Wanting to start a fast but don’t think you have the encouragement or structure to do it alone? Here are a few daily tips that will encourage you, alongside Biblical insights to guide you on the proper way to fast.
Vladimir Savchuk
Day 1
Scriptures: Matthew 4:4, Psalms 119:103, Jeremiah 15:16
Fasting is not just about what you stop eating—it’s about what you feed your spirit instead. The Bible says that a man lives by the Word of God (Matthew 4:4). During a fast, the hunger you experience is a reminder that your spiritual hunger for God should be even greater.
However, I understand how difficult it can feel to read the Bible while fasting. Often, you may feel tired, dizzy, or even unfocused. It’s important to remember that this discouragement is not always a sign of a spiritual attack. Sometimes it can just be the evidence of your body adjusting. However, this is not an excuse we should use not to feed our spirit. On days when reading feels hard, listen to the Bible instead. Play Scripture aloud as you rest or go about your day. Even if your body feels weak, let your spirit be strengthened by the Word.
Just as you feed your body daily, force-feed yourself with Scripture during a fast.Don’t rely on your feelings; choose to feed yourself with God’s truth.
Challenge: Instead of a meal today, dedicate that time to reading or listening to a chapter from the Bible.
Let’s Pray:
Father, as I fast, help me hunger for Your Word more than physical food. Strengthen my spirit when my body feels weak, and give me the discipline to feast on Scripture daily. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Day 2
Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 12:9, Isaiah 40:31, Psalms 28:7-8
Fasting is not an easy task, but during this time, we are choosing to subdue the flesh in order to strengthen our spirit. However, the physical challenges of fasting are real. During this time, it’s normal to experience headaches, fatigue, or weakness as your body detoxes. While it’s the body’s natural response, pray for a good attitude during these challenges.
During these days, also remember to stay hydrated—drink plenty of water to help your body through the adjustment. Second, listen to your body. If you need rest, take it. Some people try to “push through” as if fasting were a competition. It’s not. God calls us to fast with wisdom and balance.
Remember that fasting is about persistence, not perfection. If you feel weak, don’t be discouraged. Take a slow and short prayer walk or have a quiet worship session to refresh your spirit. No matter why you decided to fast, this spiritual pursuit is not about what you can endure—it’s about allowing God’s strength to sustain you.
Challenge: Go for a short prayer walk today. Use this time to focus on God rather than your physical discomfort.
Let’s Pray:
Lord, as my body adjusts to this fast, give me patience and wisdom. Help me to recognize that my weakness is an opportunity for Your strength to be revealed in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Day 3
Scriptures: Colossians 3:2, Exodus 3:1-6
One of the greatest threats to your fast is distraction. Fasting is a time to hear God more clearly. However, if you fill your mind with entertainment, social media, and distractions, you can risk drowning out His voice, which is often counterintuitive to the reason you may have chosen to fast.
For instance, remember the story of Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-6)? In this story, God revealed Himself to Moses when he was alone in the wilderness. We also see in the New Testament that when Jesus fasted in the wilderness, He was alone with the Father.
If you truly want to grow closer to God, remove the noise.
Instead of spending your fast scrolling through your phone or watching endless videos, I would highly encourage you to fill your time with worship, prayer, and meditating on God’s Word. Fasting is not just about removing food—it’s about replacing it with the presence of God.
Challenge: Take a break from social media or entertainment today and spend that time in prayer, worship, or reading God’s Word.
Let’s Pray:
Father, help me to remove distractions that compete for my attention. Let my focus be fully on You, and let my hunger remind me of my deep need for Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Day 4
Scriptures: Matthew 6:16-18, James 4:10, Psalms 51:17, Matthew 23:12
Fasting is meant to be a private act of devotion, not something to be performed for others.
Jesus warned us as believers not to fast so others can see it (Matthew 6:16-18).
This means that your fast is between you and God. It’s not about impressing people—it’s about drawing close to the Father. If your motive for fasting is to gain spiritual recognition rather than spiritual transformation, you are missing the point.
When it’s done for external approval, you’ll forfeit the reward. When it’s done for the right reasons, fasting brings spiritual rewards and deepens your relationship with God.
Stay humble in your fast. God rewards those who seek Him in secret.
Challenge: If you find yourself wanting to tell others about your fast, pause and ask God to help you keep your focus on Him instead.
Let’s Pray:
Lord, keep my heart pure in this fast. Let my focus be on You alone, not on what others think. Help me to seek You in humility and sincerity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Day 5
Scriptures: Galatians 6:9, Isaiah 41:10, 2 Corinthians 4:16-17, Hebrews 12:1-2
Fasting isn’t just about starting strong—it’s about finishing well. There will be moments when you feel weak or want to quit, but have faith that God’s grace will sustain you.
Remember, some of the greatest spiritual breakthroughs come after your hardest moments. In the Bible, Daniel fasted for 21 days before receiving an angelic visitation (Daniel 10:2-14). Jesus fasted for 40 days before beginning His ministry (Luke 4:1-14).Many men and women of God have endured hardship during fasting, but their perseverance led to supernatural encounters with God.
If you are struggling, don’t give up. Press in, rely on God’s strength, and finish the fast with expectation. While perseverance is required, you must learn to come to the end of yourself and lean on His grace to finish the fast.
Challenge: If you feel like quitting, ask God for strength and finish your fast with faith and expectancy.
Let’s Pray:
Father, I know I cannot finish this fast in my own strength—I need Your grace. Help me push through challenges, knowing that my breakthrough is coming. In Jesus’ name, Amen.