Why do Christians fast?

Answer 1

"Is not this fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?" Isaiah 58:6

The fast God is talking about here has little to do with just going without food. This fast is a lifestyle. It is a commitment that says, "I'm breaking the hold of wickedness on my life. I will not partake of the things of the world that have kept me bound. I will not be like everyone else (conformed or patterned) and watch TV. (I personally do not own one.) I will meditate day and night on the Word of God. And I will get on my knees and pray till this sin is burned out of me one hundred percent committed to Jesus!"

Then once I am free I give myself in intercession for others so they can be free too!

This kind of fasting will heal you. It will cause God's light to shine on your life. It will cause the glory of God to be you total covering. see Isaiah 58:11

If you want to see an example of the kind of Glory that accompanies this kind of lifestyle, all you have to do is look at Jesus. He went out, led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days. He fasted, prayed and interceded just as Isaiah described in 58:6

How do we know this? Because Isaiah 59 tells us that when God could not find anyone to intercede in that way, He sent His arm." In other words, He sent Jesus.

When Jesus left that place of fasting, His ministry exploded with power!

Right now, God is calling His church to the same place of fasting. He is calling us to a fast of separation to Him and it will give us a hunger to know and walk in His Spirit.

You just answer the call, get on you knees and say, "Lord, I'll do anything You want me to do. I'll be everything You've made me to be. No matter what it takes, I want the rivers of Your Spirit to flow thought me."

Now a prayer like that is like a sound of a symphony of triumph in heaven. In hell, it is a sound of rushing, mighty waters - a thunderous announcement. Despite Satan's best efforts, the dam will break and the flood is on it's way!

Please see Matthew 4:1-11

and chapter 17 and 15:32

Numbers 9-10, John 2, Joel 2:12

Answer 2

Some Christians do fast occasionally, and some even fast regularly.

The main purpose of fasting is to show sincerity, especially when praying.

The idea being that one is sincere enough to focus on prayer and give up eating for a while, replacing their physical hunger with thirst for Christ.

Some Christians fast regularly and make it a habit. They set aside an amount of their time for many reasons, including studying the word of God and praying.

Different people have different reasons, but this one is the most common.

Answer 3

Some fast when faced with major decisions. This is a time for deep meditation and for prayerfully turning to God for help and guidance. Although no mandatory, fasting can be beneficial when done with the right motive and on a fitting occasion.