“The practice of fasting is not merely about abstaining from food—it is about offering our whole selves, body and soul, to God. When we feel hunger, it reminds us of something missing, an emptiness. In fasting, that physical longing becomes a spiritual longing, redirecting our desire toward God Himself. The Greek word soma means “body,” but not just the physical frame—it encompasses the whole person. In fasting, we present our soma as a living sacrifice, aligning our entire being with God’s presence and will.
Jesus modeled this practice as He began His ministry, fasting forty days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–2; Luke 4:1–2). His example reveals that fasting is not peripheral but central to spiritual formation.
And yet, it’s striking how few practice fasting regularly. One study found that less than 2% of Christians fast weekly. But notice Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:16 (NLT): “And when you fast…” He does not say if you fast, but when. For Jesus, fasting is not optional but assumed as part of discipleship. Later in verse 18, He adds, “And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” Imagine that—fasting not only draws us near to God but also carries His promise of reward.
In earlier centuries, fasting was considered a natural rhythm of spiritual life, woven into the same fabric as prayer and Scripture. Perhaps part of our recovery of ancient practices of Jesus is rediscovering fasting—not as a burden, but as a gift that integrates mind and body, spirit and soul, into one act of surrender before God.
It is a bit shocking, and yet easy to understand, why fasting has nearly disappeared in the modern Western world. We live in a culture of abundance. If we’re hungry, we can quickly drive to a fast-food place, pick something up at a convenience store, or shop at a grocery store that is open nearly around the clock. Food is always available to us. And because of that, the practice of fasting—like Sabbath or Solitude—stands out as profoundly counter-cultural. Most people won’t understand it, but perhaps that is precisely why it has such formative power for those who follow Jesus.
Why fast? There are two main reasons: as a rhythm and as a response.
As a rhythm, fasting becomes woven into the fabric of who you are. For me, many of you know that Thursdays are my fasting day. It has become part of my life. When hunger arises, I don’t treat it as a nuisance but as a reminder that I am offering my body to God in surrender and dependence.
As a response, fasting is a way of engaging with God in particular moments. It might be when facing an important decision, in the midst of crisis, in deep repentance when sin has broken through, or during times of grief and loss. In those moments, fasting becomes a physical expression of a spiritual cry for God’s presence and guidance.
And so we must be clear: biblical fasting is not simply abstaining from things we enjoy, like chocolate, social media, or sports. It’s not even adopting a restricted diet, like the popular “Daniel Fast.” While abstinence and restricted diets can be helpful disciplines in their own right, fasting in the biblical sense is much more specific. It is the refraining from food—and at times water—as a tangible offering of ourselves to Jesus.
When we fast, we bring our whole selves before God. We allow our physical hunger to awaken in us a deeper hunger: the hunger for more of Him.”