How to Fast the Biblical WaySample

Fasting can be from anything – a specific food, pop, sugar, tv, movies, swearing, cigarettes, video games, worrying, spending money, caffeine, etc. There are several types of fasts. Here are the most common ones.

Regular fast: this means no food or drink – water only. This is the type of fast Jesus did, which is talked about in Matthew 4 & Luke 4.

Partial fast: this can mean a few different things. One is to abstain from a particular food or only eat particular foods. This is the type of fast Daniel did which is described in Daniel 1. You can also skip a meal or only eat during certain hours.

Liquid Fast: this means you do not eat solid foods, only liquid. This is different than a regular fast because you can drink any liquid – juicing is common.

Absolute Fast: this means you do not eat any food or drink any liquid at all – even water. Esther, Mordecai, and the Jews in Susa did this according to Esther 4. They fasted for 3 days and 3 nights. Paul also did a 3 day fast just after being blinded by the sight of Jesus on the road to Damascus. This is described in Acts 9.

Non-Food Fast: this is giving up something other than food for the Lord. It can be soda, shopping, television, swearing, smoking, or anything else.

Supernatural Fast: this is a long period of time without eating or drinking anything – longer than what your body could typically survive. Moses did this for 40 days – abstaining from all food and drink.

*Always speak with a doctor before attempting any fast if you have any health issues.