WHEN YOU FAST / MATTHEW 6:16

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DEVOTION

(KJV) Matthew 6:16

Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

When You Fast: Moving Beyond Ritual to Relationship

When Jesus speaks about spiritual disciplines in the Sermon on the Mount, He doesn’t say “if you fast.” Instead, in Matthew 6:16, He uses a phrase that assumes it is already a natural part of a believer’s life: “When you fast…”

Fasting is the intentional discipline of abstaining from food for a limited time to give greater attention to spiritual matters. It is often described as “prayer without words.” When we quiet the physical demands of our bodies, our time without food transforms into an intense season of listening to God, seeking His direction, and deeply meditating on His Word.

Whether you are new to this spiritual exercise or looking to deepen your practice, understanding the Biblical foundations of fasting can transform it from an empty ritual into a powerful encounter with God.

Biblical Forms of Fasting

Scripture shows that fasting is practiced in various ways throughout the biblical narrative, reflecting different seasons of life, health, and spiritual callings:

The Normal Fast: Abstaining from food but continuing to drink water. Jesus modeled this during His time in the wilderness (Matthew 4:2).
The Partial Fast: A restricted diet rather than complete abstinence from all food. Daniel engaged in this, choosing to eat only simple foods and avoiding delicacies, meat, and wine (Daniel 10:3).
The Absolute Fast: Total abstinence from food for a brief period, as seen in specific urgent moments in scripture (Esther 4:16; Acts 9:9). Note: Scripture highlights that extended fasts of this nature occurred under unique or supernatural conditions, and anyone considering changes to their dietary practices should consult a physician first.

Why Do We Fast?

Fasting is not about earning favor, but about aligning our hearts with God. Throughout Scripture, the New Testament church and Christ Himself used fasting for several profound purposes:

1. To Humble Ourselves and Honor God

Fasting is an act of pure devotion (Matthew 6:16-18). It allows believers to deliberately put spiritual concerns above physical desires, humbling the heart to experience more of God’s grace, power, and near presence (1 Peter 5:5).

2. To Seek Clarity and Spiritual Breakthrough

When faced with major decisions or new tasks, fasting opens our ears to God’s guidance (Acts 13:2-3). It breaks through spiritual distractions, giving insight into His will and sharpening focus to resist spiritual forces of evil.

3. To Process Grief and Repentance

Fasting is a physical expression of a broken spirit. It is used to mourn over personal sin, as well as the brokenness of communities, nations, and the world (Nehemiah 9:1-2). True fasting demonstrates a readiness to turn away from our own paths and completely surrender to God’s authority.

4. To Loosen the Chains of Injustice

As the prophet Isaiah reminds us, true fasting is inherently outward-facing. It is designed to unlock the power of the Holy Spirit to rescue people from evil, break heavy burdens, and prepare the global Church for Christ’s ultimate return (Isaiah 58:6).

Shifting Focus

The next time the invitation to fast arises, remember that it is an invitation to intimacy. It is a sacred space where the noise of the world fades, and the voice of the Creator grows clear. Step into it not with dread, but with anticipation, knowing that the One who sees what is done in secret will meet you there.

A Closing Prayer for the Fast

Hexavenly Father,

We thank You for the invitation to draw near to You through the discipline of fasting. Forgive us for the times we have prioritized our physical comfort over our spiritual hunger for Your presence. As we step into seasons of fasting, guard our hearts against pride, legalism, and hypocrisy. Let our abstinence from food truly be a ‘prayer without words’—an offering of deep surrender and intense listening.

We ask for Your grace to humble ourselves before You. Break the chains of sin in our lives, grant us spiritual wisdom for the days ahead, and let Your Holy Spirit move powerfully within us, our families, and our communities. May our lives be a reflection of Your love as we wait expectantly for the return of Your Son.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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