How Not to Fast

If you've never fasted, you probably have fair questions. Is it safe? What should I give up? How do I keep it from becoming a show? The short answer: fast wisely, with a plan, for the right reasons, and not alone. Fasting is setting aside good things for a time so you can give God more of yourself.

What is fasting, and what isn't it?

Fasting is giving up good, even enjoyable things for a period of time. You set yourself apart to God so you can seek His presence more. It is not giving up bad things. As Pastor Sean Sloan puts it on Beyond Sunday, that's called repentance, and we should be doing it anyway.

Fasting is also an embodied practice. Faith isn't something only your spirit does while your body goes its own way. When you fast, you bring your whole self before God and say, with my whole being I'm going to worship. Pastor Sean shares a line from Augustine. Fasting, he wrote, cleanses the soul, raises the mind, subjects the flesh to the spirit, and renders the heart contrite and humble.

Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

Matthew 4:4

With that in mind, here are four ways not to fast.

Is fasting safe if you have a health condition?

Fasting can be safe with a health condition, but don't fast unwisely or without counsel. If you have diabetes, cancer, or another medical condition, talk with your doctor or a nutritionist before you start. A health condition doesn't always rule fasting out. It may set limits and change how you do it, such as choosing a partial fast or planning your hydration carefully.

A general surgeon on the episode says those conversations can open doors. Talking with your doctor about why you're fasting is a natural chance to share your faith. He also admits that his work keeps him on his feet ten to twelve hours at a time. For years he doubted he could fast at all. God proved him wrong. You may think there's a barrier you can't get past. With wisdom and planning, you probably can.

How should you plan a fast?

Plan it before it starts. Decide exactly what you will and won't give up, how long you'll fast, and how you'll handle the day before. Be intentional about hydration. There are different kinds of fasts, from all food, to certain foods, to screens and media. A partial fast sets aside certain foods rather than all food. Choose one that fits your health and your season, and write it down.

Plan your prayer, too. Pastor Sean has been reading a book on prayer by D. A. Carson. Carson points out that much praying doesn't happen simply because we don't plan to pray. If you don't plan to pray, you've planned not to. Set times, such as morning, noon, and evening, and keep them. A fast with no prayer in it is just going hungry.

Expect some days when you don't feel like it. You won't always feel like praying or reading Scripture, and you certainly won't always feel like fasting. That doesn't mean you should quit.

What are the wrong reasons to fast?

The wrong reasons are weight loss, attention, and pride. Fasting does have physical benefits. The surgeon on the episode says that's no surprise, since the things God gives us tend to be good for us. But fasting to lose weight is the wrong priority.

Fasting for attention is wrong too. Jesus was direct about it.

When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Matthew 6:16 to 18

Today that might mean not announcing your fast all over social media. Pride can creep in privately as well. Pastor Sean quotes Abba Isidore, one of the early desert fathers. Isidore warned that if fasting makes you think highly of yourself, you'd be better off eating a meal. If you struggle, don't quit. Keep going, and keep your heart right.

Should you fast with your family?

Yes, whenever you can. Don't fast alone. For example, the surgeon and his wife pray over each other every time one of them leaves the house, even at 2 a.m. when he's called in. They still name each of their adult children in prayer. When they fast together with the same plan, it gives them the same heart and the same mindset. In some hard family seasons, it has helped them keep the Lord at the center.

Even if you're the only one in your home fasting, share what you're doing with your family. Pray with your spouse. Let the fast strengthen those relationships instead of pulling you away from them.

Common questions

What is the purpose of fasting in the Bible?

Fasting means setting aside good things for a time so you can give God more of your attention. It humbles the heart and reminds you that you live on every word from God, not on food alone.

Is fasting safe if I have a health condition?

Talk with your doctor first. A health condition may change how you fast, such as choosing a partial fast or planning hydration carefully, but it doesn't always mean you can't take part.

What can I fast besides food?

You can fast from certain foods, social media, television, or screens. The key is choosing something meaningful and filling that time with prayer and seeking God.

Should I tell people I'm fasting?

Jesus taught that fasting should be between you and the Father, not a show for others. It is wise to tell your doctor if you have a health condition and to share your plan with your family so you can pray together.