Spiritual fasting, or fasting for spiritual purposes, has been practiced by nearly every religion worldwide for millennia. Today, many people practice spiritual fasting as well. In this article, we will explain what spiritual fasting is and its benefits.
This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Charles Penick, MD
Components of Spiritual Fasting
Types of Spiritual Fasting in The Bible
What is Spiritual Fasting?
Fasting is the process of abstaining from food, while spiritual fasting means focusing on prayer while fasting. Spiritual fasting is biblically-based on bringing a person closer to God. Fasting is referenced many times in the Bible, increasing its validity with people worldwide.
Spiritual fasting helps clear the body (physically) and the mind (mentally) of earthly things. In turn, the “hunger” one feels is directed toward God, the universe, or other high spiritual beliefs. Spiritual fasting can increase mental clarity, allowing a person to hear a higher spiritual voice more clearly.
Components of Spiritual Fasting
Spiritual fasting is individualistic and personal in nature. Many churches will urge their members to go on a spiritual fast together, but the goals and results of the fast can vary, depending on each person’s particular goals. For example, some will use spiritual fasting to improve their health and wellness. These types of plans could include weight loss or attempting to cure various health issues. Others see spiritual fasting as a way to grow spiritually. Examples would include cleansing their soul or renewing/strengthening their faith.
Spiritual fasting often consists of fasting from food, but there are other things that can fast from as well, which can include the following:
- Social media
- Video games
- Television
- Smoking/alcohol
- Sex
- Secular music
- Etc.
Often people choose to abstain from things that are meaningful to them. Removing this item from your life creates a void, providing room in the mind to connect with God, the universe, or other higher spiritual beliefs.
Types of Spiritual Fasting in The Bible
Fasting is mentioned many times throughout the Bible:
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- Moses fasted for 40 days and nights. (Deuteronomy 9:9, 18, 25-29; 10:10)
- David fasted, mourning the death of Saul (2 Samuel 1:12)
- David fasted and mourned the death of his child (2 Samuel 12:16)
- “But I, when they were sick— I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting; I prayed with head bowed on my chest.”—psalm 35:13 ESV.
Here are a few different types of fasting referenced in the Bible:
- Partial Fast. Partial fasting consists of not eating certain foods or removing a specific meal from your diet: “At that time, I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips, and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.” Daniel 10:2-3
- Complete Fast. A complete fast consists of consuming no food or liquids during the fast: “Then Ezra withdrew from before the house of God and walked to the chamber of Jehohanan, son of Eliashib. And while he stayed there, he ate no food and drank no water because he was mourning over the unfaithfulness of the exiles. Then Ezra withdrew from before the house of God and went to the room of Jehohanan, son of Eliashib.” Ezra 10:6
- Sexual Fasting. The Bible references abstaining from sex as well: “And he said to the people, “Be ready for the third day; do not go near a woman.” Exodus 19:15.
Fasting For Spiritual Growth
No matter the reason for spiritual fasting or fasting in general, it tends to lead to spiritual growth or awakening for those that allow it. Spiritual fasting leads to a clearer mind, generating feelings and thoughts not usually felt under other conditions or circumstances. These could include a livelier imagination and increased alertness.
Physical Benefits of Fasting
In addition to the spiritual benefits of fasting, there are many physical benefits as well. For example, abstaining from food can lead to many changes in the body, including the following:
Controls Blood Sugar
When fasting or not eating for prolonged periods, insulin levels tend to decrease. This insulin dip may help regulate blood sugar levels.
May Improve Heart Health
Fasting may help lower low-density lipoprotein or “bad” cholesterol in the body. Elevated levels of bad cholesterol can increase the risk of atherosclerosis, which could cause heart attacks and strokes.
May Improve Brain Function
Fasting may help protect the brain from neurodegeneration, which affects the neurons in the brain. It also helps to stimulate the growth of new brain cells.
May Boost Metabolism
Intermittent fasting may stimulate the production of fat-burning hormones essential for managing weight.
Spiritual Benefits of Fasting
In addition to physical and mental benefits, spiritual fasting has many advantages also. The benefits of spiritual fasting include the following:
May Provide Clarity
Fasting causes the body to go into ketosis, which occurs when the body burns ketones instead of glucose. When the body produces ketones, the brain can start functioning more efficiently*, which improves mental clarity.
Deeper Connection to Spirituality
The combination of fasting and increased mental clarity could help improve the thoughts and focus on God and spirituality. This clarity is especially true if the purpose of the fast was to get closer to devine beings.
Instills Discipline
The ability to abstain from food or other items a person enjoys for an extended period shows willpower and self-discipline. This ability allows people to control their lives better and not become overwhelmed by things they can’t control.
Keeps You Humble
From a biblical perspective, fasting is a method chosen by God for people to humble themselves before Him. Taking the focus off themselves and on God, the universe, or any other “higher” spiritual belief is a sign of humility and humility.
Final Thoughts
Aside from incorporating the elements of faith and God, fasting for spiritual purposes is not much different than fasting in general. Many physical and mental benefits are achieved by fasting, no matter the reason for the fast. For spiritual people, adding a spiritual purpose to fasting can be healthy for the body, mind, and spirit.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information. This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Charles Penick, MD, for the accuracy of the information provided. Still, we encourage you to make your own healthcare decisions based on your research and in partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.