Christian fasting isn’t just about abstaining from food; it also involves refraining from other passions, such as pleasure or ambition.
This can help us develop greater discipline in our lives and break free from addictions or unhealthy habits that may be holding us back from living out our faith fully.
But sometimes, it can be difficult to know how exactly to do this, which is why having fasting books or guides can be useful in understanding fasting and how we can use it as a spiritual tool.
Here are some of the best Christian fasting books I think are great choices:
1. Fasting for Breakthrough and Deliverance
Fasting for Breakthrough and Deliverance is a compelling book by John Eckhardt that reveals how fasting can help spiritual warriors overcome the strongholds that keep them from freedom, victory, and success.
Fasting, according to Matthew 17:21, has power over spirits that cannot be defeated without it.
Believers are often hindered by limitations that seem irrevocable, but fasting can lead to unprecedented victories.
A life of consistent fasting unlocks endless possibilities and enables believers to fulfill God’s will.
With Eckhardt’s revelation on the power of fasting, readers learn how to break through oppression in areas such as poverty, sickness, witchcraft, sexual impurity, pride, fear, and confusion.
Different types of fasts are explored, so readers are given practical tools to break through these formidable obstacles and overcome their limits.
2. Fasting: Opening the Door to a Deeper, More Intimate, More Powerful Relationship With God
In his New York Times Best-Seller book, Jentezen Franklin explores the transformative power of fasting, guiding readers through a deeper understanding of God’s plan and purpose for this practice.
Through real-life testimonies of those who have experienced the benefits of this practice, such as healing, financial breakthroughs, and improved relationships, readers can expect to be inspired by their own potential with fasting.
It provides practical wisdom and knowledge on how to access the full power of biblical fasting in order to gain tangible results in all areas of life.
This book is an invaluable resource with its simple yet powerful message that encourages believers to take control over their lives through faith.
3. Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough: A Practical Guide to Nine Biblical Fasts
Through Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough, readers can experience a deeper faith and a closer relationship with God.
This practical guide to nine biblical fasts teaches you the purpose and biblical basis of fasting, why and when to practice each fast, and how to prepare for the fasts.
With testimonies from those who have experienced spiritual breakthroughs through fasting, study questions, references to Scripture, a fasting glossary, and more – this comprehensive book offers readers centuries-old guidance that remains relevant today.
4. A Hunger for God: Desiring God through Fasting and Prayer
Seeking satisfaction in God through fasting and prayer is the aim of A Hunger for God: Desiring God through Fasting and Prayer book.
Our appetites can determine our decisions, whether it be for food, possessions, or power – but if what we desire is God alone, then this brings victory.
When we give into worldly temptations instead of seeking God’s pleasure, do we even feel His presence?
To help readers find a path to Him, John Piper’s book offers a unique solution to fasting.
This “pleasant pain” leads to the glory of God being supreme in one’s life and Him being glorified when one is most fulfilled by Him.
A Hunger for God seeks to bring readers closer to their Creator by relating only with Him and disregarding all else.
5. A Complete Guide to Biblical Fasting: Master the Habit that Provokes God’s Favor
This book offers an in-depth exploration of this discipline and how to practice it.
It provides guidance on various topics such as the “Daniel Fast,” releasing God’s power through fasting, health benefits, receiving direction from the Lord, four crucial appetites to address, and more.
This book also offers insights on why Paul didn’t write about fasting as well as answers to frequently asked questions, plus 100 prayer points and Scripture references for further study.
6. Pursuit: 21-Day Prayer and Fasting Devotional
Pursuit: 21-Day Prayer and Fasting Devotional is a collection of scriptures, prayer directives, and wisdom to deepen the understanding of the power of prayer and fasting.
Through this book, readers will journey towards discovering their passion for God as they learn how to prioritize His presence in their lives.
After over two decades of ministry building a praying church, Pastor Dave Patterson has compiled this devotional which can be crafted to any duration of pursuit.
People have said good things about his work because it inspires believers to pursue God more deeply than before.
7. Eat, Fast, Feast: Heal Your Body While Feeding Your Soul―A Christian Guide to Fasting
Eat, Fast, Feast: Heal Your Body While Feeding Your Soul―A Christian Guide to Fasting is a guidebook written by Jay Richards that teaches modern Christians how to combine spiritual disciplines with intermittent fasting.
Through his book, Richards draws on the wisdom of our spiritual ancestors to help us understand how we can use fasting as a means of spiritual awakening and how incorporating these principles into our daily lives can benefit us spiritually.
Eating natural fat and fasting is argued to be safer than today’s diet heavy in sugar and refined carbohydrates.
The book provides a 40-day plan that combines long-term “nutritional ketosis” with spiritual practices for improved overall well-being.
Using recent science and ancient religious traditions, Eat, Fast, Feast encourages readers to improve their lives, health, and relationship with God through intermittent fasting.
How To Choose A Christian Fasting and Prayer Book?
Before you begin shopping for your fasting and prayer book, it’s important to know what the purpose behind the purchase is.
Are you looking for inspiration? Biblical guidance?
A place to journal your prayers? Knowing your purpose will help you select the perfect fasting and prayer book for your needs.
If you’re searching for a devotional experience, the content should focus on reflecting on Scripture and allow time for journaling.
Another factor to consider is how often each devotion is written – could be daily, weekly, or monthly.
It might also be helpful to read book reviews online before making your purchase, as this would help give you a better understanding of how helpful other readers found the material.
Be sure to pick a book that speaks to your own spiritual beliefs and desired level of participation in prayer and fasting.
Which Bible books to read when fasting?
Some excellent scriptures to consider while fasting includes:
- Psalm 35, which offers verses on God rescuing and vindicating those who serve Him faithfully
- Joel 2, which reminds us that repentance brings blessings
- Psalm 51, which emphasizes the importance of having a broken spirit and humbled heart when we face the Lord; and
- Nehemiah 9, where we can learn how to lift our voices in joy and praise.
These books offer powerful words to meditate on during a period of fasting.
What to read when fasting and praying?
When fasting and praying, the right reading material can make the experience even more meaningful.
The Bible should be the primary source of scripture when approaching such a holy practice.
However, if you would like to go beyond the Bible, there are plenty of other books that have inspiring messages appropriate for fasting and prayer.
Consider seeking out books by faith leaders or authors whose writing is specifically crafted to help find solace and nourishment through prayer and fasting.
These books should help you stay on track with your fasting and inspire you to think in creative ways that keep you motivated and focused on God.
The books listed above should help you achieve this.
Christian Fasting Books Can Help Keep You on Track
Christian fasting can be a great way to build discipline and cultivate intimacy with God.
While its importance has been recognized throughout Christian history, starting and keeping up the practice of fasting can be challenging – which is why Christian fasting books are so helpful.
These books provide practical advice on how to fast biblically, allowing you to form a meaningful Christian fasting practice that can be integrated into your life in an effective way.
Make a habit of biblical fasting today by getting and following the guides in one of these books!
