Fasting is defined as the denial of food. It is a simple concept yet a powerful spiritual tool. In the Bible you see several types of fasting:
Complete Fast – No food and no water. We see two extreme occurrences of this in the Bible, Moses being one of them. While in the presence of God, God sustained Moses for 40 days as he received the 10 commandments. While it is recognized that God can completely sustain us, it is not recommended that anyone do a complete fast for more than 3 days. After 3 days, serious consequences arise from a lack of hydration, so consult your doctor before attempting this. Esther called her people to fast from food and water for 3 days before she presented herself to the king.
Water Fast – No food, just water. This is the most common form of fasting in the Bible. It is assumed that when the Bible talks of fasting without further specification, it is referring to a water fast. Water fasts can be maintained for a longer period of time than complete fasts. We recommend no more than 21 days, but consult your doctor before attempting this. Water fasts can be supplemented by non-sugar electrolyte powder.
Partial Fast – Abstaining from certain types of foods. Daniel ate only fruits and vegetables for 21 days as he prayed for God’s interpretation of a disturbing vision. Partial fasts can actually be very healthy, provided you eat healthy food while you are on them. Many people choose to do variations of the Daniel fast, eating no meat and desserts. Many resources are available for Daniel Fast meal plans.
Juice Fast – No solid food, just water, juices, and broths. This is a way of fasting that maintains some level of blood sugar and nutrition. It is really just a partial fast turned up a notch. Consult your doctor before attempting this type of fast.
Activity Fast – Giving up something you typically enjoy and replacing it with prayer and worship. This could be social media, TV, YouTube, Golf, or even shopping. This is often paired with a food fast to help focus on God.
For more information on Fasting, see our Fasting 101 Resource Page.