If you want to grow in your understanding and practice of fasting, one of the most helpful things you can do is learn from Christians who have studied, practised and taught on this subject for many years.
The books below are biblical, practical and deeply encouraging. Each one approaches fasting from a slightly different angle – but all of them will help you move from uncertainty to confidence, from hesitation to consistent practice.
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God’s Chosen Fast – Arthur Wallis
If you only read one book on fasting, make it this one!
Wallis’ short but excellent book is of the true classics on Christian fasting.
Originally published in the 1960s, God’s Chosen Fast played a major role in reintroducing fasting to many evangelical Christians who had largely neglected the practice. Even today, decades later, it remains one of the most comprehensive biblical treatments of fasting available.
What I particularly appreciate about this book is it covers both the theological and the practical sides of fasting. Or to put it another way God’s Chosen Fast covers both the WHY and the HOW.
Wallis begins his book examining what Scripture actually teaches about fasting and why it mattered so much to believers throughout both the Old and New Testaments. He carefully builds a biblical case for fasting and shows how closely it is connected with prayer, repentance, humility and dependence on God.
He then moves into the “how” side of things, giving a very thorough treatment of what to do before, during and after a fast. One of my favourite features of this book is he includes a full diary of a 21 day fast – sharing fascinating insights into what a longer fast actually feels like.
Although this book was written over 50 years ago, it’s incredibly readable. I particularly love how short the chapters are and how practical this book is. Obviously, because the book was written some time ago, the language can occasionally feel a little dated. However, the biblical teaching remains every bit as relevant today as when it was first published.
Key quotes:
“If humility is the basic ingredient of true holiness… Is it not needful that from time to time we should humble our souls with fasting?””
“God isn’t merely concerned with what we do but why we do it.”
Best for:
- Christians who want in-depth practical advice for fasting
- Those who want a book which covers both the theological and the practical sides of fasting
- Anyone who is new to fasting
BUY IT HERE >>> God’s Chosen Fast
A Hunger for God – John Piper
While many books focus on the practicalities of fasting, Piper focuses on the deeper question: Why should Christians fast at all?
His answer is both simple and powerful. We fast because we hunger for God. Fasting is not primarily about self-denial, and it’s certainly not about spiritual achievement. Rather, it is about expressing our deep longing for God and our desire for more of him.
Piper writes beautifully and one thing I really love is that his approach to fasting is holistic. Unlike some writers on this topic who get very hung up on the idea that fasting must be about food, Piper is clear that fasting goes much deeper than food:
“The issue is not food per se. The issue is anything and everything that is, or can be, a substitute for God.”
This book is not especially practical in the sense of giving step-by-step instructions. Instead, Piper spends most of the book unpacking the biblical and theological foundations of fasting. He challenges readers to examine what truly satisfies them and whether their desire for God is greater than their desire for comfort.
Key quotes:
“Christian fasting is a test to see what desires control us.”
“The greatest enemy of hunger for God is not poison but apple pie. It is not the banquet of the wicked that dulls our appetite for heaven, but endless nibbling at the table of the world.”
Best for:
- Christians who want a deeper theological understanding of fasting
- Readers who are interested in the “why” than the “how”
- Those who want to grow in their desire for God
BUY IT HERE >>> A Hunger for God
The Daniel Fast – Susan Gregory
If the thought of going completely without food feels overwhelming, this book offers a helpful alternative.
The Daniel Fast is based on the examples found in the book of Daniel, where Daniel abstained from certain foods for a period of time rather than undertaking a total fast. Susan Gregory explains both the biblical basis for this approach and the practical details of how to follow it.
What makes this book particularly useful is its practicality. Gregory provides in-depth guidance on planning your fast, navigating challenges and staying focused on the spiritual purpose behind the experience. She even includes recipes, meal ideas, food lists and practical tips that make the process much more approachable. And she provides a 21 day devotional to do during your fast.
One thing I especially like about this book is that it recognises that not every Christian is ready to jump straight into a traditional water-only fast. For many people, a Daniel Fast can be a helpful first step that allows them to experience the spiritual benefits of fasting while building confidence.
Of course, the Daniel Fast is not quite the same thing as a traditional water-only fast, and some Christians may prefer books that focus more directly on complete abstinence from food. However, for those looking for a practical starting point, this book can be extremely helpful.
Accessible, practical and very beginner-friendly.
Key quotes:
“The question is, are we willing to do what Daniel did in order to have what Daniel had?”
“God is more than willing to do his part when we are willing to do ours”
Best for:
- Beginners who feel intimidated by full fasting
- Those interested in partial fasts
- Christians who want a structured plan and recipes
BUY IT HERE >>> The Daniel Fast
Celebration of Discipline – Richard Foster
While not exclusively about fasting, this classic book on spiritual disciplines includes one of the most balanced, practical and insightful treatments of the subject I have ever read.
What Foster does particularly well is place fasting within the wider context of spiritual formation. Rather than treating fasting as an isolated practice, he shows how it connects with prayer, simplicity, worship and the broader Christian life.
I also appreciate how gentle and grace-filled his approach is. Foster never presents fasting as something reserved for spiritual superheroes. Instead, he writes in a way that makes you feel both challenged and encouraged to give it a try.
Even if you buy this book primarily for the chapter on fasting, you’ll almost certainly find yourself benefiting from the chapters on prayer, solitude, simplicity, worship and the other disciplines too.
Wise, balanced and endlessly re-readable.
Key quote:
“More than any other discipline, fasting reveals the things that control us.”
Best for:
- Christians who want a balanced, holistic view of spiritual disciplines
- Readers who feel intimidated by fasting
- Those wanting a gentle, grace-filled approach
BUY IT HERE >>> Celebration of Discipline
