Fasting
Guide
We’re so excited that your family is getting ready to step into something powerful — fasting!
Biblical fasting is when we give up food so we can focus more on God and grow closer to Him. It’s a spiritual habit that can help us connect with God in meaningful ways.
While we don’t recommend food fasting for anyone under 18, that doesn’t mean your kids can’t participate! There are so many creative and age-appropriate ways children can fast and experience the heart of this practice.
Let’s dive in together and explore how your whole family can be part of this meaningful journey.
Biblical fasting is when we give up food so we can focus more on God and grow closer to Him. It’s a spiritual habit that can help us connect with God in meaningful ways.
While we don’t recommend food fasting for anyone under 18, that doesn’t mean your kids can’t participate! There are so many creative and age-appropriate ways children can fast and experience the heart of this practice.
Let’s dive in together and explore how your whole family can be part of this meaningful journey.
What Is Fasting?
For kids fasting is like pressing pause on something we love — like snacks, screens, or games — so we can spend more time talking to God, listening to Him, and learning more about who He is. When we fast, we’re making space in our lives and our hearts for God to speak and move.
Why Do We Fast?
- To grow closer to God: Just like spending time with a friend helps your relationship grow, fasting gives us focused time with God.
- To pray and listen: When we set something aside, we create quiet space to hear what God is saying.
- To ask God for help: Fasting is a powerful way to pray for healing, wisdom, peace, or help for someone in need.
What Can Kids Fast From?
Fasting should feel meaningful — not punishing — and it should fit each child’s age and understanding. Here are some ideas your kids might choose from:
- Treats or snacks: Like candy, desserts, or soda.
- Games or toys: Taking a break from a favorite toy or video game.
- Screens: Reducing time spent on TV, tablets, or phones.
- Fun activities: Choosing to give up something enjoyable to spend intentional time with God.
How To Fast (Kid-Style!)
- Start with prayer: Help your child ask God what they might fast from.
- Choose the fast: Pick something your child can give up for a certain period of time — a day, a week, or even just during specific hours.
- Replace the time: Use the time they’d normally spend on that thing to pray, worship, or read a Bible story together.
- Talk to God: Encourage your child to share their thoughts and feelings with God.
- Create space to reflect: Let them draw or write in a journal about what they’re learning and how they feel.
Bible Verses For Your Fast
- Matthew 6:6 – “When you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”
- Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
- Jeremiah 29:13 – “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Tips For Parents
- Encourage your child to choose their own fast — it’s important that it feels personal and meaningful.
- Make it fun! Create a prayer and fasting journal where they can write, draw, or color.
- Participate as a family! Your kids will be encouraged when they see you fasting too.
- Keep it grace-filled — the goal is connection with God, not perfection.
Fasting is a special way to grow closer to God. It helps us focus on Him, hear His voice, and remember how much He loves us. We are so proud of you for wanting to get closer to God!
Are you ready? Let’s do this! And remember — God loves it when you make time for Him.
Let’s Pray: “Dear God, thank You for loving me. Help me to grow closer to You during this fast. Speak to me, and help me to be strong. I love You! Amen.”
Are you ready? Let’s do this! And remember — God loves it when you make time for Him.
Let’s Pray: “Dear God, thank You for loving me. Help me to grow closer to You during this fast. Speak to me, and help me to be strong. I love You! Amen.”