How to Fast Successfully

Among all of the spiritual disciplines contained in the Bible, few are as neglected or as powerful as fasting. It is one of the most essential weapons in the arsenal of spiritual warfare, and yet many believers rarely practice it—or misunderstand how to do it properly.

In this study, we will explore the biblical foundation and purpose of fasting, the different types of fasts, and how to prepare for them. Finally, we will look at the remarkable life of John Hyde, the missionary and evangelist known as “Praying Hyde,” whose extraordinary devotion to fasting and prayer shook nations and ignited revival.

What Is Fasting?

Fasting is the voluntary and sacrificial abstaining from food—or from other comforts—for the purpose of earnestly seeking the Lord in prayer, petition, or intercession. It is not merely a physical act of skipping meals, but a spiritual expression of humility, repentance, and intense longing for God.

Fasting humbles the soul and brings us into alignment with God’s heart. It is a time to lay aside earthly pleasures and focus entirely on seeking the Lord. True fasting is always joined with prayer, worship, and brokenness of heart.

Scripture References:

• “Turn ye even to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning.” — Joel 2:12–13

• “So we fasted and besought our God for this: and He was intreated of us.” — Ezra 8:23

• “I humbled my soul with fasting.” — Ps 35:13

• “The days will come when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.” — Mat 9:15

  
  

We are living in the time Jesus spoke of—when the Bridegroom has been taken away. Therefore, the Church is called to fast. It is not optional; it is expected of every believer who desires intimacy with God and power over the flesh.

What Are the Different Types of Fasting?

Scripture reveals several kinds of fasting, each serving a different purpose and level of sacrifice:

• Complete Fast: No food or water for a specific time (Est 4:16; Acts 9:9).

• Water-Only Fast: Abstaining from all food while continuing to drink water (Lk 4:2).

• Partial Fast: Restricting diet to simple foods, as Daniel did (Dan 10:2–3).

• Non-Food Fast: Abstaining from pleasures such as entertainment, social media, or recreation to focus on God (1 Cor 7:5).

  
  

Each fast, when done with the right heart, draws us nearer to the Lord and strengthens our spirit against the desires of the flesh.

What Should We Do While Fasting?

Fasting should be a time of deep communion with God. During a fast, believers should devote time to prayer, worship, meditation on Scripture, and repentance. We must guard against distractions—entertainment, sports, hobbies, or even physical indulgences—that can rob us of spiritual focus.

Scripture References:

• “Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer.” — 1 Cor 7:5

• “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? ...and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house?” — Isa 58:6–7

• Anna… served God with fastings and prayers night and day. — Lk 2:37

The true fast, according to Isaiah 58, goes beyond abstaining from food. It moves the heart to righteousness, humility, and compassion—breaking the chains of injustice and ministering to the needy.

What Should We Fast For?

Fasting serves many divine purposes. It is both an act of intercession and a weapon of war. Believers fast to seek God’s intervention, deliverance, and spiritual breakthrough.

We can fast for:

• Personal direction and guidance — Ezra 8:21–23

• Deliverance from sin or bondage — Isa 58:6

• Victory in spiritual warfare — Mat 17:21

• Salvation of loved ones — Rom 10:1

• Revival in the Church and the nation — 2 Chr 7:14; Neh 1:4–6

  
  

Certain spiritual victories come only through fasting and prayer. Jesus Himself said that some demonic powers “go not out but by prayer and fasting.” (Mat 17:21)

How Should We Prepare for a Fast?

Preparation is essential for a meaningful fast. We must approach it prayerfully, with pure motives and a humble spirit.

Before fasting:

• Pray for God’s strength and protection (Eph 6:10–18)

• Confess and forsake all known sin (Ps 66:18; 1 Jn 1:9)

• Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance for the duration and purpose of the fast (Prov 16:3)

• Eliminate distractions in advance to prepare your heart and body

  
  

The Bible does not prescribe an exact duration for fasting, but most biblical fasts lasted three days or more. The key is not the length, but the sincerity and spiritual focus with which we seek the Lord.

The Example of John “Praying” Hyde

To understand the transforming power of fasting and prayer, we look to the life of John Hyde (1865–1912)—a missionary to India whose unrelenting devotion earned him the name “Praying Hyde.”

Hyde spent countless hours—sometimes days—fasting and interceding for the salvation of souls. His deep burden for the lost and total dependence on the Holy Spirit brought about remarkable revivals across India. Through his tears, fasting, and faith, thousands were brought to Christ.

His life exemplifies Paul’s exhortation:“A vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the Master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” — 2 Tim 2:21

Through the life of Praying Hyde, we see that when fasting is joined with prayer and faith, God moves mountains. Fasting does not manipulate God—it transforms us, aligning our hearts with His will and empowering us for His purposes.

Note: To learn more about the life of missionary and evangelist, John Hyde, please click here.

Conclusion

Fasting is not a religious ritual but a divine invitation—a call to intercession, deeper intimacy with God, and greater power in the Spirit. It is a forgotten key to revival, deliverance, and transformation.

When we combine fasting with fervent prayer, humility, and faith, we open the door for God’s presence to flood our lives and our world. May we, like John Hyde, become vessels wholly surrendered—willing to lay aside every comfort that we might gain Christ and advance His Kingdom.