Part 2 in the Series of Prayer and Fasting
The Old Testament has many references to prayer and fasting. The Old Testament’s Day of Atonement is an annual call for the congregation to fast. But what does the New Testament say about fasting? Let’s find out the Bible truth of whether Christians should fast and pray today.
Pin Now to Read Later!
While the Day of Atonement was the only law requiring them to fast, the Israelites also fasted before God for answers to their problems. One example appears in Ezra 8:21-23, with God answering them in Ezra 8:31. You can read more about the connection between humility and fasting in Part One of this series.
However, the question arises: Are Christians instructed to fast today? Some suggest that fasting is an Old Testament practice and not valid for Christians today. Let’s find out what the Bible says about that.
Before we turn to the New Testament, let me briefly define what a “fast” is, in case you are not familiar.
Fasting is the abstinence from food for a period of time to accomplish a spiritual purpose.
We’ll go into detail on the fasting topic in other parts of this series. For now, let’s answer the question at hand: Should Christians fast and pray today?
What Jesus Said About Prayer and Fasting
Let’s begin with Jesus’ conversation with the Pharisees in Luke 5:33-35. Also Matthew 9:14-15 and Mark 2:18-20.
And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink? And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days. [Bold emphasis mine.]
The Pharisees were continually criticizing Jesus for one thing or another. Now they are questioning and criticizing Jesus because His disciples were not fasting.
To paraphrase Jesus’ response, He said that while they are with me, they don’t need to fast, but when I am no longer with them, that’s when they will need to fast and pray.
Did you catch that truth about fasting? While His disciples were with Him, they didn’t need to fast to seek God for direction. They had Jesus with them, and that was enough.
Many people probably miss the latter part of Jesus’ response. Jesus said that when He is no longer with them, His disciples would then need to spend time fasting. It sounds like a prediction rather than a command. Is that your understanding as well?
But back to the Scripture text above. Look at the wording Jesus used. He said the children of the bridechamber. Without going into a deep dive, Strong’s Concordance says it means the bridal bed.
Who is in the bridal bed but the Bride of Christ? Is Jesus referring to more than the disciples? Is He referring to Christians, and will they, too, need to fast in “those days”? Will those days be more difficult, causing believers to spend more time fasting and praying? That’s something to ponder, but then look around. Current world events include many news posts about evil uprisings.
Did the Disciples Fast After Jesus Left Them?
So, the next question begins. Do we have any recorded evidence that the disciples fasted after Jesus ascended into heaven?
Turn with me to Acts 13:1-3 to read what the prophets and teachers did in Antioch. Acts 13:2 says they ministered to the Lord and fasted. The Holy Spirit spoke to them and instructed them to send Barnabas and Saul out.
Then the group fasted a second time (Acts 13:3), this time laying hands on the two men before sending them out to the mission field. They fasted twice, meaning that between verses 2 and 3 they waited a day or so before the second fast, which included laying on of hands.
This fasting took place in a corporate setting, since it was a group of men together.
The second account of a group fasting for direction is in Acts 14:21-23. They prayed with fasting and commended (ordained) them (the newly appointed elders) to the Lord. Did you notice this happened in every church (v. 23)? Their fasting wasn’t a one-time thing but a regular practice in the early church.
Fasting was a regular practice in the First Century Church.
Individual Fasting
While we don’t have a record of every time Paul fasted, we do know he fasted often. In 2 Corinthians 6:4-5, Paul describes his ministry and lists “fasting” among the many practices he regularly did.
Turn to 2 Corinthians 11:23-27 to read another list of Paul’s ministry practices, where he mentions being without food or water because it was unavailable (not fasting) and also “fasting often.”
Paul carefully distinguished the two. One is not eating because food was unavailable, and the other is abstaining from food even though it was available.
Fasting is choosing not to eat.
So, in these two passages, Paul mentions that he fasted often and regularly. We do not know how often or how regularly, and it does not matter.
Paul also taught the believers in Corinth that fasting and prayer are acceptable practices, and that a husband and wife can deprive each other only for a specified time, lest temptation arise (1 Corinthians 7:5).
A Gentile Roman centurion, Cornelius, a God-fearing man, fasted and prayed for four days, seeking direction from God. His fasting led to his salvation and baptism in water. You can read the full account in Acts 10:30-48.
Based on the Scripture passages above, do you think Christians still need to fast and pray today? Explore the many benefits of fasting and prayer in Part 3 of this series. Do you spend time in prayer and fasting?
Save this on Pinterest to read later!
What Did Jesus Teach About Fasting?
Let’s start with Matthew 6:1-7 of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus taught three important truths concerning:
- Money
- Prayer
- Fasting
He mentioned these topics specifically because of the Pharisees’ hypocrisy. Did you notice that Jesus used the word “when,” not “if,” in verses 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7?
