7 Amazing Books on Christian Fasting
If you're interested in Christian fasting, these seven incredible fasting books will help inspire, equip, and educate you on the subject.
While this list is by no means exhaustive, I wanted to highlight seven Christian fasting books that have influenced me over the years. They cover biblical fasting, the Daniel fast, and one is technically a biography but a significant inspiration for fasting and prayer. Of course, never forget that the Bible has a lot to say on fasting and that book should be our #1 source and inspiration!
Read on to see what you might enjoy adding to your reading list!
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1. God's Chosen Fast by Arthur Wallis
This short book was written in 1968 by Arthur Wallis, born in Dublin in 1922. This timeless book is straightforward and covers the biblical foundations of fasting. Wallis covers Bible passages related to fasting, reasons why we should fast, and practical tips on how to fast.
God's Chosen Fast tops the list for me because it lays down a solid foundation for fasting that is based on Scripture. This book was also written from personal experience in a time before influencers and mass marketing, so you can sense the sincerity and pure motivation for writing.
"This is surely the loftiest conception, that fasting is a worshiping or ministering to the Lord, a giving of ourselves to God, and only secondarily a means to securing spiritual ends." - Arthur Wallis
2. Fasting by Jentezen Franklin
Fasting by Jentezen Franklin is a well-known book that has served as a primer on Christian fasting for many believers in recent years. Jentezen Franklin is the senior pastor of Free Chapel, a multi-campus church based in Gainesville, Georgia.
In this book, Franklin covers the biblical principles of fasting for breakthrough and why fasting is a vital weapon for our transformation and impacting the landscape around us. The tone is conversational, and as you read, it feels like listening to a sermon.
Franklin also brings in stories and other principles of pursuing God and building faith through a more intimate relationship with Him and dependence on the Word of God.
"Sometimes the best thing we can possibly do is starve our flesh and feed our spirit through a fast. Fasting helps you separate what you want from what you need. It causes you to focus on those things that really matter." - Jentezen Franklin
3. Eat, Fast, Feast by Jay Richards
In his book, Eat, Fast, Feast, New York Times bestselling author Jay Richards explores the benefits of intermittent fasting, with an inclusive discussion of both spiritual and physical benefits.
He also discusses fasting throughout church history, which gives fascinating insights into how the practice of fasting developed and changed over time. Since the author is Catholic, you will notice references to liturgy and tradition that vary from other denominations or nondenominational churches.
Richards provides a wealth of scientific evidence to support his claims. I particularly like this book for its thorough discussion of the health benefits of intermittent fasting and the research to support it. At the same time, the book doesn't shy away from the spiritual implications and benefits of fasting.
The writing can be a little long-winded at times, but the information is well worth it. The book concludes with walking you through an intermittent fasting plan that gradually increases your fasting time.
"Fasting is not a silver bullet that will solve all your problems or make you perfect. But it is a good and useful tool that can help you become more self-controlled and more Christlike." - Jay Richards
4. Rees Howells Intercessor by Norman Grubb
I had not heard of Rees Howells before this book was recommended to me, but his story is incredibly convicting. Rees Howells Intercessor is primarily a biography but demonstrates what it looks like to live a life of prayer, intercession, fasting, and complete surrender to God.
Norman Grubb chronicles the life of Rees Howells and how he prayed for revival in Wales, Scotland, and other parts of the world. The book is packed with stories of answered prayers and miraculous interventions.
This book is a must-read for anyone who desires to deepen their relationship with God and be inspired to live fully for God.
"Neither they nor myself had ever seen a man called to fasting, and they thought 'the experiment' would soon come to an end. But in less than a fortnight the Lord had so changed my appetites that I preferred those two meals a day to the four I used to have. That craving for food was taken out of me, and through the whole period my health was better than anyone else's." - Rees Howells
Rees Howells button: https://amzn.to/3mqSaQE
5. Daniel Fast Journey by Stephanie Hodges
It may seem self-serving to include my own book on this list, I also think it would be odd not to mention a book you felt called to write on a subject you're passionate about!
As you can see from this list, there are many great books on Christian fasting. Daniel Fast Journey came out of a series of blog posts I wrote on the Daniel Fast that ended up being extremely popular with readers and a specific prompting from the Lord to turn the material into a book.
My hope in writing this book was to help someone new to fasting who might be intimidated by the idea to understand the biblical foundation for fasting and how to take the first step to make fasting part of their spiritual practice.
The Daniel Fast is a partial fast including only plant-based foods and is based on the book of Daniel. Many people are confused by this fast in terms of why it's considered biblical, what you can and cannot eat, and whether it's a diet and weight loss plan or a Christian fast. The book covers all this and more, including practical tips to prepare for your fast and 21 days' worth of meals and recipes.
“When we fast, we’re shutting off temporary solutions and momentary satisfaction to instead pursue the deep joy and peace that can only be found in Christ.” - Stephanie Hodges
6. Awakening by Stovall Weems
Awakening was published in 2010 and was one of the first books I ever read on fasting. It really charged me up to passionately pursue the Lord. "Awakening" is not just about the practice of fasting but about guarding the fire of devotion in your heart.
The book includes foundational principles about your relationship with God, salvation, prayer, and living a passionate life of faith. Each chapter includes a testimony from a church member who participated in 21 days of Awakening prayer and fasting at Pastor Stovall's church.
This book is a quick read but contains an excellent 21-day plan and devotional in the back that will help you prepare for and sustain your fast. If you're looking for a book that will inspire you to pursue God with passion and live a life of prayer and fasting, Awakening is a great choice.
“The primary purpose of fasting is to help us draw closer to God. But how we view fasting, and essentially how we fast, makes all the difference in how we will benefit from it.” - Stovall Weems
7. The Daniel Fast Cookbook by Cindy Anshutz
I clearly talk a lot about the Daniel Fast, and there are several excellent books on that subject I'll also shout out below. But of all the options out there, I wanted to mention one newer on the scene that I really enjoyed, which is The Daniel Fast Cookbook by Cindy Anshutz.
Cindy is a chef, so the book includes a variety of tasty recipes. I also like how she breaks down the Daniel Fast and offers a 10-day and 21-day flexible meal plan. Both meal plans provide recipes and also brief devotionals.
If you're looking for more meal ideas and recipes, check out this book!
“The Daniel Fast is an opportunity to experience God like you never have before. Daniel didn’t fast because he wanted people to see him suffering and have pity on him. His goal wasn’t to trim down his waistline…Daniel fasted because he knew that the God he worshipped was his sustainer, his refuge, and his satisfaction.” - Cindy Anschutz
Books on the Daniel Fast - Honorable Mentions
In addition to the seven books on fasting above, I wanted to specifically shout out three books on the Daniel Fast that are worth a read. Although there are additional books out there, these have been around for a few years and have proven popular over time.
The Daniel Fast by Susan Gregory
Fast Like Daniel by Scott Williams
So there you have it, seven (technically ten) amazing books on fasting! I hope this list has helped to get you started on your journey of understanding and practicing fasting. Remember, the best way to learn about fasting is through personal experience!
When it comes to starting a fast, be sure to do your research, pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit, and ask God to reveal what He wants you to experience during your fast.
Do you have a favorite book on fasting? Let me know in the comments below!
