TYPES OF FASTS IN THE BIBLE

TYPES OF FASTS IN THE BIBLE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 6:16-18

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 58:6-9, Esther 4:16, Daniel 10:2-3, Joel 2:12, Acts 13:1-3

INTRODUCTION:
Fasting is one of the most powerful spiritual disciplines in the Bible. It is a God-ordained means of humbling ourselves before Him, sharpening our spiritual sensitivity, and aligning with His will. Throughout Scripture, men and women who walked closely with God engaged in fasting for various reasons—repentance, divine direction, spiritual warfare, and more.

In the Old and New Testaments, we see different types of fasts that brought about supernatural results. Each fast had a distinct purpose and pattern, but all had one common factor: they were directed toward God and done with sincerity of heart. As believers today, it is important to understand these biblical models so we can engage in fasting correctly and effectively.

In this teaching, we will explore the major types of fasts found in the Bible, what they involved, their purpose, and their results.

1. THE ABSOLUTE FAST
This is the strictest type of fast where no food or water is taken for a period of time.

a) Definition and Example (Esther 4:16):
Queen Esther asked the Jews to fast for her for three days without food or water before she went to see the king.

b) Purpose of the Fast:
It was a fast of desperation and complete dependence on God in a time of danger.

c) Spiritual Significance:
This fast shows intense reliance on God's intervention. It is only advisable for short periods due to physical limitations.

d) Another Example (Acts 9:9):
Paul fasted absolutely for three days after encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus.

Biblical Example: Esther and the Jews fasted with no food or water and God granted them favour before the king, leading to the deliverance of the Jews.

2. THE NORMAL FAST
In this type of fast, only water is consumed—no food.

a) Example from Jesus (Matthew 4:2):
Jesus fasted for forty days and nights. The Bible says "He was hungry," not thirsty, indicating He likely drank water.

b) Purpose of the Fast:
To seek God in preparation for ministry, direction, or spiritual empowerment.

c) Spiritual Significance:
It reflects dependence on the Word of God and not bread alone (Matthew 4:4).

d) Result of the Fast:
Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit (Luke 4:14), showing the fast's effectiveness.

Biblical Example: Moses also undertook this type of fast while receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28).

3. THE PARTIAL FAST (OR DANIEL FAST)
This involves restricting certain foods, often practised over a longer period.

a) Example from Daniel (Daniel 10:2–3):
Daniel ate no pleasant food, meat, or wine for three weeks. He denied himself luxuries for a period of spiritual focus.

b) Purpose of the Fast:
To gain understanding and receive revelation from God.

c) Spiritual Significance:
It teaches discipline and prioritising spiritual growth over physical pleasure.

d) Health and Practical Benefit:
This type of fast is more sustainable over long periods and still produces deep spiritual results.

Biblical Example: After Daniel’s fast, he received divine insight and angelic visitation (Daniel 10:10–12).

4. THE CORPORATE FAST
This is a fast done by a group of people—community, church, or nation.

a) Example (Joel 2:15–17):
The prophet Joel called for a national fast, summoning elders, children, and even nursing infants.

b) Purpose of the Fast:
To seek God’s mercy, intervention, and healing in times of crisis.

c) Spiritual Significance:
It reflects unity, repentance, and corporate humility before God.

d) New Testament Example (Acts 13:2–3):
The church fasted and prayed before commissioning Paul and Barnabas.

Biblical Example: In Nineveh, the king declared a city-wide fast, and God spared them from judgment (Jonah 3:5–10).

5. THE PRIVATE FAST
This is a personal fast between an individual and God.

a) Jesus’ Teaching (Matthew 6:16–18):
Jesus taught that when you fast, you should not appear unto men to fast, but keep it private and secret before God.

b) Purpose of the Fast:
To seek intimacy with God, intercede personally, or receive direction.

c) Spiritual Significance:
It builds personal devotion and strengthens one’s private walk with God.

d) God’s Reward:
Jesus promised that the Father who sees in secret will reward openly.

Biblical Example: David often fasted privately in repentance and in seeking God's help (Psalm 35:13).

CONCLUSION:
Fasting is a tool for transformation when it is done God’s way. Whether you choose a full fast, partial fast, private, or corporate fast, the focus must always be on God—not on ritual or show. Each type of fast in the Bible carried powerful results—deliverance, direction, revelation, victory, and spiritual renewal.

Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in choosing the right type of fast for each season. Remember, it is not how long or how difficult the fast is that matters most—but how surrendered and sincere your heart is before God.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me grace to fast according to Your will and pattern.
2. Holy Spirit, guide me into the right type of fast for every season.
3. Let my fast break every yoke in my life and family.
4. Father, let my fasting be done in sincerity and humility.
5. I receive fresh revelation and divine direction through fasting.
6. Let the altar of fasting in my life remain active and powerful.
7. Help me to fast with the right heart and the right focus.
8. Let my fasting birth spiritual growth and transformation.
9. Let every fast I undertake bring supernatural results.
10. Father, let Your presence increase in my life through fasting.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. Your fast shall not be in vain—it will provoke divine answers!
2. The Lord will reward your secret sacrifice with public honour!
3. You shall receive clear vision and divine direction!
4. Every chain is broken as you engage in Spirit-led fasting!
5. Your life shall reflect the fire and glory of the Lord!
6. Fasting will no longer be a struggle for you—it will be a lifestyle!
7. You are entering a season of spiritual breakthroughs!
8. What was blocked before will now open in Jesus' name!
9. You will see results from every sincere time of consecration!
10. The Lord shall draw near to you as you fast and seek His face!