What is fasting and how do I do it?
Quick answer
Fasting is voluntarily going without food (or something else good) for a time to focus on God in prayer. The Bible assumes believers will fast ("when you fast," not "if"), and it pairs fasting with humility, repentance, and seeking God.
Jesus fasted, taught on it (Matthew 6:16–18), and assumed his followers would fast after he ascended.
Practical start: skip a meal or a day’s food; use the hunger as a prompt to pray. Drink water. Check with a doctor if you have health conditions.
The heart matters more than the method. Fasting is not a hunger strike to twist God’s arm; it is turning from lesser appetites to feast on him.
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Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.