5 reasons you should consider a church-wide fast

The lack of ability to say “no” to the things we want is a deep area of sin in our world. We live in a consumeristic culture that spends over $600 billion a year to tell us to not say no to what we want. Jesus, on the other hand, made it clear that his followers should have a regular practice of fasting. In Matthew 6, Jesus expects his disciples to regularly fast. He doesn’t say, “If you fast…” but “when you fast…” (Matt. 6:16-18). In Matthew 9, Jesus says that when he goes away, his disciples will fast (Matt. 9:14-17). However, this is not the practice of American Christians. Only 18% of Protestant Christians fast on a regular basis. As our church started fasting together, the benefits were immediately felt. Consider these reasons why your church should fast together.

1) Fasting together is a biblical practice

Fasting is simply going without (usually from food) for a spiritual purpose. Fasting is not a diet plan. It is a spiritual discipline where we express how discontent we are with our sin and weakness, and how much we long for more of God. Fasting in the bible is pervasive, with over 70 examples. Fasting is sometimes personal and other times communal. God commissioned Paul as a minister of the gospel through the fasting and prayer of the church at Antioch (Act 13:1-3). Ezra led the people in a time of fasting and prayer for safety from their enemies (Ezra 8:21-22). Esther had the people fast and pray for her meeting with the king (Esther 4:16). By fasting together, we enter into a very biblical practice and we teach our people the importance of fasting.

2) Fasting together will remind your church of God’s sovereignty

When we are faced with great needs, individually or corporately, it can be easy to think, “We just need to do more.” Unfortunately, what this mindset can do is cause our church to believe that praying about big needs is just something we do so God will bless our “real labors.” Fasting together fights this impulse by reminding us that the best place to start is on our knees and that prayer is a vital work.

3) Fasting together will focus your church’s affections on God

Don Whitney wrote, “Fasting can be an expression of finding your greatest pleasure and enjoyment in life from God” (Don Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines, 176). John Piper wrote that fasting “both reveals and remedies” food’s mastery over us (John Piper, When I Don’t Desire God, 171). In other words, fasting serves to teach our bodies, our minds, and our souls how much we really need God. Fasting together draws us to see Jesus as our ultimate satisfaction. 

4) Fasting together will fuel your church’s faith in God

God is not obligated to give us what we pray for in our fasting (i.e. 2 Sam. 12:15-23); however, scripture does show us that God often answers prayers made in desperate faith. Fasting is a means of grace that helps us pray as we ought. As Cassie Acherman wrote, “Fasting adds fuel to the fire of our prayers. It’s similar to how the posture of kneeling helps orient our hearts toward the Lord. By leaning into the lack, we feel our weakness bodily. We come more desperately; we come with more faith.”

5) Fasting together will unite your church in hope for God

The disciples of Jesus didn’t need to fast when he was with them and one day we will no longer need to either. Why? Because one day, our faith will be sight. This visceral reminder of our need for God will be eclipsed by that which will satisfy it perfectly. Fasting together unites our hearts in this longing for that day when we see him face-to-face.

5 suggestions for doing a church-wide fast

If you are considering a church-wide fast, here are some ways of approaching that practice that we have found helpful.

1) Be intentional with what you are praying for.

Often, God’s people fasted because of a specific situation, area of sin, area of need, or a longing for God. Consider what needs are felt most strongly in the church (emotionally, relationally, physically, or spiritually). We did a 21-day fast together recently and prayed each week for a different area of longing or need unique to this season. 

2) Prepare your people theologically and practically.

Teach what fasting is and why it is important. Give your church practical instruction and ideas for how they can participate in the fast. For example, advise people with medical limitations to be careful. We made a fasting guide that included ideas, encouragements, and prayer prompts. 

3) Have realistic goals and expectations.

You will find that many in your church have never fasted before. As a pastor friend of mine said, “Don’t fast with unrealistic goals, like thinking you can run a marathon without training.” Doing so might cause your people to feel discouraged or ashamed. Have realistic expectations and goals for your people. For example, we provided ways to participate if people were only fasting one meal a week. 

4) Create spaces for praying and sharing together.

We invited small groups to have their gathering at our church building and open up their group for others to join and pray with them about the prayer theme. We provided ways for people to share needs, answers to prayer, and ways God was growing them throughout the fast. These things fueled our prayers even more.

5) Rejoice together in God’s grace and power.

Have times where you corporately share evidence of God’s grace and provision during (and after) your communal fast. We chose to do a final prayer night and “break the fast” together with a meal of soups and salads. During the meal, we shared stories of God’s grace and power. 

Jesus expects his followers to fast and pray as we wait in desperate faith and hopeful joy for his return. In a world where we are trained to constantly be consuming, God’s people can show a better way by slowing down, going without for a spiritual purpose, and lifting up faith-filled prayers to God for more of him in our neediness.