“But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;
That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret:
and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.”
— Matthew 6:17–18
The Spiritual Significance of Fasting
Fasting is a sacred discipline ordained by God to humble the flesh, draw the believer closer to Him, and align the heart with His will. It is not a mere act of self-denial or religious formality, but a deliberate setting aside of physical nourishment to seek the presence, power, and purpose of God.
Throughout Scripture, fasting is associated with repentance, revelation, and renewal. When Moses fasted forty days, he received the Law (Exodus 34:28). When Daniel fasted, he received prophetic understanding (Daniel 9:3–23). When Jesus fasted, He overcame temptation and began His public ministry (Matthew 4:1–11).
Fasting is therefore a divine exchange — we trade the desires of the body for the desires of the Spirit. It silences the voice of the flesh and heightens spiritual sensitivity, enabling us to hear God more clearly and walk more obediently.
The Biblical Purposes of Fasting
- To Seek God’s Guidance and Power
Before major decisions or spiritual breakthroughs, God’s people often fasted. In Acts 13:2–3, the early church fasted and prayed before sending Paul and Barnabas on their mission. Fasting aligns the heart with the will of God and invites divine direction. - To Humble the Soul Before God
David declared, “I humbled my soul with fasting” (Psalm 35:13). True fasting breaks pride and self-reliance. It reminds us that man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). - For Repentance and National Turning
In Joel 2:12–13, God calls His people to return to Him with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Fasting can be a cry for mercy over personal sin or a nation’s rebellion. When Nineveh fasted, God withheld judgment (Jonah 3:5–10). - For Deliverance and Victory
Some demonic strongholds and spiritual battles can only be overcome through fasting and prayer (Matthew 17:21). Fasting weakens the hold of the enemy and strengthens the authority of faith. - For Intercession and Spiritual Burden
Daniel’s fast was not for himself but for the restoration of Israel (Daniel 9:3). Fasting amplifies intercession, allowing us to bear spiritual burdens with greater intensity and divine compassion.
How We Should Fast
1. With a Right Heart and Motive
Jesus warned against hypocritical fasting meant to impress others. Fasting must never be used to appear spiritual or to earn merit before men. True fasting is done unto God alone — “thy Father which is in secret” (Matthew 6:18).
2. With Prayer and the Word
Fasting without prayer is a diet, not a devotion. The time we would normally spend eating should be turned to prayer, Scripture reading, and worship. The Word feeds the spirit as food feeds the body.
3. With Repentance and Sincerity
Isaiah 58 reveals that God rejects fasting without righteousness. The fast that pleases Him loosens the bands of wickedness, breaks every yoke, and brings justice and mercy to others (Isaiah 58:6–7). Our fasting must be accompanied by a clean heart and obedient spirit.
4. With Discipline and Humility
Fasting requires physical and spiritual discipline. It teaches self-control, humbles pride, and nurtures dependence on God. We are to approach it with reverence, not ritualism, and trust God for strength throughout.
5. With a Focus on God’s Presence, Not Results
Fasting is not a bargaining tool to manipulate God’s hand but a means to align our will with His. When we fast, we seek His face, not just His favor. The reward is not merely answered prayer, but deeper intimacy with the Father.
Types of Biblical Fasts
- Complete Fast: Abstaining from all food, drinking only water (Luke 4:2).
- Partial Fast (Daniel Fast): Limiting diet to simple foods such as vegetables and water (Daniel 10:3).
- Corporate Fast: The body of believers fasting together for a common purpose (2 Chronicles 20:3–4; Acts 13:2).
- Personal Fast: A private consecration between the individual and God (Matthew 6:17–18).
Each fast should be entered prayerfully and ended gradually and wisely, especially extended fasts.
The Rewards of Fasting
Jesus promised, “Thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly” (Matthew 6:18). The rewards of fasting are both spiritual and practical:
- Renewed spiritual strength and clarity
- Deeper intimacy with God
- Answered prayer and breakthrough
- Victory over temptation and fleshly desires
- Empowerment for ministry and service
When we fast according to God’s Word and will, we experience His transforming power within us and His manifest power through us.
Conclusion: A Call to a Fasted Life
Fasting is not an occasional religious exercise but a lifestyle of consecration. It trains the believer to live in continual submission to the Spirit, unentangled by the cravings of the flesh.
As the coming of the Lord draws near, the Church must return to the ancient paths of prayer and fasting. Through fasting, we prepare our hearts for the Bridegroom’s return and position ourselves to walk in the power of the Holy Ghost.
Let every believer take to heart the words of the prophet Joel:
“Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the people…” (Joel 2:15–16).
For when the Church humbles herself before God in fasting and prayer, heaven responds — and revival follows.