21 Days of Prayer & Fasting – What Is Fasting?

WHAT IS FASTING?

If fasting for a spiritual purpose is new to you, you are not alone! Some of us are more familiar with fasting for medical or health reasons. Or maybe we view it as an exercise in discipline. While these can be valuable and even necessary at times, during these 21 Days, fasting is about much more.

Fasting is intentionally setting something aside to turn our attention toward God.

Throughout Scripture, God's people fasted as they prayed and sought him. Jesus himself fasted and taught his followers about fasting. Biblical fasting is connected to prayer. Without prayer, fasting becomes simply going without.

In Scripture, fasting most often meant abstaining from food for a period of time. But fasting can also mean setting aside something that regularly occupies our time and attention. We’ll talk more about what that might look like—and how to choose a fast—in our next post.

For now, remember: fasting isn't about proving our devotion or earning God's favor. It's about making space to seek God.

PUT IT INTO PRACTICE: Before deciding what you’ll fast during these 21 Days, practice making space today. Set aside one small thing for a few minutes and intentionally use that time to pray, read Scripture, or simply be with God.

EXPLORE FASTING IN SCRIPTURE: See Jesus fast before beginning his ministry (Matthew 4:1–11), hear his teaching about fasting (Matthew 6:16–18), and see the early church pray and fast as they sought God (Acts 13:2–3).