Fasting is a spiritual discipline deeply rooted in Scripture, designed to draw believers closer to God through humility, dependence, and focused prayer. Throughout the Bible, fasting is often tied to moments of seeking God’s guidance, expressing repentance, or preparing for significant spiritual work. In the Old Testament, leaders like Moses (Exodus 34:28) and Ezra (Ezra 8:21-23) fasted to seek divine direction and to humble themselves before God. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days before beginning His public ministry (Matthew 4:1-2), setting an example for believers to follow.
Biblical fasting is always accompanied by prayer and devotion, showing a desire to align with God’s will and experience His presence. As emphasized in passages like Isaiah 58:1-12, fasting also has a social dimension, calling for justice, mercy, and love to reflect God’s character in the world. Fasting is a practice of dependence, worship, and spiritual renewal that has been integral to the faith journey of God’s people throughout history.
