What does the Bible say about fasting?

Fasting in the Bible is voluntarily abstaining from food (and sometimes other things) for a set time to focus on prayer and seeking God. Moses, David, Esther, Daniel, Anna, Paul, and Jesus all fasted.

Jesus assumed His followers would fast. He didn't say "if you fast" but "when you fast" (Matthew 6:16). It is a normal—though often forgotten—spiritual discipline for believers.

Fasting is never about earning God's favor or impressing others. Isaiah 58 sharply rebukes religious fasting that ignores justice and mercy. The fast God honors is one that humbles the heart and produces compassion.

If you've never fasted before, start small—skip one meal, drink water, and use the time you would have spent eating to pray. Fast with a specific focus: guidance, repentance, breakthrough, or simply a deeper hunger for God Himself.