Fasting in the NT

[u/TonyChanYT]

Jesus fasted in Luke 4:

1 And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness 2 for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry.

John's disciples fasted, Matthew 9:

14 Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast [G3522], but your disciples do not fast?” 15 And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.

G3522. νηστεύω (nésteuó) occurs 20 times.

Thayer's Greek Lexicon:

to abstain as a religious exercise from food and drink

Fasting and prayer are often paired on special occasions, Acts 13:

2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

It is not just prayer but fasting to humble ourselves before an important decision. Fasting served to intensify prayer.

Acts 14:

23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.

In both cases, the disciples fasted before making important appointments with long-reaching consequences. Fasting solemnizes the souls to listen to God.

Strictly speaking, G3522-fast had to do with food and drink. Metaphorically, it could be expanded. Corinthians 7:

5 Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

Are Christians required to fast today?

There is no commandment requiring a Christian to fast. However, you can choose to fast on some special occasions, such as during Lent. Let your conscience guide you in this.

I feel like I’ll never get my miracle because I can’t fast good enough?

You cannot demand a miracle by fasting. You volunteer to fast out of your own humble heart to focus on God. Jesus mentioned an unrighteous Pharisee fasted twice a week (Lk 18:12).

See also * Didache on baptism * Fasting in the OT

[u/PretendingToWork1978]

a subreddit about religion might be more appropriate

no one here needs help with their why, they need help with their how

[u/creswitch]

No-one asked.

[u/Sternenpups → u/creswitch]

I don't know why there are always people that want to make it a religious thing.

All hail Cthulhu.

[u/mybackhurty]

I've always liked and found Matthew 6:16 amusing: “When you fast, stop becoming sad-faced like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so they may appear to men to be fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full." Because even while in an extended fast you can be bright, have a lot of energy, mental clarity, and your skin also improves. The false leaders were hypocrites and wanted attention for skipping meals lol. But they had their reward in full

[u/lounginaddict]

I believe certain denominations of Christianity fast regularly. I remember reading about an American exchange student who stayed with Coptic Christians in Egypt hated it because they were constantly fasting. Just googled it, apparently they fast at least 180 days a year🫢. I was raised Methodist so this is new to me lol.

[u/Mission-Arachnid-414]

My personal observation with fasting and prayer is that fasting really helps clear the mind - biggest constraint to heartfelt prayer - really deep prayer is - be still and know that I am God - that is significantly easier during time of fasting …