Fasting gives prayer focused attention
Biblical fasting usually means voluntarily going without food for a time in order to give attention to God. The hunger itself is not the point. It is a physical reminder that we need God more deeply than we need the things that normally sustain and comfort us.
Daniel turned to God with prayer, confession, and fasting when he was burdened for Jerusalem and his people (Daniel 9:3-5). Ezra called the returned exiles to fast as they asked God for protection on a dangerous journey (Ezra 8:21-23). In both moments, fasting expressed earnest dependence, not an attempt to control God.
So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was entreated of us.
It is not a way to earn God's favour
Jesus spoke about fasting as a real part of spiritual life, but he warned against doing it to be noticed. He taught his followers to fast quietly before their Father, rather than turning it into a display of religious seriousness (Matthew 6:16-18). Prayer and fasting are meant to draw us towards God, not win approval from people.
God also challenged those who fasted while continuing in injustice and self-interest. Through Isaiah, he showed that true devotion affects how we treat hungry, oppressed, and vulnerable people (Isaiah 58:3-7). A skipped meal without a changed heart is not what God desires.
But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
People fasted when seeking direction
The church at Antioch worshipped, prayed, and fasted when the Holy Spirit set apart Barnabas and Saul for missionary work. The believers then fasted and prayed again before sending them out (Acts 13:2-3). Their fasting marked a serious moment of listening and obedience.
That does not mean every decision requires a fast, or that fasting guarantees a clear answer by a certain date. God guides his people through Scripture, wise counsel, prayer, and the work of his Spirit. Fasting can help clear space to listen, especially when a decision or burden feels weighty.
A simple and healthy place to begin
If you want to try fasting, begin simply. You might miss one meal and use part of that time to pray about a particular need, thank God, confess honestly, or sit quietly with a passage of Scripture. When hunger comes, let it turn your attention back to God. There is no need to make it dramatic.
Some people should not fast from food, including those with medical conditions, a history of disordered eating, people who are pregnant, or anyone whose health could be harmed. You can still set aside another comfort or activity, such as social media or entertainment, and use that time for prayer. God sees the heart.
Prayer is conversation with God. Fasting is one way of making room for that conversation with humility and intention. The aim is not deprivation for its own sake. It is to seek the Lord.
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.