Why We Fast: Tips on Fasting Well
A Church-Wide Fast from Easter to Pentecost
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that has been practiced for centuries. It is a decision to set aside something we love in order to focus more on God. It’s not about proving how spiritual we are or trying to earn God’s love—He already loves us unconditionally. Instead, fasting is a way to grow closer to Him, remove distractions, and seek His guidance.
Our Church-Wide Fast: Easter to Pentecost
As a church, we will begin a collective fast from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday—a period of 50 days. This will be a time to seek God with greater focus, as we reflect on the power of the resurrection and the birth of the Church at Pentecost.
If you feel led to fast now during Lent, you are welcome to do so! Lent is a season of preparation leading up to Easter, and many choose to fast as a way of drawing near to God.
What Fasting Is (And What It’s Not)
Fasting is intentionally setting something aside—food, social media, entertainment, or anything that consumes your time and attention—to replace it with time spent with God.
However, fasting is not:
A way to make God love you more (He already does).
A religious performance to impress others.
A tool to manipulate God into giving you what you want.
Jesus warns us in Matthew 6:17-18 not to fast for show:
"When you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen."
When Should You Fast?
If you find yourself at a spiritual crossroads, needing clarity, or seeking breakthrough in your life, it may be time to fast. Throughout Scripture, God’s people fasted in times of decision-making, repentance, and renewal.
Three Biblical Reasons to Fast
Fasting is mentioned throughout the Old and New Testaments. From Jesus’ 40-day fast (Matthew 4:1-4) to the early Church’s practice of fasting before making decisions (Acts 13:2-3), fasting has been a key spiritual discipline.
Here are three reasons to fast:
To Connect with God – "Return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning." (Joel 2:12-13)
Fasting humbles us and brings us into deeper intimacy with God.
To Focus on God – "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." (Matthew 5:6)
Fasting reorders our priorities and removes distractions.
To Depend on God – "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."(Philippians 4:19)
Fasting reminds us that God is our ultimate provider.
The Power of Fasting
Fasting isn’t just about giving something up—it’s about making space for God. Every hunger pang, every moment of discomfort, is a reminder to turn to Him in prayer. It’s a reset for your soul, a way to deepen your spiritual hunger.
And fasting isn’t just about food! You can fast from social media, TV, negativity, or anything that takes up space in your life. The key is not just subtracting, but adding:
Less scrolling → More Scripture.
Less noise → More prayer.
Less distraction → More presence with God.
Join Us in This Journey
Starting Easter Sunday, we invite you to join us in this church-wide fast from Easter to Pentecost. Ask God what He is leading you to give up, and trust that He will meet you in the process.
If you want to start now during Lent, go for it! This is a great time to begin seeking God in a new way.
So, here’s the challenge: What’s one thing you can fast from to make more space for God? Drop a comment below and let’s encourage one another!
