How to Prepare for a Christian Fast Spiritually and Physically
Fasting isn't just a spiritual discipline relegated to biblical times or reserved for January; it’s a powerful practice that deepens our relationship with God today. Whether you’re fasting because God is calling you to it, you want to draw closer to the Lord, or you’ve designated fasting days on your calendar, it’s essential to prepare both spiritually and physically.
This guide will help you prepare for your fast, ensuring that your heart, mind, and body align with God’s purpose. You can also click below to listen to a Wholly Well Journey podcast episode on this topic!
The Spiritual Purpose of Fasting
Fasting is much more than skipping meals and setting goals. It’s an intentional act of worship, a way to humble ourselves before God, and a practice that aligns our focus with His will. The Bible highlights fasting as a way to seek God earnestly. For example, in Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus teaches us to fast without drawing attention to ourselves, but instead to focus on our relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Preparing Spiritually for a Fast
Preparing your heart and mind is crucial before diving into a fast. Here’s how:
Spend Time in Prayer: Pray before you fast, during your fast and after your fast - pray without ceasing. But be extra intentional about preparing your heart and mind prior to fasting.
Seek God’s Guidance: Before you google, ask God how He wants you to fast. What is He saying to you right now about this season of fasting?
Study the Bible: Dive into scriptures about fasting. For a comprehensive list of verses, check out 52+ Scriptures on Fasting).
Set Clear Intentions: What are you fasting for? Whether it’s clarity, direction, or breakthrough, being intentional will keep your focus sharp throughout your fast.
Release Perfectionism
Are you worried about fasting the “right way”? Just start where you are and do what you can. God is pleased by our willing hearts and obedience. This isn’t all about willpower and self-discipline (although those attributes will be necessary). Ultimately, fasting teaches us to surrender our will to God’s ways and depend more entirely on Him for physical, mental, and spiritual strength.
Let Go of Unrealistic Expectations: Understand that fasting is not about perfect performance but about seeking God’s presence. If God calls you to start fasting tomorrow, trust that He will provide the grace to do so. If you start with a simple fast, for just a day or abstaining from a few items, it’s OK—you will grow as you GO.
Embrace Humility: Fasting naturally humbles us, reminding us of our dependence on God, not our own strength.
Surrender Outcomes: Fasting may not look the way you expected, but God will do an incredible work in your heart and mind if you surrender your will, look for His lessons, and abide in His love.
Types of Fasts
There are various ways to fast, each with its own level of intensity:
Absolute Fast: No food or water. This should only be done for a very short period.
Water-Only Fast: Abstain from all food but drink water.
Liquid Fast: Involves consuming liquids like smoothies, bone broth, or juices.
Daniel Fast: Focuses on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, eliminating all animal products, alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods.
Each fast has its benefits and challenges. For more guidance on types of biblical fasting, see Types of Christian Fasts
Get recipes and meal plans for a Daniel Fast here: Daniel Fast Meals and Recipes
Preparing for Your Fast
Fasting can be physically challenging, especially in a society where processed foods and stimulants like caffeine are the norms. Preparing your body is key to a successful fast.
Check out the following excerpt from the Firm Foundation devotional:
You can confidently begin your fasting journey even if you don’t feel 100% ready—it’s likely that you never will, so be bold and build up your faith! After your initial Bible study, here are essential steps to planning to fast:
Pray and seek God; let Him guide you as you plan your fast.
Make a commitment; decide what you will abstain from and how long.
Fill yourself spiritually with prayer and Bible reading before, during, and after.
Follow the Lord's leading, and avoid comparing yourself to others. You may need to start small. You could begin by fasting just one meal daily or abstaining from food categories like meat and desserts. It's better to start small than not all.
Remember that fasting isn't about willpower; we must rely on God's power. As 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." It's okay to feel weak because God's strength and power are enough for you.
But what happens if you "mess up"? Maybe you're four days into a five-day fast and eat a snack not included in your fast. Your initial reaction may be to quit altogether. But I encourage you to get back on track and continue your commitment. Fasting doesn’t require perfection.
Humble yourself, draw near to the Lord, and persevere to the end. Your daily journal will feature some practical tips and reminders, but here's a brief overview to get you started.
Before Your Fast
Fasting can be an abrupt change physically and mentally. If your fast is more restrictive, spend extra time preparing your body, especially if you're new to fasting.
The week before you fast, decrease your intake of caffeine, sugar, processed foods, etc.
Instead of having three big meals daily, try eating smaller meals and fewer snacks to get your body accustomed to less food intake.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day leading up to your fast.
If you're doing a Daniel Fast or juice fast, plan your meals, organize your recipes, and go grocery shopping.
Increasing your fiber intake and eating more beans and legumes in the days leading up to a Daniel Fast is extremely beneficial to help your digestive system adjust.
Focus on the spiritual preparation as well as the physical. Pray and think about how you will spend time with the Lord during your fast.
Ask a few trusted friends or spiritual mentors to pray for you as you fast.
Conclusion
Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that brings us closer to God by focusing our hearts and minds on Him. Whether you’re embarking on a water fast, a Daniel Fast, or another type of fast, preparation is key to experiencing its full benefits. Remember, fasting is about worship and humility, not about perfection. Trust in God’s grace to guide you through this spiritual journey.
