The Benefits of  Fasting

We had just finished our New Year’s Eve service, and the excitement for the new year was tangible. Conversations of new starts, new goals, and new diet plans began to fill the sanctuary when our pastor called out for our attention. He then asked all who were willing and able to participate in a churchwide Daniel’s Fast, a 21-day fast to consecrate ourselves anew—a call we were willing to accept.

About two weeks into our fast, I noticed my eight-year-old sister-in-law enjoying a slice of leftover pizza, to my eyes’ and stomach’s dismay. When I asked her why she wasn’t fasting with the rest of us, she very casually replied, “Oh, I fasted this morning. I usually fast until I get hungry.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at her reply. I mean, isn’t that how we all wish fasting worked? Yet her innocent comment also highlighted the deeper fact that many people, both young and old, don’t really understand the purpose of fasting. And if we don’t understand its spiritual significance, we’ll never fully walk in the power of fasting.

What Is Fasting?

Fasting is the voluntary act of abstaining from food for the purpose of connecting with God in a deeper way. It is not a diet, a detox, or a religious tradition to check off a list. It is a love offering, a laying down of what is temporal to receive what is eternal.

Fasting is one of the most effective acts of consecration available to the believer. It clears away distraction, quiets the flesh, and makes room for the voice of God to speak clearly. When practiced with prayer and humility, fasting helps us minimize distractions, sharpens spiritual sensitivity, and brings alignment with God’s purpose as we listen more closely to His voice.

In her popular book, When Ye Fast by Joy Haney, the author presents fasting, not as a burdensome ritual, but as a sacred invitation. This Apostolic resource walks readers through the biblical precedent and practical power of fasting in a modern world. Whether you are brand new to fasting or seeking to rekindle your commitment, When Ye Fast will help you see fasting as a source of strength, not struggle.

The Bible is rich with examples of fasting that shifted outcomes and unlocked the supernatural: 

• Moses fasted before receiving the law (Exodus 34:28). 
• Esther fasted before going before the king (Esther 4:16). 
• Jesus Himself fasted before stepping into His public ministry (Matthew 4:2). 
• In Matthew 6:16, Jesus did not say “if you fast.” He said “when ye fast,” confirming that fasting is foundational for the Apostolic life.

Fasting puts our selfish human will on the altar. It is a physical act that prepares us for greater spiritual experiences. It is like we are saying, “I want God more than I want this meal.” Every hunger pang can become a reminder to pray. Every sacrifice helps us focus on drawing closer to His Spirit.

If you have been trying to figure out how to strengthen your prayer life or how to develop a consistent prayer life, fasting may help you in establishing focus and intentionality. It is not just an old-fashioned practice; it is a key biblical spiritual discipline.

Equip yourself with a trusted Apostolic voice to help you. Add When Ye Fast by Joy Haney to your spiritual library today and rediscover the benefits of spiritual fasting.

The Altar of Fasting

In the Old Testament, every time God’s people built an altar, something had to die. It was never optional. Fire never fell on an empty altar. Something costly had to be laid down. Fasting is like an altar in our walk with God today. It is a place of personal sacrifice, where our selfish human will is surrendered and the fire of the Spirit is invited to fall. Just as altars were essential in the Old Testament, consecration is critical today. Fasting is a potent form of consecration.

The Spiritual Benefits of Fasting

Fasting positions us to receive spiritual clarity. It silences the distractions around us and sharpens our spiritual sensitivity. As we deny our will and minimize distractions, we can better focus on hearing from God.

The New Testament positions fasting as an important component on focusing to hear God’s voice for direction and guidance. In Acts 13:2–3, the early church fasted and prayed before sending out missionaries. In the middle of their consecration, the Holy Ghost gave them direction.

 

Fasting helps us silence the distractions of the world so we can better hear the voice of the Spirit. It interrupts our daily routines and brings our appetites into submission. Fasting does not change God; it changes us. It clears the fog of the carnal mind and opens our ears to hear the still, small voice of the Lord with clarity.

Galatians 5:17 says, “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other.” Fasting is a tool in our ongoing spiritual warfare to cope with our selfish human nature. Every time you say no to your flesh (your human will), you are prioritizing your commitment to the work of the Spirit in your life, which strengthens your relationship with God and ability to follow His leading and purpose.

This level of consecration is at the heart of Nathan Whitley’s The Lost Art of Spiritual Disciplines. In this powerful work, Whitley calls believers to embrace the spiritual disciplines that anchor a life of consecration. He emphasizes that prayer, fasting, and the Word of God are not optional for those who want to live in spiritual authority. If you want to grow deeper and walk more closely with God, this book will challenge and equip you.

Why We Resist It and How to Push Through

Let’s be honest: fasting is not easy. Besides the physical nature of a fast of food, we often find that our carnal nature does not want to surrender to the Spirit. We may notice our temptation to invent excuses to avoid being uncomfortable (fasting).

