“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” – Matthew 4:4
Fasting is a whole-body hunger for God—a practice that deepens our dependence on Him by teaching us that “one does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).
Fasting is an underdeveloped and often misunderstood practice. Yet throughout history, it has been a core rhythm of the church—a way of reorienting our desires and allowing hunger to reveal where we truly place our trust.
✖ A wellness hack or a tool for self-improvement
✖ A way to earn God’s favour or force His hand
✖ An empty ritual disconnected from justice and love
✔ A posture of dependence—teaching us to rely on God more than our comforts
✔ A form of body-based prayer—directing our hunger toward Him
✔ A pathway to justice—turning our hearts outward to serve and love others
🔹 Make a plan. Choose a weekly fast—perhaps from dinner to dinner, or a partial fast like skipping a meal. If fasting from food is not wise for you, consider abstaining from something else that feeds your hunger (social media, entertainment, etc.).
🔹 Engage, don’t just abstain. Fasting is not just about what we give up—it’s about what we turn toward. Use the time to pray, worship, read Scripture, or serve others.
🔹 Have the right heart. Jesus taught, “When you fast, do not look somber… but put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting isn’t obvious to others” (Matthew 6:16-18). Fasting is about intimacy, not performance.
🔹 Fast with a purpose. Isaiah 58 reminds us that true fasting leads to acts of justice, generosity, and renewal. Consider setting aside the money you save from fasting and using it to bless someone in need.
🔹 Be mindful of your health. If you have struggled with disordered eating, fasting from food may not be wise. Instead, consider an abstinence fast from something else that consumes your attention.
