Fasting has been practiced by God’s people for thousands of years. From the pages of Scripture to the life of the early Church and throughout Christian history, believers have used fasting as a way to seek God’s presence, express repentance, pursue spiritual renewal, and deepen their dependence upon Him.
In this category, you’ll explore the rich history of fasting through detailed studies of biblical figures such as Moses, David, Ezra, Esther, Daniel, Nehemiah, Jesus, Paul, and the early disciples. Discover why they fasted, how they fasted, and what their experiences teach us about faith, prayer, obedience, and spiritual transformation.
You’ll also find resources tracing the development of fasting throughout Church history, including the practices of the early Christians, the Desert Fathers, medieval monastic communities, Orthodox fasting practices, Catholic fasting rhythms, fasting in the Jewish faith, the Protestant Reformers, revival movements, missionary pioneers, and contemporary Christian traditions. Learn how fasting has shaped worship, discipleship, and spiritual formation across different eras and cultures.
Whether you’re interested in a specific biblical fast, the history of Christian spiritual disciplines, or the role of fasting in the life of the Church throughout the centuries, these resources provide a deeper understanding of how generations of believers have sought God through fasting and prayer.
What is the Daniel Fast? Discover the biblical origins, spiritual purpose, and modern relevance of one of Christianity’s most widely practiced fasting approaches.
The Bible contains both private fasting and corporate fasting (or group fasts). Discover the difference between personal fasting and communal fasting and why both still matter today.
Explore what modern Christians can learn from Jewish fasting traditions, including repentance, remembrance, communal prayer, humility, and sustainable rhythms of dependence on God.