adults without medical conditions. You may be uncomfortable during your fast, but the side effects are unlikely to be dangerous over short periods. One clinical study found that the majority of adults who engaged in a water-only fast for 2+ days only experienced mild side effects, including nausea, headache, insomnia, back pain, dyspepsia (indigestion), fatigue, mild hypertension (high blood pressure), and mild presyncope (lightheadedness). These were all expected and known side effects of fasting, and the study subjects reported decreased symptoms as they began refeeding.^{[29]
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Research source} However, fasting for longer periods can lead to more intense (and potentially dangerous) side effects.
- Not all bodies react the same to fasting, though. For example, those with hypoglycemia or diabetes, who take medication, who are pregnant or nursing, or who have other conditions may react more severely to fasting.^{[30]
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Section 7 of 7:

More Biblical Examples of Fasting

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Read these Scripture verses to learn how and why Biblical figures fasted. There are no hard “rules” for fasting in the Bible, but it contains plenty of examples you can look to for guidance. Knowing you’re following in the footsteps of prominent Biblical figures can help motivate you to complete your fast with faith and joy. Here are some Biblical stories of fasting to inspire you:^{[31]
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- Luke 4:1-2: Jesus fasted for 40 days before beginning His public ministry.
- Nehemiah 1:4: Nehemiah fasts to help him confess his sins to God and turn away from them.
- Psalm 35:13: David fasts to ask God to right an injustice.
- 2 Samuel 12:17-23: David fasts to ask for God’s help in healing.
- Esther 4:3: Mordecai and the Jews fast after hearing news of Haman’s plot to attack them.
- Acts 13:2; 14:23: The early church fasts while worshiping the Lord. They also seek the Lord through fasting for guidance when they appoint leaders.

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How can I fast if I am a food addict?

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Having issues with an eating disorder, I feel equipped to answer your question. The purpose of fasting is to take the focus off of being fulfilled by anything other than God. You can confess your addiction to the Lord and fast with the anticipation that He will free you from this addiction. Fasting and praying can help you gain mastery over your thoughts and behaviors. The enemy will try to attack you with all kinds of nonsense, but if you are prepared for the attack with God's Word, you will stand strong. After breaking the fast, employ the wisdom and self control that you gained during the fast and refuse to accept your former behaviors.

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Can I fast while I'm working or should I wait for my days off?

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It depends entirely on your preferences. If you have a job that requires a lot of physical labor and effort, you might want to wait until your days off. If, however, you have a desk job or something similarly laid back, you can fast any time you want.

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Can I drink water during my fasting day?

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Of course. That's how many Christians fast and it's how some people in the Bible did.

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Tips

If you’re doing a juice fast, raw fruit juices (apple, grape, pineapple, etc.) are great sources of natural sugars that will help stabilize your blood sugar levels and give you energy.^{[32]
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Try fasting with another person. This way, you’ll have someone to share your journey with and provide encouragement along the way.

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Put up Scriptures around your house to remind you that you're fasting and why you're fasting.

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Warnings

Introduce solid foods back into your diet gradually over a few days. Start with liquids and light snacks when you first break your fast and work your way up.

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Avoid overeating or gorging when you come off your fast.

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If you’re taking any prescription drugs, talk with your physician before starting a fast.^{[33]
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Avoid fasting without a physician's supervision if you have anemia, tumors, cancer, bleeding ulcers, or if you take insulin for diabetes, have heart disease, are pregnant or nursing, or are prone to eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia.^{[34]
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