Fasting, in the biblical context, is the voluntary abstention from food and sometimes drink, undertaken as a spiritual discipline. It is often accompanied by prayer, serving as a means to humble oneself before God, seek His guidance, and express earnest devotion. The practice of fasting is deeply rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition and is mentioned throughout the Scriptures as a powerful tool for spiritual growth and divine intervention.

Old Testament Foundations

Fasting is first seen in the Old Testament, where it is often associated with mourning, repentance, and seeking God's favor. One of the earliest references is found in the Book of Judges, where the Israelites fasted and prayed for guidance after suffering defeat (Judges 20:26). The Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, is the only fast explicitly commanded in the Mosaic Law, where the Israelites were instructed to "afflict their souls" (Leviticus 16:29-31).

The prophet Joel called for a sacred fast as a means of national repentance, urging the people to "return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning" (Joel 2:12). Similarly, the account of Jonah highlights the city of Nineveh's collective fast and prayer, which led to God's mercy and the sparing of the city (Jonah 3:5-10).

New Testament Practice

In the New Testament, fasting continues to be a significant spiritual practice, often linked with prayer. Jesus Himself fasted for forty days and nights in the wilderness, preparing for His public ministry and resisting temptation (Matthew 4:1-2). He taught His disciples about fasting, emphasizing sincerity and humility, rather than outward show: "When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites... But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face" (Matthew 6:16-17).

The early church also practiced fasting and prayer, particularly when seeking God's direction. In Acts 13:2-3, the church at Antioch fasted and prayed before commissioning Barnabas and Saul for missionary work. Similarly, Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in the churches with prayer and fasting (Acts 14:23).

Spiritual Significance

Fasting, when accompanied by prayer, is a means of drawing closer to God, aligning one's will with His, and seeking His intervention in critical situations. It is an expression of dependence on God, acknowledging that "man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).

The practice of fasting is not merely about abstaining from food but is a holistic approach to spiritual discipline. It involves setting aside time for prayer, meditation on Scripture, and seeking God's presence. Fasting can lead to spiritual breakthroughs, clarity in decision-making, and a deeper understanding of God's will.

Contemporary Application

In contemporary Christian practice, fasting remains a vital spiritual discipline. Believers may fast for various reasons, including personal spiritual growth, intercession for others, or seeking God's guidance in challenging circumstances. While the form and duration of fasting may vary, the underlying principle remains the same: to humble oneself before God and seek His face with a sincere heart.

Fasting, when combined with prayer, continues to be a powerful means of spiritual renewal and transformation, echoing the biblical call to "humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you" (James 4:10).Ezra 8:23
So we fasted and sought our God for this: and he was entreated of us.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Daniel 9:3
And I set my face to the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts XIII
... The second, and doubtless the true interpretation, is this: That the imposition
of hands, accompanied by fasting and prayer, was, in this case, as in that of ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xiii.htm

Covenanting Recommended by the Practice of the New Testament ...
... against Prelacy, was renewed at Greyfriar's Church, Edinburgh; thousands had assembled;
the solemnity was accompanied with prayer and fasting; and with the ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xiv covenanting recommended by.htm

Of the vision that Appeared to a Certain Man of God Before the ...
... me spend the whole night standing in prayer, and pass ... as has been said; and continued
fasting all the ... day to a distance from the monastery, accompanied by one ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xxv of the vision.htm

Of Certain Temptations of Satan. Instructions Relating Thereto.
... in a person who is weak and sickly to undertake much fasting and sharp ... are not resting
on the truth, I would rather were not accompanied with prayer. ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xiii of certain temptations.htm

The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ...
... that a certain amount of heart movement, even though it be not accompanied with
a ... 2. HELPS"ESSENTIALS TO PREVAILING PRAYER. ... With fasting (Acts 13:2, 3; 14:23 ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrines of salvation a.htm

The Several Parts of Worship.
... The first Christians accompanied every important act of their public and ... pray without
ceasing." On solemn occasions they joined fasting with prayer, as a ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 53 the several parts.htm

Appendix V in the Directory.
... The words which accompanied the distribution of the Elements were so framed as to
exhibit no trace of a ... Of Prayer after the Sermon. ... Of Public Solemn Fasting. ...
/.../luckock/studies in the book of common prayer/appendix v in the directory.htm

Repentance and victory
... the pouring out of soul in penitence; for it was accompanied by fasting and confession ...
the battle should be spent, not in feasting, but in prayer and lowly ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/repentance and victory.htm

Knox's Book of Common Order.
... Scriptures to give ourselves to mourning, fasting and prayer as ... on the day appointed
to Common Prayer and preaching ... the child should there be accompanied by the ...
/.../johnston/presbyterian worship/chapter iii knoxs book of.htm

The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem
... These observations of the stars were accompanied by fasting, prayer, religious
ceremonies, and various forms of self-denial and purification. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xiii the journey of the.htm

Why did Jesus fast? | GotQuestions.org

What is Ramadan? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of Lent? | GotQuestions.org

Fasting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus