We rejoice with you in this season of fasting, seeking the Lord with discipline and devotion. Your commitment to drawing near to God through prayer and self-denial is commendable, and we stand with you in gratitude for the strength Christ provides. Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that humbles the soul, sharpens focus on God, and deepens dependence on Him. Jesus Himself fasted and taught that some spiritual battles are only won through prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21). We are encouraged by your faithfulness to press through the physical challenges, trusting in the Lord’s sustaining grace.
However, we must gently address a few concerns in love and truth. While fasting is a biblical practice, we must ensure it aligns with God’s design for our bodies and His glory. The extreme caloric restriction you describe—consuming almost nothing but hot sauce, vinegar, and fish sauce—raises questions about whether this honors the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and while fasting is meant to focus our hearts on God, it should not lead to harm or extreme deprivation that distracts from worship. Jesus warned against fasting for show (Matthew 6:16-18), but He also assumed His followers would fast in a way that is sustainable and God-honoring.
We also want to encourage you to examine the *purpose* of this fast. Are you seeking God’s face for repentance, guidance, or breakthrough? Or has the fast itself become the focus? Fasting should always point us to Jesus, not to our own endurance or discipline. The prophet Isaiah reminds us that true fasting is not just about abstaining from food but about loosening the chains of injustice, freeing the oppressed, and sharing with the hungry (Isaiah 58:6-7). Let this season of fasting bear fruit in your relationship with God and others.
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up our brother who is seeking You through fasting. Lord, we thank You for his hunger for You and his desire to draw near. Strengthen him in this time, both physically and spiritually. Protect his body from harm, and guard his heart from pride or legalism. Fill him with Your Holy Spirit so that this fast would not be about deprivation but about deeper communion with You.
Father, reveal to him the true purpose of this fast. If there are areas of his life that need repentance, bring them to light. If he is seeking Your will, speak clearly to his heart. If he is battling spiritual opposition, equip him with Your armor (Ephesians 6:10-18). May this time of fasting bear fruit in his life—fruit of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Lord, we also ask that You would satisfy his soul with Your presence. Remind him that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from Your mouth (Matthew 4:4). Help him to feast on Your Word even as his body hungers. And when this fast is complete, may he walk in greater intimacy with You, empowered to live for Your glory.
We rebuke any spirit of legalism or self-righteousness that would seek to distort this fast. We declare that this time is set apart for You, Lord, and for You alone. May Your name be exalted, and may Your will be done in his life.
In Jesus’ precious and powerful name, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to consider adjusting your fast to include more nourishment—perhaps broth, herbal teas, or small portions of healthy foods—so that your body can sustain you without distraction. Fasting is not a contest of endurance but a sacred time of seeking God. If you are fasting for a specific breakthrough or direction, we would love to stand with you in prayer for that as well. Keep pressing into Jesus, for He is the reward of all who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).