Teddi Neevel and Danette Tucker answer the following question from one of our readers:

Question:

"I am having trouble finding a piece in the Bible that teaches us how to prepare to Fast. You wash your face and place oil on your forehead and then pray. Then you begin fasting.

Where is it? Or do you know of it. I seem to remember it being in the New Testament.

Can I have an answer by Thursday morning? Thank you so much. Mary"

Answer:

Mary,

The passage you are thinking of is Matthew 6:17, "But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face..."

The context indicates that these are not "should do's" in preparation for fasting but stand in contrast to the Pharisees way of making a big production of fasting (v. 16-18). What God is telling us to do is to go on normally -- no running around deliberately looking unkempt and haggard but rather keeping our fasting between us and God, not seeking the applause, notice or affirmation or others.

The Bible doesn't give any specific physical preparations for fasting. However, since the purpose of fasting is to set aside "self" to focus intensely on God and discerning His purposes, we would do well to spend time examining our hearts and making sure we stand clean before Him without unconfessed sin hindering us. Otherwise we may find ourselves merely performing a religious ritual rather than communing with God.

Many people find it helpful to physically prepare for a fast just to keep from having distressing physical symptoms such as severe headaches from going for a period of time without eating. There are some books that have been written on this subject and may be helpful. I don't know specific titles but you might be able to find something in a Christian book store. For this you're not looking for theology; just basic health information.

Hope this helps! ;-)
-- Danette Tucker

Hi Mary,

The passage you are looking for is Matthew 6:17-18 "But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly."

This is a great passage of scripture that we may need to work up into an article or devotional sometime. Sadly, fasting is something that Christians seem to steadfastly resist for one of many reasons, or something that can be put on for show as the Pharisees often used it. I don’t believe that verse 17 means that face washing and anointing with oil is a required part of fasting but it refers back to verse 16: "Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward." The Pharisees would rub their faces with dirt or ashes shadowing their eyes and cheeks to make them to appear gaunt as they stood praying on the street corners. Their goal was for men to see them and believe that the Pharisees were very spiritual.

If an individual feels led to fast it is an act between themselves and God. Wash your face, comb your hair, dress as usual and go about your usual routine except instead of eating, spend that time in specific prayer.

Throughout scripture fasting is used to show a proper attitude toward God (humility and reverential fear) or remorse in times of dire need. As examples; Moses fasted 40 days when he was on Mt Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments from the hand of God. (Reverential fear) Elijah fasted 40 days while he was in the wilderness hiding in fear for his life. (Began in terror but ended by hearing the still small voice of God. Humility) Jesus fasted 40 days while He was being tempted by Satan in the wilderness. (Reverence to God the Father.) All of these were incidents of extreme need, not day to day occurrences.

When Esther was queen, all of the Jewish people fasted because she was literally putting her head on the line to save her people by asking for an audience with the king. The people as a whole showed their remorse for personal sin and their reverential fear of God by fasting and praying, believing that God would honor their faith.

I hope this helps answer your question.

In Christ,
Teddi

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