Bible Study: What Does the Assemblies of God Teach About Fasting and Prayer?

Fasting is a voluntary, Spirit-led abstinence from food or other comforts to seek God with greater intensity. The Assemblies of God teaches that fasting, when combined with prayer, serves as a powerful spiritual discipline that humbles the heart, sharpens spiritual focus, and invites breakthrough in the lives of believers.

When the hunger of the soul for God exceeds the hunger of the body for food, spiritual breakthrough is often just around the corner. Fasting is not a way to manipulate God or "earn" a miracle; rather, it is a way to align our hearts with His, silencing the noise of the world to hear the whisper of the Spirit. For those in the Assemblies of God tradition, fasting is viewed as an expected, though not legally mandated, part of the Christian lifestyle, a tool used by Jesus, the prophets, and the apostles to navigate the most critical moments of their faith journeys.

Fasting is the voluntary abstinence from food or other physical gratifications for a specific period of time to focus on spiritual growth, repentance, or seeking God's intervention. In a Pentecostal context, it is practiced to subdue the "flesh" (carnal desires) and heighten one's sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.

The Biblical Pattern of Fasting and Prayer

The Assemblies of God grounds its teaching on fasting in the bedrock of Scripture. We do not fast because it is a trend, but because the Word of God provides a clear pattern of its power.

Jesus: The 40-Day Fast

Before Jesus began His public ministry, He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to fast for forty days (Matthew 4:1-11). This was not a passive time of waiting; it was a season of spiritual preparation and intense warfare. By fasting, Jesus demonstrated that "man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." His victory over temptation in the wilderness set the stage for a ministry of power and authority.

The Daniel Fast: Seeking Wisdom

In Daniel 10, the prophet Daniel undertook a partial fast, abstaining from "choice food," meat, and wine for three weeks while seeking understanding from God. This "Daniel Fast" has become a popular modern practice within the church, emphasizing a diet of vegetables and water to focus the mind on spiritual revelation. It teaches us that even a partial sacrifice, when done with a sincere heart, is honored by God.

The Early Church: Mission and Direction

In the book of Acts, we see the early church using fasting as a primary tool for seeking direction. In Acts 13:2, as the leaders in Antioch "ministered to the Lord and fasted," the Holy Spirit gave clear instructions to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work of the Gospel. Again, in Acts 14:23, elders were appointed with prayer and fasting. For the early believers, no major decision was made without first seeking the Lord through this discipline.

The Purpose: Why Do We Fast?

Fasting is never about the food, it is always about the focus. The Assemblies of God highlights several core purposes for this spiritual discipline.

Purpose	Biblical Focus	Spiritual Outcome
Humility	Psalm 35:13	Breaking pride and acknowledging total dependence on God.
Breakthrough	Isaiah 58:6	Breaking the bonds of wickedness and seeing chains fall off.
Guidance	Acts 13:2-3	Hearing the Holy Spirit clearly for life's major decisions.
Repentance	Joel 2:12	Returning to God with all our heart and seeking His mercy.

1. To Humble the Soul

The Bible says, "I humbled myself with fasting" (Psalm 35:13). Fasting is an act of spiritual "ego-reduction." It reminds us that we are not sustained by our own strength or resources, but by the grace of God. It is a physical way of saying, "Lord, I need You more than I need my next meal."

2. To Seek Spiritual Breakthrough

There are certain strongholds, habits, addictions, or spiritual blockages, that seem resistant to "normal" prayer. Jesus hinted at this when He told His disciples that some spirits come out only by "prayer and fasting" (Matthew 17:21, NKJV). Fasting acts as a spiritual catalyst, intensifying our focus and inviting God's power to move in areas where we have felt stuck.

3. To Seek God’s Direction

Whether you are navigating a career change, a family crisis, or a ministry decision, fasting clears the "clutter" of our daily lives. As Pastor Tom Lindberg has taught, when we "look up" in praise and "look back" at God's faithfulness, fasting helps us "look ahead" with clarity. It sharpens our spiritual ears to hear the "still, small voice" of the Holy Spirit.

The Connection: Prayer Plus Fasting

Fasting without prayer is just a diet. Within the Assemblies of God, we believe that prayer and fasting are two sides of the same coin. Fasting is the "plus" to your prayer life. It provides the fuel for fervent, effective intercession.

When you fast, you are essentially taking the time you would normally spend preparing and eating food and rededicating that time to the Word of God. It is a season of prayer and praise where you intentionally sit at the feet of Jesus. If you find your prayer life has become stagnant or "corroded" (as Pastor Tom often illustrates with the battery terminal analogy), fasting acts as a spiritual cleaner, restoring the connection between you and the Father.

How to Start a Fast Safely and Wisely

The Holy Spirit is a Spirit of order and wisdom. Fasting should never be a reckless endeavor. Here is how to approach it with biblical and practical wisdom:

• Start Small: If you have never fasted before, do not attempt a 40-day fast immediately. Start by skipping one meal or fasting from sunrise to sunset.

• Identify Your Goal: Why are you fasting? Is it for your family? Your city? Your health? Seeking God's guidance is more effective when you have a specific focus.

• Stay Hydrated: Unless you are doing a very short "absolute fast" (which should be done with extreme caution), drink plenty of water. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit; treat it with respect.

• Consult a Doctor: If you have underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or pregnancy, or if you are on medication, always consult a medical professional before changing your diet. You can always fast from something other than food, such as social media or entertainment, to achieve the same spiritual focus.

• Prepare and Break Slowly: Don't eat a massive steak dinner right before you start, and don't break your fast with a heavy meal. Start with light fruit or juice to ease your system back into digestion.

A Call to Deepen Your Walk

Fasting is not an ancient ritual for a bygone era; it is a living, breathing discipline for the modern believer. Whether you are part of our local family in Memphis or joining us through our global digital bridge, the invitation is the same: Come away for a while. Set aside the plate and pick up the Promise.

When we fast together, we aren't just changing our diet; we are changing our spiritual climate. We are inviting the Spirit of God to do in the 901 and across the nations what only He can do.

Want to go deeper in your spiritual journey?

If you're in Memphis, Cordova, Arlington, Bartlett, or the 901, we invite you to join a Small Group where we study these disciplines together in community. If you are outside our area, you can download our Prayer & Fasting Guide to help lead you through your first season of seeking God.

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