About Fasting
The average, healthy person is able to go without food for 30 hours without any ill effects. Exceptions are the following:
- children under the age of 12
- the elderly
- pregnant or nursing women
- people with other specific medical conditions (past or present) including diabetes, reactive hypoglycemia, other medical conditions that are associated with or could precipitate hypoglycemia; eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia)
If you have any health-related questions about the 30 Hour Famine or are regularly under a doctor’s care for any of the above medical conditions, you are strongly advised to consult your family doctor before taking part.
What is fasting?
Fasting is the act of abstaining from food. There are various types of ways to fast, but the most popular and the one that is part of the 30 Hour Famine is a juice fast.
Why is fasting part of the 30 Hour Famine?
In the Bible, people fasted for different reasons. Sometimes groups fasted to get right with God (Nehemiah 9:1). Sometimes fasting was an act of worship (Acts 13:2). And then of course there's Jesus, who fasted to get ready for his public ministry (Matthew 4:2).
Whatever the reason, fasting helps you break free from the clutter of our world - so you can focus your thoughts and prayers on what God wants. In other words, fasting can bring your group closer to Christ.
Plus, experience is the best teacher. The hunger pangs participants feel will create a genuine compassion for those in need.
Lastly, fasting is a powerful way to bring participants closer to each other. You've seen it before. Tackling big challenges together unites people like nothing else can.
What does the Bible say about fasting?
There are many scriptural references to fasting, in both the Old and New Testament. The following is not a complete list but is a good place to start.
- Matthew 6:16-18
- Matthew 9:16-17
- Matthew 17:20-21
- Daniel 9:3, 20
- Ezra 8:21-23
- Isaiah 58
- Judges 20:26-28
- Psalms 35:13
- Mark 9:29
What are some alternatives to fasting?
A 30-hour fast is a recognized part of the Famine - but it's not required. Fasting should be a personal choice. If for any reason (medical or otherwise) someone can't participate in a 30-hour fast, here are some alternatives:
- skipping a meal (or two)
- abstaining from something (i.e. chocolate, soda pop, etc.) for a period of time
- fasting from talking for a period time
- fasting from media (no TV, movies, videos, radio, music, etc.) for a period of time
How should we break the fast?
Breaking your fast can be a meaningful time for the group, but it also should be done gradually and sensibly. A big pizza feed might sound like a great idea, but something a little easier to digest, like pasta or rice (lots of carbohydrates) might go down a little easier. (For more ideas on breaking the fast, check out your 30 Hour Famine Leader’s Guide, or visit our online Planning Guide.)
This document was prepared by World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine staff. It is not designed to replace a physician’s guidance but is provided to answer common questions regarding fasting.
