Choose something to abstain from that you would usually give time and energy to instead of God. The Bible talks about fasting from food and water and relying on God for sustenance and fulfillment. We fast to practice discipline over our desires, acknowledge that God is in control, and to remember that He sustains us.

 

FOODS TO AVOID

  • Meat, Poultry, & Fish

  • Dairy

    • Milk, Cheese, Yogurt, etc.

  • Eggs & other Animal Products

  • Non-Whole Grains & Leavened Bread

    • Pasta, Bread, White Rice, etc.

  • Sugar & Sweeteners

    • Cane Sugar, Honey, Agave, Splenda, Stevia, etc.

  • Caffeine

    • Coffee, non-Herbal Teas, Energy Drinks, etc.

  • Alcohol

APPROVED FOODS

  • Fruits

  • Vegetables

  • Legumes

    • Beans, Peas, Soy

  • Nuts & Seeds

  • Whole Grains

    • Unleavened bread, Brown Rice, Quinoa, etc.

  • Healthy Fats

  • Olive Oil, Grapeseed Oil, and Avocado Oil

  • Herbs and Spices

  • Water

 

Fasts can vary from full fasts to partial fast. In a full fast the goal is to limit food intake to one meal per day for the full 21 days. In a partial fast the goal is to limit food intake to one meal per day on certain days for the 21 days.

Here are a few examples of lengths and Biblical examples associated with fasting:

1. A 1-day fast (sunrise to sunset). Judges 20:26, to seek direction from the Lord.

2. A 3-day fast without food or drink. Esther 4:16, for wisdom, discernment, protection, and guidance. In Acts 9:9 Saul was converted but for 3 days he went without food and water. 

3. A 7-day fast. 1 Samuel 31:13. For wisdom, seeking comfort from grief, and guidance.

4. A 10-day fast of vegetables and water only. Daniel 1:12, Daniel was fasting for favor, strength, wisdom, and discernment.

5. A 14-day fast. Acts 27:33-34. Paul and the men on the ship fasted food for protection and wisdom.

6. A 21-day fast. Daniel 10:3, for times of distress and mourning. No meat, wine, rich or pleasant food, and no oils. Fruit, vegetables, nuts, and water instead. In modern times, this is a popular fast (and diet).

Though most people participate in a tradition fast, the goal of fasting is to abstain from whatever is hindering your relationship with God and hearing His Word clearly.

Here are some examples of other fasts:

  • Fasting from foods associated with “feasting”: chocolate, desserts, coffee/caffeine, alcohol, etc.

  • Fasting from media or entertainment: cell phone, TV, streaming video, radio, music, email, computers, video games, etc.

  • Fasting from habits and comforts: shopping, looking in the mirror, parking in a spot close to the store, finding the shortest checkout line, reading online, following sports, etc.