The Bible speaks positively about fasting and it is considered a spiritual discipline by many Christians. In the New Testament, fasting is often mentioned in the context of prayer and seeking God’s guidance. For example, in Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus says: “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” In the Old Testament, fasting is mentioned as a means of humbling oneself before God and seeking His guidance, as well as a way of expressing repentance and seeking forgiveness. In Joel 2:12, for example, the Bible says: “Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:” In general, fasting is seen as a way to draw closer to God, focus on spiritual matters, and seek His will in a every situation. The specific rules and customs surrounding fasting vary between different Christian traditions and denominations, but it is generally understood as a form of self-denial in which one abstains from food (or certain foods) for a period of time.
In this way, our editors assembled this list of the best Christian books on fasting to consider reading. The titles below represent the most popular available for purchase on the web.
Note: We only included the best Christian books on fasting with a 4-star or better ranking and a minimum of 150 reviews.
The Best Christian Books on Fasting
Most Popular: Fasting for Breakthrough and Deliverance
Author/Publisher: John Eckhardt
From the publisher: “Atomic Power with God, Thru Fasting and Prayer is a short work by the spirited evangelist Franklin Hall. The book describes how prayer during extended fasts can heal the body and soul, and bring practitioners greater spiritual power to exalt and glorify Jesus Christ. Hall’s work has now been inspiring Christians to explore the benefits of fasting on their physical and spiritual health for over 70 years.”
Top-Rated: Understanding the Discipline of Fasting
Author/Publisher: Paul Washer
From the publisher: “Paul Washer repeatedly points the student to the Scriptures to expose these erroneous ideas and to help the people of God understand the proper place of fasting in the Christian life. Also included in these pages is an abridged and modernized work from the Scottish theologian Thomas Boston on fasting and humiliation.”
Best Value: What the Bible Says about Fasting
Author/Publisher: Rose Publishing
From the publisher: “Deepen your understanding of fasting and see key information at a glance with this quick-reference pamphlet packed with charts, dozens of fasting verses, and practical tips! Find out 4 different types of fasts; discover 8 tips on how to start fasting, and explore the connection between prayer and fasting as you dive into 17 stories of fasting from the Bible.”
Editor’s Choice: God’s Chosen Fast
Author/Publisher: Arthur Wallis
From the publisher: “Sometimes doubt, fear, and disappointment cause us to lose confidence in God. In this book, Dwayne E. Mercer helps readers see past disappointments through God’s eyes and gain courage from biblical examples of faith. He provides tools for us to take faith-risks for God again, stepping out in courageous faith.”
Popular Example Guide: Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough: A Practical Guide to Nine Biblical Fasts
Author/Publisher: Elmer Towns
From the publisher: “This comprehensive book is for you if you seek a closer walk with God, whether you wonder how to fast or you’ve been practicing this spiritual discipline for years. As you learn the clear biblical reasons for fasting, you’ll also be introduced to nine biblical fasts that God can use for specific physical and spiritual outcomes.”
Popular Handbook: Fasting: The Key To Releasing God’s Power In Your Life
Author/Publisher: Derek Prince
From the publisher: “This comprehensive book is for you if you seek a closer walk with God, whether you wonder how to fast or you’ve been practicing this spiritual discipline for years. As you learn the clear biblical reasons for fasting, you’ll also be introduced to nine biblical fasts that God can use for specific physical and spiritual outcomes.”
Popular Complete Guide: A Complete Guide to Biblical Fasting
Author/Publisher: Ted Shuttlesworth Jr.
From the publisher: “Fasting and prayer are powerful tools that provoke God’s interaction in our lives. Though the discipline of biblical fasting has been around for thousands of years, it’s rarely taught today. As the title suggests, this book is a complete guide to the subject of fasting. Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran, this book will help you develop your dedication to God.”
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