Fasting
Fasting disconnects you from the world, while prayer connects you to God. This is a powerful combination!
Fasting is an intentional practice of going without something—most often food—for a set time so you can seek God with greater clarity and dependence. It’s not a way to earn God’s love; it’s a way to train your heart to desire Him more than comfort, control, or cravings.
When we fast, we create space to pray, listen, repent, and reorient our lives around Jesus. Whether you’re new to fasting or returning to it, this page will help you understand what biblical fasting is, why it matters, and how to start with wisdom, humility, and faith.
And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
— Matthew 6:16-18
“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.
— Joel 2:12-13
But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
— Matthew 4:4
Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
— Isaiah 58:6-7
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
— 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Resources to Teach You to Fast
Fasting is most fruitful when it’s paired with prayer, Scripture, and a clear purpose. Use these resources to learn biblical foundations, choose a simple plan, and stay focused on seeking Jesus rather than just abstaining from something.
The Purpose of Fasting
A small, curated set designed by BibleProject to help people understand fasting and apply it with the right heart.
Fasting Basics
Redeemer’s Fasting Basics explains that biblical fasting is only meaningful when it’s paired with repentance and obedience—turning from sin and…
Fasting for Complete Victory
This video message from Jentezen Franklin explains that fasting is about turning all that you are, everything you have, toward…
This John Piper message teaches that Jesus assumes his disciples will fast and teaches how to fast with God as…
A short, clear Q&A with John Piper on fasting as embodied hunger for more of Christ and his kingdom.
This John MacArthur video message frames fasting in Matthew 6 as a heart issue—warning against performance and calling for sincerity.
A widely shared article reframing fasting as longing for God and fighting for joy in him.
A collection of John Piper video messages, articles and other resources on the topic of Fasting.
John Piper’s book “A Hunger for God” shows how biblical fasting helps awaken and deepen your desire for God—turning from…
Frequent Questions People Have About Fasting
Fasting can feel intimidating if you’ve never done it before. These FAQs answer common questions about what fasting is, why Christians fast, how to do it safely, and how to keep the focus on Jesus rather than performance.
Fasting is voluntarily setting aside a normal good (often a meal or multiple meals) to pursue God with focused attention. The goal isn’t self-improvement or spiritual bragging—it’s deeper communion with God through prayer, Scripture, and surrender.
Fasting reveals what rules our appetites and re-centers our desires on Jesus. It strengthens prayer, cultivates humility, and trains us to depend on God’s strength rather than our own. Done rightly, it becomes a practical “no” to the flesh and a faith-filled “yes” to God.
Resolve to fast as a way of refocusing your heart. Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that quiets distractions and heightens our awareness of God. By intentionally setting something like food or digital devices aside, we create space to depend more fully on Him and listen more closely to His voice. Try choosing one intentional fast this month—whether from a meal, social media, or another daily habit—and use the time or attention you’ve freed up to pray, reflect, and simply be with God.
Start small and start with purpose. Choose one meal, one day, or a limited window, and decide ahead of time how you’ll use that time with God—through prayer, Scripture, journaling, or worship. Drink water or juices, listen to your body, and keep your focus on seeking God, not just “getting through it.”
Fasting should be practiced with wisdom and health in mind. If you’re pregnant, have a history of eating disorders, diabetes, medical conditions, or other health concerns, talk with a doctor first—or consider a different kind of fast (social media, entertainment, etc.) while still pursuing the same heart focus.
To seek God with focused attention—training your heart to depend on Him and desire Him more than comfort or control.
Food fasting is the most common in Scripture, but you can also fast from other good things (social media, entertainment, etc.)—as long as the purpose is to pursue God more intentionally.
Start small: one meal or one day. As you grow, you can extend the time with wisdom and good preparation.
Keep it private, keep it humble, and keep it God-focused. Fasting is not about proving holiness—it’s about pursuing Jesus and letting Him reshape your desires.
Replace what you’re abstaining from with prayer, Scripture, worship, and listening. Fasting without seeking God is just skipping something.
We're Here To Help Guide You & Answer Your Questions
If you have questions about fasting, want help choosing a wise approach, or you’re walking through a season where you need focused prayer and support, we’d love to connect. Fill out the form below and someone from the Sonrise team will reach out to listen, encourage you, and help you take your next step with Jesus.
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