But that is precisely why fasting is so powerful. It breaks the cycle of spiritual apathy and silences the noise of our carnal appetites. It stirs up spiritual hunger and exposes what truly has control over us. Whether it is food, media, entertainment, or worry, fasting brings those things to light. When we fast, we declare war on every idol in our lives and reset our priorities around God.

If you want help developing a consistent fasting lifestyle, Kim Johnson’s Teach Us to Fast and Pray is another powerful resource available from PentecostalPublishing.com. In her book on fasting, Johnson offers practical tips, Spirit-led encouragement, and the kind of real talk every believer needs to hear. It will help you build a lifestyle of consecration.

Here are some practical steps to take when fasting:

• Start small. Skip one meal and spend that time in focused prayer.
• Hydrate (for partial fasts). Drinking water supports your body and helps flush toxins.
• Eliminate distractions. Avoid media and lean into prayer and reading the Word.
• Journal what God is saying. Track your prayers and His answers.
• Stay accountable. Partner with someone who will encourage your growth.
• Feed your spirit. Worship, study Scripture, and seek His presence.

Fasting is a discipline, but it is beneficial when you understand the power behind it. Let God’s Spirit lead you into a deeper relationship with Him. Let your life reflect a hunger for more of Him. Teach Us to Fast and Pray is the perfect place to begin. 

A Church Culture of Fasting

Fasting in the early church was expected, consistent, and powerful. The first-century believers’ lives were shaped by spiritual discipline, and fasting was woven into the fabric of their faith. Acts 14:23 says, “And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord.” Leadership decisions were not made lightly, but were considered with prayer and fasting.

Spiritual clarity. Ministry alignment. Apostolic authority. These are the results that came from a church committed to fasting. It was foundational, not occasional.

Spiritual Disciplines: Essential Practices of the Christian Church by Robin Johnston and Karen Myers is the best resource to understand the biblical basis of spiritual disciplines. It is a helpful resource for those looking to grow in this area and helps to lay the groundwork for a church culture deeply rooted in spiritual practices and Kingdom focus.

Let fasting become part of the regular rhythm of your life, and watch as you and your church are transformed.

Building Your Altar

If you have never fasted before, start small. Skip one meal a day. Take a break from social media for a week.

Ask yourself:

• Which areas of my life do I need clarity in?
• What am I seeking from God?
• What can I lay down to make room for more of Him?

Fasting is not just about denying the flesh (will), it is about building a personal altar where God can meet you. Spend some time at the altar, both physically and spiritually. Let your living room become your sanctuary. Let your morning commute become your tabernacle. Let your breakroom become your prayer room.

God still answers by fire. But fire only falls on altars that are prepared with sacrifice.

Tips to Develop a Consistent Fasting Life

If you are ready to grow in this spiritual discipline, here are some ways to build consistency:

• Plan your fasts. Do not wait until you feel inspired. Schedule your consecration.
• Pair fasting with prayer. Fasting without prayer is just a diet. Fasting with prayer positions the fast as a relational commitment to God.
• Stay in the Word. Feed your spirit with Scripture while you deny your appetites and will.
• Fast with purpose. Be specific. Fast for your family, your church, your ministry, or your next step.
• Celebrate the wins. Journal your breakthroughs. When God moves, glorify Him and keep pressing forward.

Make fasting a lifestyle. Do not let it be something you do once a year or during a churchwide call. Let it become a regular altar where God can meet with you and transform you.

Final Thoughts: Let the Fire Fall

If you are serious about learning how to strengthen your prayer life, consider this: some of the most powerful prayers you will ever pray will be while fasting. That is when you have intentionally put aside competing appetites and distractions and are intent on hearing from God. That is when the fire will fall on your altar of sacrifice.

Let’s make fasting more than an annual tradition. Let’s make it a way of life. Let’s build the altar, present our sacrifice, and trust God to consume it with holy fire.

Apostolic Books on Fasting

If you are ready to walk in deeper consecration and power, equip yourself with these Oneness Apostolic resources on fasting and spiritual disciplines from the Pentecostal Publishing House online:

• Spiritual Disciplines: Essential Practices of the Christian Church by Robin Johnston and Karen Myers: A core resource to best understand the biblical reasons behind fasting and other spiritual disciplines like worship, giving, prayer, and more.
• When Ye Fast by Joy Haney: A heartfelt and foundational Apostolic guide that offers biblical clarity and spiritual direction for fasting.
• Teach Us to Fast and Pray by Kim Johnson: A practical and Spirit-led resource filled with wisdom to help you build consistency and spiritual strength.
• The Lost Art of Spiritual Disciplines by Nathan Whitley: A passionate call to return to the altar of prayer, fasting, and the Word. This book stirs the soul and reminds us where true power comes from.

These are more than just books on fasting; they are tools for spiritual transformation. They are invitations to a deeper walk with God. If you are ready to see the supernatural become natural in your life, begin with one of these powerful tools and let God do the rest.