The Discipline of Fasting for Spiritual Growth
Across the Anglican and Reformed traditions of Australia, fasting has long been woven into the rhythm of Christian life. From the early Presbyterian settlers who planted churches along the Murray River to contemporary believers gathering in Brisbane and Perth, the practice of setting aside food for the sake of seeking God remains a treasured discipline.
Many Australians first encounter fasting during Lent, but the practice extends far beyond a single season. Jesus himself modelled regular seasons of abstaining from food as a way of drawing closer to his Father, and the early church continued this rhythm in their gatherings and prayer meetings.
In a culture like ours, where brunch in Melbourne and a flat white in Sydney can feel like a daily ritual, choosing to set food aside requires intentionality. Yet this intentionality is precisely where spiritual growth often begins.
If you have wondered whether fasting is something the modern Presbyterian church still teaches and practises, the answer is yes. At Grace Presbyterian Church, fasting sits alongside prayer, scripture reading, and worship as a means of grace that shapes a believer's inner life.
What Is Biblical Fasting?
Biblical fasting is the voluntary abstention from food, and sometimes drink, for a spiritual purpose. It is not a diet or a weight-loss strategy. It is a deliberate turning of the heart toward God, often accompanied by extended prayer and meditation on Scripture.
In the Old Testament, the prophets, kings, and people of Israel fasted in seasons of mourning, repentance, and preparation. Moses, David, Elijah, and Daniel all practised fasting as a way of humbling themselves before the Lord and seeking his will.
In the New Testament, Jesus assumed his followers would fast. He did not command it as often as he commanded prayer, but he plainly expected the church to engage in this practice. He also warned against fasting for the approval of others, urging sincerity rather than performance.
Why Fasting Matters for Spiritual Growth
Fasting exposes the hungers of the heart. When the body signals that it wants food, the believer is invited to redirect that appetite toward spiritual realities. Over time, this reorientation weakens the grip of lesser desires and strengthens the appetite for God's presence.
The practice also creates space for unhurried prayer. Many people across Adelaide, Hobart, and the regional towns of the wheatbelt find that their prayer lives deepen significantly when fasting accompanies their supplications. Without the routine of meal preparation, hours open up for intercession, confession, and thanksgiving.
Fasting has a communal dimension as well. When a church family fasts together, whether for a missionary, a suffering member, or a national concern, the shared discipline binds them in a unique way. Congregations that practise corporate fasting often report a sharpened sense of mission and unity.
Types of Fasts Practised Today
A normal fast involves abstaining from all food while drinking water. This pattern is common among pastors preparing for a sermon series or a church council discerning a significant decision.
A partial fast restricts certain foods, such as meat or sweet treats, while permitting others. Daniel's fast in the Old Testament followed this approach, and many Australian Christians adopt it on Wednesdays during Lent.
A media or social fast sets aside screens, streaming services, or social platforms rather than food. In a country where the average adult spends nearly six hours a day on digital devices, this fast can be especially convicting and freeing.
An absolute fast, abstaining from both food and water, is rare and should only be undertaken briefly under medical supervision. Most Reformed traditions caution against prolonged absolute fasts without pastoral counsel.
Preparing Your Heart Before a Fast
Before beginning a fast, it is wise to examine your motives. Are you seeking to manipulate God, impress others, or escape emotional pain? The Westminster Confession of Faith reminds believers that fasting is acceptable only as a sincere aid to the soul.
Medical preparation is also prudent. Those managing diabetes, pregnancy, eating disorders, or other health conditions should consult a doctor. The goal is spiritual clarity, not physical harm.
It helps to choose a focus, a passage of Scripture, or a prayer topic before the fast begins. Some believers journal through their fast, recording insights and promptings as they arise.
Finally, share your intention with a trusted friend or small group leader. Accountability protects the fast from becoming a private exercise in pride and opens the door for others to pray alongside you.
Practical Tips for Fasting Well
- Begin and end your fast with a simple, modest meal rather than feasting.
- Stay well hydrated during any food fast, especially during the warmer months in Cairns or inland Queensland.
- Schedule your fasting window around times when you would normally eat, such as lunchtime, to reduce idle cravings.
- Pair each moment of hunger with a brief prayer, turning the ache of appetite into intercession.
- Keep phone and social media usage limited so your mind does not drift toward distraction.
- Break your fast gradually, especially if you have abstained for more than twenty-four hours.
- Reflect after the fast, asking what God taught you and how you might continue the rhythms you discovered.
Discover more about the Reformed approach to spiritual practices by visiting our statement of beliefs, where you will find what we teach about the means of grace. Those who are new to fasting are warmly invited to join one of our small groups, where members walk through these disciplines together and encourage one another along the way. Sunday services begin at 10:30 a.m., and visitors are always welcome to come and see what discipleship in community looks like.
