Let’s begin by reading Matthew 6:16-18, “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” Fasting was a very personal act. It was not to be done for attention. In fact, it was better if no one even knew you were fasting.

Christian fasting isn’t some sort of work or service that’s commanded by Christ or required by Scripture. However, that doesn’t mean that fasting isn’t important or beneficial to the believer. Fasting was often used before making an important decision. We find certain disciples fasting together in Acts 13:2, “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.” While waiting for the Lord to lead them, these men spent time fasting and praying so that they would be ready to receive and obey the leading of the Lord.

Fasting and praying are often mentioned together in the Bible. We read Luke 2:36-37 which says, “And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with FASTINGS AND PRAYERS night and day.” When we fast, we should be true prayer warriors. We should take both fasting and prayer serious and when we are fasting, we should be in constant contact with the Lord.

I find nothing written in the scriptures that dictates how we should eat after ending our fast. I would encourage you to not ‘over-do it’ at first. You do not want to gorge yourself and thus make yourself sick. Go back to a reasonable diet as you realize the benefits you realized through fasting. Remember, you have just gone through a period of self-denial. You don’t want to ruin that experience by going through a period of self-indulgence. (260.4)

For more on the purpose and benefit of fasting, click on this AFTB link.

Do we need to fast?