An Invitation to Fast
When an approaching army threatened his nation, King Jehoshaphat responded not first with military strategy but with spiritual urgency. He called his people to “fast throughout all Judah” (2 Chron. 20:3). From every town they gathered “to seek the LORD” (2 Chron. 20:4). The king urged them to turn wholeheartedly to God:
“If disaster comes upon us—the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine—we will stand before this house and before you—for your name is in this house—and cry out to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save” (2 Chron. 20:9).
In the face of crisis, a fast was proclaimed so the people might cry out to God for mercy.
Jehoshaphat’s example offers insight into the value of fasting. Dallas Willard writes:
“Fasting confirms our utter dependence upon God by finding in him a source of sustenance beyond food. Through it we learn by experience that God’s word to us is a life substance, that it is not food (‘bread’) alone that gives life, but also the words that proceed from the mouth of God (Matt. 4:4). We learn that we too have meat to eat that the world does not know about (John 4:32, 34). Fasting unto our Lord is therefore feasting—feasting on him and on doing his will.”
— The Spirit of the Disciplines, p. 166
John R. W. Stott adds:
“We are not to humble ourselves before God only in penitence for past sin, however, but also in dependence on him for future mercy. The evidence is plain that special enterprises need special prayer, and that special prayer may well involve fasting.”
— The Message of the Sermon on the Mount, p. 137
These reflections clarify why we fast. A common question, however, is how to fast. The following outline—adapted from our friends at The Moody Church in Chicago—may be helpful for a full-day fast.
The evening before
Eat a light dinner.
Spend time in personal confession and renewed surrender to God.
Abstain from television and other media that would distract you from intentional communion with Him.
The day of the fast
Drink water, coffee, or juice, but abstain from food.
In the morning, choose two or three promises from Scripture (e.g., Psalm 145:18; Jeremiah 33:3; John 15:7).
Ask God to reveal any sin that needs to be confessed and forsaken.
Pray for your personal concerns, your family, our church, our nation, and the world. Plead for God’s mercy.
Continue your normal responsibilities throughout the day. Let hunger become a prompt to pray—to love and trust God with the burdens on your heart. Pray quietly as you work. If someone asks why you are not eating, simply say you have chosen to fast.
That evening
If possible, gather with other believers to express together your dependence on God and your longing to see Him answer prayer.
The next morning, reflect:
What did I learn?
What sins were revealed?
What burdens did I consciously entrust to God?
What do I now believe more deeply for my church, family, or community?
What do I see more clearly?
What is my next step of obedience?
If health concerns prevent you from fasting from food, you are encouraged to follow these same practices while maintaining your regular meals. Fasting itself earns no merit before God; rather, it is a means of revealing our hearts in His presence and expressing our dependence upon Him.
In my own rhythm, I often pursue something like this a couple of times each week, typically concluding the day with a light evening meal with my family. There are many ways to fast. The essential elements are intentionality, humility, prayerfulness, and dependence on God. Seek the pattern that best fits your circumstances.
I am always grateful to hear how God meets people in these moments. If you sense Him at work in your own fasting experience, I would welcome the opportunity to hear your story.
