More and more Protestants are discovering the benefits and power of spiritual fasting. While the practice is common among members of the Roman Catholic and other ecclesiastical clergy (specifically priests, nuns and monks) until recently not so many laypeople have fasted. But that's changing.
The Bible mentions fasting frequently. Fasting was common in Biblical times and still is for many Jews and Christians. Two specific times of fasting are Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, for the Jews; and Lent, which is practiced for 40 days before the celebration of Resurrection Sunday for the Christian. And there are many more.
In this article, I am going to center on Christian fasting, as that is my personal experience, while recognizing that many of spiritual fasts for followers of Jesus Christ are rooted in Jewish traditions (remember, Jesus was a Jew).
First of all, let me define fasting. The Hebrew word for "fast" means "cover over the mouth." The Greek word for "fast" means "to abstain from food." So fasting is abstaining from food for a spiritual purpose (for more information about what fasting is and is not, see links below for "The Daniel Fast is ALWAYS a Spiritual Fast").
Additionally, there are different types of fasts, including an absolute fast (no food, no beverages), a normal fast (no food) and a partial fast (abstaining from some specific foods and beverages or abstaining from food and/or beverages during certain hours). You can learn more about the types of fasts by reading the articles referenced at the end of this article, including "Types of Fasting".
Perhaps one of the most powerful elements of Christian spiritual fasting is that the believer is setting aside a specific period of time to give extra focus toward God. This is a time of "consecration unto the Lord." Consecration means "dedicated for a sacred purpose." So when a believer decides to fast, the goal is to focus more attention on God for a specific purpose.
Fasting without a purpose is like setting out for a journey without a destination. Several accounts of fasting are included in the Bible, and all were attached to a purpose. In Daniel 10, the prophet was burdened because of a dream. Daniel "ate no precious foods or meat and drank no wine" for 21 days. After this partial fast, the angel of the Lord visited Daniel and told him of things to come.
The New Testament notes other accounts of fasting, including the one where church leaders in Antioch were seeking the Lord's guidance with prayer and fasting. Acts 13:2, 3 reads, "As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, 'Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away."
When we fast and pray, we are "pressing into God." We are increasing our focus for a specific purpose. The purpose may be a particular need for guidance, healing, financial breakthrough or the desire to draw closer to the Lord.
The discipline of fasting positions us. The believer is putting he or her body, soul and spirit on alert that they are setting aside a specific time to seek God and His wisdom. Fasting unto the Lord always points us to Jesus . . . to His desires for us . . . and to His ways.
The Bible says in James 4:8, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." When we set our hearts on desiring more of God in our lives, and position ourselves to seek Him with prayer and fasting, He says He will meet us.
This is the power and the great benefit of spiritual fasting!
ARTICLES REFERENCED IN THIS ARTICLE: The Daniel Fast is ALWAYS a Spiritual Fast and Types of Fasting.
Susan Gregory has been called "The Daniel Fast Expert" and teaches about spiritual fasting on The Daniel Fast Weblog which you can visit at http://DanielFast.wordpress.com
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