We won’t talk about giving money; we’ll save that for another post. But let’s look at what He said about prayer and fasting.
In Matthew 6:5-7, Jesus clearly taught two things: how not to pray and how to pray better. We are not to pray with hypocrisy as the Pharisees did.
But when you pray, let your prayers be between you and your Father in heaven. In other words, don’t tell everyone about your private prayers. However, if you are in a group prayer meeting, your prayers won’t be of a personal and private nature (usually) but more of a corporate nature.
When you fast, Matthew 6:16-17, don’t be like the hypocrites letting everyone they meet know that they were fasting. That was all the reward the Pharisees got: pats on the back for “attaboy!”
Remember, Jesus said WHEN you fast. He didn’t say IF you fast, but WHEN you fast.
This sounds like He expected His disciples to fast. And He said this before the Pharisees criticized Him for His disciples not fasting. Remember that verse in Luke 5:33-35, Matthew 9:14-15 and Mark 2:18-20?
Jesus expected His followers to continue fasting and praying as necessary.
As we read in the Book of Acts, the prophets and teachers had clearly developed the spiritual discipline to fast and pray as necessary.
This Kind Goes Out by Prayer and Fasting
Here’s a great example of Jesus teaching how important prayer and fasting are, and I believe they still are today.
Turn to Matthew 17:14-21 to read the account of the “lunatic” (KJV term) who needed deliverance. The son’s father spoke with Jesus and said, “I brought my son to your disciples, but they could not cure him” (Matthew 17:16).
Skip down to Matthew 17:19-21, where the disciples asked Jesus why they couldn’t cast out the demon. What did Jesus say in verse 21? “This kind goes out by prayer and fasting.”
Jesus was constantly praying and probably fasting as well, though it isn’t recorded. It sounds like the disciples hadn’t spent much time fasting, yet Jesus seems to be saying fasting was necessary. Even while He was still with them. Hmmmm. Something to ponder. Oh, and prayer was definitely necessary, as we saw Jesus pray many times during His ministry.
The Main Point About Fasting and Prayer for Today
The question has been: Is fasting necessary for Christians today? While Jesus taught the crowds and His disciples how to fast, He did not command it.
Believers are not commanded to fast, but if they choose to spend whatever time is necessary for prayer and fasting, it would benefit them greatly.
Fasting often helps with sorrow, seeking God’s direction in life, or interceding for someone else. It can also benefit the healing and deliverance ministry. It is not to be done through vain traditions or under guilt, since Christians are not under the Law of Moses.
If you need to fast, then, by all means, take time to fast and pray. Let the Holy Spirit lead you in whatever you do.
Additional Points
- Fasting is an attitude of the heart involving humility, as mentioned in 2 Chronicles 7:14. More on that in Part One of this series, Why Humility and Fasting Go Together.
- Fast because you desire to fast, not to manipulate God into answering your prayers the way you want. You cannot control God to do what you want.
- Remember that fasting is a private practice; don’t make a public announcement that you are fasting.
- Let the Holy Spirit direct you when to fast and for what purpose.
- Don’t become ritualistic or legalistic about fasting. Making it a “must-do” thing to check off negates any value in fasting.
- If you decide to fast regularly but forget one week, don’t worry about it. It isn’t a command or law.
- Fasting reminds us that the Lord is our chief pleasure, and it trains us to keep it that way. It helps us remember that “fullness of joy” and “pleasures forevermore” are found in His presence and at His right hand (Psalm 16:11). Source: Should Christians Fast?
That’s a Wrap
So, does that help answer the question: Why and when should Christians fast and pray? It does for me. I hope it does for you, too!
Let me summarize this study:
- We learned that Jesus taught, “When you fast,” meaning He expected His followers to fast.
- He said His disciples would not fast while with Him, but that when He left them, they would fast and pray.
- The apostles, prophets, and teachers fasted as seen in Acts.
- Paul regularly fasted.
- At least one Gentile believer fasted.
- Jesus did not make fasting a requirement or law. It is optional for everyone.
- Be led by the Holy Spirit as to whether and when you fast and pray.
- Today, God honours fasting when it is done with a sincere attitude.
I hope this has helped you learn what the New Testament teaches about an Old Testament practice.
What do you think about fasting for Christians today? Do you think that we should fast and pray? Tell me your thoughts in the comments.
~ More Posts on Prayer and Fasting ~
- Part 1 – Why Humility and Fasting Go Together. Learn why a right heart toward God matters when fasting.
- Part 3 – 10 Benefits of Fasting and Prayer. Read how believers reap spiritual benefits from times of fasting.
- Part 4 – 10 Proven Types of Fasting in the Bible. Coming Soon
- Part 5 – How to Start a Fast and the Best Way to Break a Fast. This is an excellent resource, as it also includes The Complete Fasting & Prayer Journaling Kit for all subscribers. Coming Soon
