Some Christians skip communion during a fast because they think it will “break the fast.” Others treat communion like a snack—a ritual without reverence.

But here’s the real question: Can you take the Lord’s Supper in the middle of a fast? Or are you dishonoring the body and blood of Jesus by doing so?

Today we’re answering that with Scripture, church tradition, early church teaching, and church history—so you can walk in confidence.

I’m Pastor Ted Shuttlesworth, and at ChristianFastingGuide.com, I’m equipping believers to fast and pray effectively. Let’s dive in.

1. What Does the Bible Say?

The Bible never forbids taking communion while fasting.

In fact, both communion and fasting were normal practices in the early church.

1 Corinthians 11 is the passage most often referenced. Paul does rebuke the church—but not for fasting. He rebukes them for turning communion into a feast, eating and drinking selfishly, and treating it like a common meal.

He writes:

“Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” —1 Corinthians 11:28

That kind of self-examination is exactly what fasting cultivates.

Fasting doesn’t disqualify you from communion—it actually prepares you for it.

Biblically speaking: yes, you can take communion while fasting—as long as you honor its meaning.

2. What Does Church Tradition Say?

For centuries, the church encouraged receiving communion during a fast.

The Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches practiced the “Eucharistic fast”—fasting before communion.

• In Catholic tradition, believers fasted from midnight until communion (now relaxed to a one-hour fast).
• In the Orthodox Church, communion is regularly received during fasting seasons like Lent, which involve extended abstaining from certain foods.

In both traditions, fasting was seen as preparation for the Lord’s Supper—not a conflict with it.

So if you’ve heard that communion during fasting is wrong or disrespectful, it’s simply not true.

Communion doesn’t break your fast.

3. What Did the Early Church Fathers Teach?

The early church fathers consistently taught that fasting and communion go hand in hand.

• Tertullian wrote about fasting before sacred mysteries like the Eucharist.
• Augustine noted that fasting helped prepare the heart for communion.
• St. Basil taught that believers should come to the table with prayer and fasting—not to earn grace, but to receive it with reverence.

Their message was clear: fasting isn’t a barrier to communion—it’s the doorway to receive it properly.

Fasting helps us approach the Lord’s table with clean hands and a humble heart.

4. What Does Church History Show?

Historically, believers regularly took communion during fasts—especially during seasons of consecration like Lent.

It was common in:

• Revival movements
• Monastic life
• Early church practices
• Pentecostal and charismatic churches during January fasts

Why? Because communion doesn’t feed the flesh. It feeds the spirit.

You’re not breaking your fast when you take communion. You’re reinforcing your covenant.

It’s not about calories. It’s about connection.

So, Can You Take Communion While Fasting?

Yes.

Biblically. Historically. Spiritually. Absolutely yes.

Communion isn’t just permitted during a fast—it can be one of the most powerful parts of it.

Ready to Fast Effectively?

If you want to fast with purpose and clarity, I created a Free Fasting Starter Kit to help you begin. It’s packed with scriptures, strategies, and practical tips to make your fast impactful.

Want to go deeper? My book A Complete Guide to Biblical Fasting lays out everything you need to know to fast the way God intended.

And in the next video, I share one of the greatest miracles I’ve ever seen happen during a fast!