Holy Bible Online 
The Bible mentions and gives us examples of total fasting, water fasting, partial fasting, and fasting from other things. Sometimes we wonder how to fast correctly for God. As Christians, fasting should be done with the desire to draw closer to God, to hear His voice, and to grow in our walk with Him. That should be our motivation when fasting.
Fasting is voluntary. We choose to ignore the need to eat, drink, or do something else for a time in order to focus on feeding our spirit and seeking God's presence in a special way.
1. Total Fasting
This is the most radical fast we can do. In this type of fasting, nothing is eaten or drunk, and the body receives no nutrients. In the Bible, we find an example in chapter 4 of the book of Esther.
“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”
- Esther 4:16
Esther, her maids, Mordecai, and all the Jews in the city of Susa decided to go without food and water for three days and three nights before Esther went to speak with the king. She was going to plead for the life of her people. We see that this is a very radical fast, but the critical situation required it.
Total fasting should only be done for short periods of time, for example, 6, 12, or 24 hours. It is very important not to do this type of fast for more than three days. It is advisable to do it under medical supervision, as the body receives no nutrients and it can be dangerous to health.
2. Water Fasting
This is the most well-known type of fast. Nothing is eaten, but water can be drunk. By allowing hydration, it can be a bit longer than total fasting, but it is also recommended to consult with a doctor, especially if it is planned to be done for more than two days with just water.
It is believed that this was the fast Jesus did for 40 days just before beginning His ministry. The Gospels mention that Jesus stopped eating and became hungry, but they do not say that He was thirsty. We read in the Gospel of Luke:
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.
- Luke 4:1-2
Some people choose to include fruit juices or water with drops of lemon during this fast.
3. Partial Fasting
Partial fasting is a type of diet that consists of eliminating certain types of food. The idea is to eat simply to keep the body functioning without eating excessively or for pleasure. In the Bible, we find the example of Daniel, and we see how he practiced this fast for three weeks.
Daniel stopped eating special (prepared or tasty) foods and meat. He also stopped drinking wine. Daniel's fast is well-known and followed because it is less radical. It is easier for people who have a health condition that does not allow them to do other types of fasting.
At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.
- Daniel 10:2-3
This fast can be more extended because only certain types of food are eliminated, and it is less taxing on the body. Some people choose to stop eating meat, while others avoid desserts, sweets, or snacks. It is quite common to drink only water instead of juices or sodas during this fast.
4. Fasting from Other Things
The Bible mentions another type of fasting that is not related to food. This involves setting aside things that are not food for a period of time. For example, Daniel stopped using perfume when he did the three-week partial fast (Daniel 10:2-3).
In 1 Corinthians 7:5, we also find the example of abstaining from sex in marriage for a short period of time to devote oneself to prayer. This should be done by mutual consent of the couple.
Today, we see people who choose to abstain from social media or television for a few days because they want to use that time to deepen their relationship with God and focus on seeking His will. This type of fast can be combined with partial fasting.
Whatever type of fast we choose, the most important thing is to dedicate that time to seek more of God. The focus should be on spending time with Him, praying, worshiping, and reading His Word. It should be a time when everything else takes a back seat so that we can delight in listening to our Father and receive what He wants to give us.
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