There are different types of Fasting in the Bible. There are also different practices, justifications, and durations.
All are significant and worthwhile to consider during Fasting to be closer to God.
The time you would spend eating or enjoying other things would be spent instead in prayer and consecration, so there is no value in Fasting without prayer.
Heaven and earth shall move in unison with those two! Biblical Fasting differs from other types of Fasting because it is a type of self-denial that is not only for spiritual but also physical reasons.
The word “fast” means to deny oneself something. This can mean anything from food, drink, sex, sleep, entertainment, etc.
When we fast, we deny ourselves these things. We do it for our own good and for the sake of others.
The Bible mentions many different kinds of Fasting. Some people fast on certain days, while others fast for specific periods. These are all important aspects of biblical Fasting.
Fasting is an act of worship. It is a way of showing gratitude to God and humbling yourself before Him.
It would help if you never fasted out of anger or hatred. Well, some of the different types of Fasting in the Bible are:
1. Total Fasting
The most extreme speed we can accomplish is this one. During this, you don’t eat or drink anything, so your body doesn’t get any nutrients. In the Bible, chapter 4 of the Book of Esther contains an example.
Before Esther went to meet with the king, she would go three days and three nights without eating or drinking, together with her maidens,
Mordecai and all the Jews of the city of Susa fasted. She intended to pray for her people’s survival. Additionally, we can see that it is a pretty drastic fast, yet the dire circumstances called for it.
The fast should only be observed briefly, such as six, twelve, or twenty-four hours. So, it is advised to do it under medical supervision because the body receives no nutrients, which could harm one’s health.
2. Fasting With Water
Fasting With water is also one of the different types of fasting in the Bible. This is the second kind of Fasting. It is when you abstain from food and water.
You may still have liquids like tea, coffee, juice, milk, etc. The most popular fasting style is this one. Although you don’t eat anything, you can still drink water.
While allowing hydration can go a little further than complete Fasting, it is still important to speak with a doctor, especially if you intend to stay on water alone for longer than two days.
Additionally, it is believed Jesus observed this 40-day fast soon before launching his mission.
Although Jesus stopped eating and was hungry, the Gospels do not indicate his thirst. In the Gospel of Luke, we read:
Some people who choose to follow this fast choose to include fruit juices or water with lemon drops.
3. Partial Fast
Partial Fasting is when you reduce your food intake by 50% or more. For instance, you might skip breakfast and lunch but still eat dinner.
Additionally, you should consult a physician before embarking on this type of Fasting. This Fasting can be longer because it restricts only specific foods and puts less strain on the body.
Some people choose to forgo eating meat, while others prefer to avoid desserts, sweets, or candy. Sticking to drinking water and no juice or soft beverages is exceptionally usual during this fast.
In the Bible, Daniel is an example of how to observe a fast for three weeks. Daniel stopped consuming meat and complicated or delicious exceptional cuisine, and he stopped drinking wine as well.
Since it is less radical, this fast of Daniel is commonly recognized and practiced. It is simpler for those whose health prevents them from engaging in another type of Fasting.
4. Short Term Fasts
Short-term Fasting is when you limit your consumption of food to a period of 24 hours. For instance, you might stop eating after dinner at 7 pm and start again at 9 am the following day. Consuming just water for a day or even a few hours is also possible.
Although short-term Fasting has become very popular today, some risks are involved. First, it isn’t easy to maintain a healthy diet during this time. Second, it is hard to keep up with the physical demands of exercise. Third, it is easy to overeat.
Fourth, it isn’t easy to get enough sleep. Fifth, it is hard to maintain mental clarity. Sixth, it is harder to concentrate. Seventh, it is easier to lose weight. Lastly, it is hard to recover from the effects of Fasting.
5. Long-Term Fasts
Long-term Fasting is when someone completely abstains from all food and liquid for 30 days or more. There are many benefits to long-term Fasting.
It helps to cleanse the body of toxins, improve overall health, and boost energy levels.
Fourth, it can help increase focus and concentration. Fifth, it can strengthen the immune system.
Sixth, it can help clear the mind. Seventh, it can help heal wounds. Finally, it can help achieve spiritual enlightenment.
However, there are several drawbacks to long-term Fasting as well. First, it can cause dehydration. Second, it can lead to malnutrition.
Third, it can make it challenging to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Fourth, it can be dangerous if not done correctly.
Finally, it is essential to note that Fasting is not recommended for everyone. If you have any medical conditions, you should always seek advice from a doctor before attempting this practice.
6. Other Types Of Fasting
Another type of Fasting mentioned in the Bible is without regard to food. It involves putting things that aren’t food aside for a while.
Daniel, for instance, gave up the scent when he completed the three-week partial fast (Daniel 10: 2-3).
We can also see the example of forgoing marital intimacy for a short period to pray in 1 Corinthians 7:5. The couple must agree to do this together.
Today, people forego using social media or watching television for a few days to focus on developing their connection with God and discovering their will.
