A disciple-maker can teach fasting as a voluntary practice of abstaining from food or another legitimate good for a spiritual purpose such as prayer, repentance, discernment, or concentrated dependence on God. Fasting should never become a way to manipulate God or display spiritual superiority.
Explain the Purpose First
Fasting without prayer or spiritual focus can become little more than skipped meals.
Begin Modestly
A single meal or short period may be a wise starting point.
Connect Fasting to Prayer
Use the time normally devoted to eating for focused prayer and Scripture.
Keep It Private When Possible
Jesus warned against fasting for public recognition.
Consider Health Limitations
Some people should not fast from food because of medical needs, pregnancy, medications, eating-disorder history, or other concerns.
Offer Alternative Forms of Abstinence
A disciple may temporarily give up media, entertainment, or another good activity when food fasting is unwise.
Avoid Legalism
Scripture does not require one universal fasting schedule.
Reflect Afterward
Ask what the disciple learned about desire, dependence, or prayer.
Plan a First Fast With a Clear Purpose
Choose one meal or short period, identify the prayer focus beforehand, and decide how the time will be used. Debrief afterward to discuss what the disciple noticed about appetite, distraction, dependence, and prayer.
Fasting Can Reveal the Heart
Used wisely, it exposes how strongly comfort controls us and creates space to seek God with greater attention.