Growing
Fasting
In plain words
Fasting means going without food, or something else, for a time to focus on God and pray.
Fasting is choosing to go without food for a while, usually to pray. Some people skip one meal, others a whole day. Some fast from other things, like social media. The point is not to punish your body, but to make space for God.
Hunger becomes a reminder. Every time you feel it, you turn to God and pray. It shows you, honestly, how much you depend on comfort, and it reminds you that you need God more than bread. Fasting is never about losing weight. If you are a teenager, keep any food fast short, like one meal, and talk to a parent first. If you have a health condition, take regular medicine, are pregnant or have ever struggled with eating, do not fast from food at all. Fast from something else, like your phone or social media. If fasting starts to feel like control or punishment, stop and talk to someone you trust.
Go further Growing
Jesus said "when you fast" (Matthew 6:16-18), not "if you fast". He expected His followers to do it, but quietly, without making a show. He also said His disciples would fast once He was taken away (Matthew 9:15). The early church fasted when seeking God's direction (Acts 13:2-3).
A common misunderstanding is that fasting forces God to act. It does not. It changes you, not God. Another is fasting while treating people badly. Isaiah says the fast God wants includes freeing the oppressed and sharing food with the hungry (Isaiah 58:6-7). Start small, pray during the time you would eat, and keep it private.
Go deeper Going deeper
The Hebrew tsum and the Greek nesteuo both mean to abstain from food. In the Old Testament fasting went with mourning, repentance and urgent prayer, and Israel had one required fast on the Day of Atonement. The prophets criticised fasting that left injustice untouched.
In the New Testament fasting continues as a voluntary practice of seeking God, not a rule to earn merit. Christians differ on set fasting seasons, such as Lent in some traditions, while others fast only as led. All agree it should be done with humility and joined with prayer and love.
My verses
When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
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.” And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
Jesus replied, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while He is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.