Practising the Way.

Fasting.

What if we are missing out on one of Jesus’ most essential practices?

Fasting is one of the most powerful—and neglected—spiritual disciplines in the way of Jesus. It is the practice of voluntarily going without food for a set period of time, not as a religious obligation but as a way to reawaken our body and soul to our deep hunger and need for God.

Why Fast?

In Scripture, fasting is woven throughout the story of God’s people—from Moses on the mountain to Jesus in the wilderness, from the prophets to the early church. Jesus didn’t just assume His followers would pray; He also assumed they would fast.

“When you fast…” — Matthew 6:16

Not if—but when.

Fasting is an act of surrender, a way to quiet the noise of our cravings and tune into the voice of God. It trains us to rely on Him rather than on our own strength, breaking our dependence on the things of this world and deepening our awareness of His presence.

The Power of Fasting

Fasting is more than just abstaining from food—it is a spiritual reset. It has the power to:

Draw us closer to God by creating space to seek Him with greater intensity.

Form us in the way of Jesus by teaching us self-control and dependence on the Holy Spirit.

Break strongholds and bring spiritual renewal, as seen throughout biblical history.

Align our hearts with God’s purposes, softening us to His leading and increasing our compassion for others.

How to Start Fasting

If you’re new to fasting, begin small. Try skipping one meal to focus on prayer and Scripture. Over time, work toward longer fasts, allowing the discipline to shape you from the inside out. The goal is not legalism but transformation—creating space for God to move in fresh and powerful ways.

Recommended Reading.

  • Fasting by Scot McKnight

  • God’s Chosen Fast by Arthur Wallis

CV Teaching series.

A printed version is available to buy here

Other Resources on Spiritual Formation.

There is a library of other tools and guides for spiritual formation here