Fasting (also known as “a day of atonement”) is a practice that the western evangelical church has fallen away from, and it has been a perilous fall indeed. Our understanding of fasting is that it is a form of legalism little different than sacrificing animals or circumcision rather than an act of faith. This understanding incorrect. Was it legalism that caused Moses to eat and drink nothing for 40 days while on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34.28)? Was it legalism that caused Jesus to do the same (Luke 4.1-.4)? Obviously not. The truth is, fasting creates a powerful connection with God -- if we let it.

Although Exodus only mentions Moses fasting once for 40 days, Moses performed this fasting marathon three times while the Israelites camped at the base of Mount Sinai. How is it possible for a man to go 40 days without water? Ordinarily, it is not. Both Moses and Jesus were sustained in their supernatural fasts by the presence of God. Notice how Jesus answer’s the devil’s first temptation to break his fast, “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4.4). Jesus is quoting Deuteronomy 8.3 and is revealing that through the fast he is demonstrating his reliance on God alone for his life. This is the key to the fast, reliance upon God.

There is something about being in the presence of God that makes the normal function of eating and drinking unnecessary. We don’t know the details of this phenomenon, but it points to the fact that humanity is more than a biological machine. We have a physical body that, due to the curse of Adam, will return to the ground. We also have a spirit that can live apart from the body and it is this part of us that is always the chief concern of God.

When Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden tree they experienced spiritual death (separation from God) and physical death began working in their body to bring about its eventual conclusion. Through Jesus we are offered first the restoration of our spiritual life and later will receive an immortal, incorruptible body to complete our sanctification. Through fasting we show our faith in God for our very lives and depend upon Him alone to sustain us. This act of humility has several positive benefits for the believer.

First, it reveals our trust in God. Second, such a display of dependence creates a powerful connection with our Lord. Third, it provides for us spiritual sustenance we cannot receive any other way, a sustenance that, fourth, bolsters the image of God in our lives. Finally, since we experience a closeness with God we are less likely to fall to temptations. Does any of this sound like legalism? On the contrary, it is a completely relational act that increases the bond between us and our Creator and is a practice intended not for the saintly but for all believers.

Are you ready to fast? Then you need to know how. In the Bible there are two primary forms of fasting, and both include not eating or drinking. The first fast lasts from sunrise to sunset which, depending on the time of year, could be a few hours (winter solstice) or as many as 16 hours (summer solstice). The second fast is from sunset (when there is still some light) to sunset the next day (when at least three stars can be seen in the sky). Nowhere does the Bible command a longer fasting period. Those who fast regularly recommend that it is best to eat a large, protein rich meal just before the fast begins. This helps control your food cravings throughout the day. They also recommend staying away from salty foods that will increase your thirst.

There are many reasons one may choose to fast. We might do so to show God how serious we are about our prayers, and those prayers could be for many different things including healing (for ourselves or others), for repentance of sins (to show how broken we are by them), or even to show God how important a loved one was to us in life (to mourn a death). Many have fasted in an attempt to dissuade God from judging their nation. Whatever the reason, know that God not only hears your prayers but rewards the practice of fasting. We may also fast simply to show God our reliance upon him, or even as preparation for entering a spiritual battle. There are many reasons to fast, find yours and begin practicing this art of communion with your Creator.