Should Christians really do intermittent fasting? Or is that just a religious health trend—or worse, “fasting like Muslims during Ramadan”?

I’ve heard the criticism. I’ve even heard pastors say it’s not biblical.

But here’s the truth: Most of the people saying that haven’t read their Bible closely enough.

Today I want to show you from Scripture that sunrise-to-sunset fasting didn’t originate with Muhammad—and it isn’t just for weight loss. It started with God’s people.

By the end of this post, you’ll see that intermittent fasting isn’t just acceptable for Christians—it’s biblical, effective, and powerful.

What Is Intermittent Fasting?

In health circles, intermittent fasting usually means you don’t eat for 12–18 hours and consume your meals in a small window—maybe 6 or 8 hours a day.

It’s become popular for:

• Weight loss
• Increased energy
• Metabolism resets

But can it be used for spiritual reasons?

More importantly: does the Bible support this type of fasting?

What Does the Bible Say?

Again and again, you’ll see this biblical pattern: God’s people fasted from morning until evening.

Judges 20:26 — “They fasted that day until evening.” — In a moment of crisis, Israel sought direction and fasted all day.

2 Samuel 1:12 — “They mourned, wept, and fasted until evening.”

2 Samuel 3:35 — David said, “I won’t taste food until the sun goes down.”

This was a personal fast—with a clear purpose, boundaries, and spiritual weight.

Ezra 10:6 also speaks of Ezra mourning and fasting, and while the exact time isn’t given, Jewish tradition consistently held to daytime fasting (sunup to sundown).

Even in Leviticus 23:32, we see the Day of Atonement observed from evening to evening.

So both patterns are biblical:

• Sunrise to sunset
• Evening to evening (24-hour fasts)

If you’ve been told that fasting until sunset is just a Muslim thing, let me help you:

God’s people were doing it over a thousand years earlier.

Fasting Isn’t About Skipping Meals

Whether it’s one meal, all day, or multiple days—fasting is not about food. It’s about focus.

Jesus said in Matthew 6, “When you fast” — not if. And when He was tempted in the wilderness, He declared:

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

Fasting without prayer and the Word is just called dieting.

But fasting unto the Lord crucifies the flesh and strengthens the spirit.

So Should Christians Fast This Way?

Absolutely.

If you’re just getting started, a sunrise-to-sunset fast is a great biblical model. It’s:

• Manageable
• Effective
• God-honoring

Romans 14:6 says:

“The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord…”

So whether you’re fasting food or eating again at sundown—do it unto the Lord.

Want to Fast More Effectively?

If you’re serious about seeing results in your life through fasting, I’ve put together a FREE Fasting Starter Kit to help you get started.

It’s filled with:

• Practical tips
• Key scriptures
• Strategies to stay focused

And if you’re ready to go even deeper, check out my book: A Complete Guide to Biblical Fasting—I break down everything you need to know about this vital discipline.

Click to subscribe to my Christian Fasting Guide on YouTube.