Fasting

Fasting is the practice of abstaining from food* for a set period of time in order to focus on God. The practice integrates our whole body into life with God as we recognise that our deepest hunger is for His presence.

Fasting is how we pray with our bodies. As we abstain from food, we ask that God would consecrate us and align our hearts and desires with his.

Throughout the history of the Church, fasting was seen as just as essential as reading scripture or gathering weekly with others. It is one of the most powerful disciplines we have to reconnect our minds with our bodies and offer our whole selves to God in surrender. It’s a great rhythm that strengthens self-control and deepens spiritual awareness.

*Fasting from food in this way is an ancient, biblical practice. There are many reasons why some may choose not to fast from food completely, e.g. medical or practical reasons. If fasting from food isn’t appropriate for you, you can still participate in this practice by abstaining from something else.

Get started

  • Choose one mealtime to abstain from food and to connect with God in prayer. If you’re just getting started, try this as a one-off before building a weekly rhythm.

  • Fast from sunrise to sunset one day each week. Take one day each week to fast, taking moments throughout the day to turn from hunger to prayer.

Explore further

Kids and families

Family discipleship isn’t about perfection, but presence.

Kids and families are shaped most by the rhythms, habits, and conversations of everyday life. Formation often happens through repetition, warmth, and consistency more than intensity.

For each communal rhythm, you’ll find:

1. Conversations to have with your kids

2. Practical ways to live it out at home

Conversations to have with your kids about Fasting….

-What do you think fasting is?

  • - Why would someone choose to give something up for a time?

- How can fasting help us pay attention to God?

-What are things that can sometimes control our hearts?

-What happens when we don’t immediately get what we want?

-How can fasting help us practice gratitude?

-Why is self-control important?

-What does it mean to hunger for God?

- Can fasting include things besides food?

-How can fasting make us more aware of people in need?

Help children understand that fasting is not punishment, earning God’s love, or extreme self-denial. It is creating intentional space to remember our dependence on God and reorder our desires around Him.

For children, fasting should always be age- appropriate, gentle, and focused on formation rather than pressure.

Practical ways to live this out at home…

- Practise simple, age-appropriate fasting rhythms.

- Fast from screens or technology for a set period each week.

- Encourage children to give up something temporarily to create space for God.

E.g. sweet treats.

- Pair fasting with generosity by donating money saved from meals or treats.

- A simple meal during Lent e.g. rice and beans

-Use hunger or discomfort as prompts to pray.

-Talk openly about cravings, impatience, and dependence.

-Practise gratitude after the fast ends.

-Create quiet moments without devices or entertainment for prayer, reading or

reflection.

-Teach children that fasting is about making space for God, not proving

spiritual maturity.

- Break fasts together with joy, celebration, and shared meals.

-Choose simplicity instead of excess during holidays or celebrations.