Fasting involves abstaining from food and drink, typically for spiritual purposes such as drawing closer to God. The main objective of fasting is to gain God's perspective and do his will. Fasting should be done privately without appearing to boast. People fast about important decisions, trials, serving God, and drawing near to him. Fasting times vary but commonly last a day or more. Fasting can strengthen people spiritually and help them remain close to God.

1. Fasting

2. What is Fasting?
“FAST"
 Hebrew word sum , meaning "to cover"
the mouth,
 Greek word nesteuo , meaning "to
abstain."
 For spiritual purposes, it means to abstain
from eating and drinking.

3. What is the main objective in
fasting?
 Isaiah 58:3-11
Primary purpose in fasting is to draw near to God
in order to gain His mind and perspective and
what we need to do to please Him. Additionally
it is to gain the strength and help to change our
ways. In this passage God points out the
difference between fasting for the wrong
reasons… and the right reason.

4. Should fasting be done
privately?
 Matthew 6:16-18
"Moreover, when you fast, do not be like
the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For
they disfigure their faces that they may appear
to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you,
they have their reward. But you, when you fast,
anoint your head and wash your face, So that
you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to
your Father who is in the secret place; and your
Father who sees in secret will reward you
openly."
The Pharisee and a
Tax Collector
Luke 18:9-14

5. What should you fast about?
 To draw closer to God (James 4:7-8 )
 For others (Psalms 35:13)
 About important decisions (Esther 4:16)
 About trials (Matthew 4:1-2 )
 To serve God (Luke 2:36-37 )

6. How Long Should You Fast?
 The fast God
prescribes for all of us
annually on the Day
of Atonement is a 24-
hour fast—from sunset
to sunset. Apart from
Atonement, there is
no prescribed time to
begin or end a
fast. However, the
basic, typical fast
means going without
normal meals for at
least a day.
 Mordecai and Esther fasted
for three days over the plight
of the Jews (Esther 4:16)
 Cornelius fasted four days
(Acts 10:30)
 David fasted several days
over his dying son (2Samuel
12:18)
 Moses fasted forty days and
nights prior to receiving the
Ten Commandments (Exodus
34:28)
 Jesus Christ fasted forty days
and nights prior to His battle
with Satan (Matthew 4:2)

7. Summary
 Since we are physical, fasting can be a very
difficult challenge, especially living in a
society that promotes indulgence. However,
fasting is going to become an increasingly
important tool that each of us will need to
remain strong in these end times, and draw
close to God for the spiritual strength we
need. But as with many things that are of
great value, unless you try it and get into the
habit of it, you won't know how much you are
missing!

8. Questions:
 1. Can you think of a current situation that
you are personally struggling with that
might need your attention in fasting?
 2. Do you have a friend or even an
enemy that could use your help by
fasting?
 3. When you do fast, why is it important to
keep it a secret?

9. Note:
 Some people have serious health problems
that might make it difficult for them to fast.
Others have found that it is necessary for
them to take small amounts of liquid or food
with required medications (such as insulin-
dependant diabetics). The Church urges
everyone to exercise good judgment and not
to endanger his or her health. Anyone with a
life-threatening illness or other serious medical
conditions, should consult with a qualified
medical practitioner before fasting