Andover Community Church
A Spirit-filled community sharing the good news of Jesus Christ in the Anglican tradition.
Directives and Merits of Fasting
WHAT FASTING DOES
1. Fasting Reorients the Heart Toward God
-
Fasting exposes our dependence—not on food, but on the Lord.
-
It shifts us from self-sufficiency to God-sufficiency.
Scripture:
-
Matthew 4:4 — “Man shall not live by bread alone…”
-
Psalm 63:1 — “My soul thirsts for you…”
2. Fasting Strengthens Prayer and Spiritual Focus
-
Prayer and fasting together sharpen attentiveness to God’s voice and will.
-
It creates space for deeper listening.
Scripture:
-
Acts 13:2–3 — The church fasted and received direction from the Holy Spirit
-
Daniel 9:3 — Daniel turned to God “with fasting… and prayer”
3. Fasting Cultivates Humility and Repentance
-
It is a bodily way of saying: “Lord, I need mercy.”
-
It aligns the outward life with inward contrition.
Scripture:
-
Joel 2:12–13 — “Return to me with all your heart, with fasting…”
-
Luke 18:13–14 — The humble are justified
4. Fasting Trains Self-Control and Breaks Strongholds
-
It disciplines the flesh and helps loosen unhealthy attachments.
-
What controls us becomes visible—and surrenderable.
Scripture:
-
1 Corinthians 9:27 — “I discipline my body…”
-
Galatians 5:16 — Walk by the Spirit, not the flesh
5. Fasting Prepares Us for Breakthrough and Ministry
-
Often precedes key moments of calling, clarity, or spiritual authority.
-
Not manipulation of God—but readiness before Him.
Scripture:
-
Matthew 17:21 (some manuscripts) — prayer and fasting in spiritual battle
-
Luke 4:1–14 — Jesus fasts before beginning His ministry
HOW SHOULD I FAST
Not everyone can or should do long, total fasts—use wisdom. Remember it's not how much you take on, but how deep you take it. Here are some ideas:
1. Partial Fast (Daniel Fast Style)
-
Limit certain foods (e.g., no meat, sweets, or rich foods)
-
Eat simple, basic nourishment
Scripture:
-
Daniel 10:2–3
2. Time-Based Fast
-
Skip one meal (breakfast or lunch)
-
Fast from sunrise to sunset
-
Or set a specific window (e.g., 6am–3pm)
Good for: beginners, those with health considerations
3. Intermittent Rhythm Fast
-
Fast one day per week (e.g., Fridays)
-
Or one meal per day over a season
Scripture pattern:
-
Luke 18:12 — “I fast twice a week”
4. Media / Technology Fast
-
Abstain from TV, phone, social media, or news
-
Replace with prayer, Scripture, or silence
Principle: removing noise to hear God more clearly
5. “Addition Fast”
-
Instead of removing food, add intentional prayer at set times
-
Combine with a mild dietary restraint
REMEMBER
-
Always pair fasting with prayer and Scripture
-
Avoid spiritual pride (Matthew 6:16–18)
-
Those with medical conditions should consult a doctor
-
The goal is not punishment—but presence with God