Jesus Christ was asked by His disciples why they were unable to cast out a demon. Jesus answered them by saying,

"Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting." (Mk. 9:29)

Jesus recognized the importance of these two critical spiritual issues.

What is Fasting?
- The process of going without food or drink (Ex. 34:28)

Why Fast?
- To draw close to God (Dan. 9:3)

How Should You Fast?
- Fasting should be done secretly (Mt. 6:16-18)

How Shouldn’t You Fast?
- To be seen of men (Mt. 6:16)
- Brag about fasting (Lk. 18:12)

What Should You Fast About?
- For your enemies (Psa. 35:13)
- For your friends (Dan. 6:18; Neh. 1:4)
- About important decisions (Acts 13:2; 14:23; Est. 4:16)
- About trials (Mt. 4:2)
- About sin
      - Nineveh (Jonah 3)
      - Ahab (1Kings 21:29)

How Long Should You Fast?
- David fasted till even when he heard about the deaths of Saul and Jonathan (2Sam. 1:12)
- Darius fasted through the night over Daniel being in the lions’ den (Dan. 6:18)
- Mordecai and Esther fasted for three days over the plight of the Jews (Esth. 4:16)
- Cornelius fasted four days (Acts 10:30)
- David fasted seven days over his dying son (2Sam. 12:18)
- Moses fasted forty days and nights prior to receiving the Ten Commandments (Ex. 34:28)
- Jesus Christ fasted forty days and nights prior to His battle with Satan (Mt. 4:2)

How Often Should You Fast?
- Often – as Paul did (2Cor. 11:27)