Christian Prayer and Fasting

The true manner of performing a private fast consists partly in outward, partly in inward actions.

The outward actions are, to abstain, for the time that we fast—First, From all worldly business and labour, making our fasting day, as it were, a Sabbath day (Leviticus 23:28 & 36, Joel 1:14 & 2:15) for worldly business will distract our minds from holy devotion.

Secondly, From all manner of food; yea, from bread and water, so far as health will permit (2 Samuel 3:35, Ezra 10:6, Daniel 10:3, Ester 4:16, & Acts 9:9).

1. That so we may acknowlege our own indignity, as being unworthy of life and all the means for its maintenance. 2. That by afflicting the body, the soul, which follows the constitution thereof, may be the more humbled. 3. That so we may take a godly revenge upon ourselves for abusing our liberty in the use of God’s creatures (2 Corinthians 7:11). 4. That by the hunger of our bodies, through want of these earthly things, our souls may learn to hunger more eagerly after spiritual and heavenly food. 5. To put us in mind that as we abstain from food which is lawful, so we should much more abstain from sin, which is altogether unlawful.

Thirdly, From good and costly apparel (Exodus 33:5-6) that as the abuse of these puffs us up with pride, so the laying aside their lawful use may witness our humility. And to this end in ancient times they used, especially in public fasts, to put on sackcloth, or other coarse apparel (Ester 4:1-2, Jonah 3:5-6, Joel 1:13, & Matthew 11:21). The equity of which still remains, especially in public fasts, at which time to come into the assembly with starched bands, crisped hair, brave apparel, and decked with flowers, or perfumes, argues a soul that is neither humble before God, nor ever knew the true use of so holy an exercise.

Fourthly, From the full measure of ordinary sleep (2 Samuel 12:16, Joel 1:13, Esther 4:3). That thou mayest that way also humble thy body; and that thy soul may watch and pray, to be prepared for the coming of Christ. And if thou wilt break thy sleep early and late for worldly gain, how much more shouldst thou do it for the service of God? And if Ahab, in imitation of the godly, did in his fast lie in sackcloth, to break his sleep by night (1 Kings 21:27), what shall we think of those who on a fasting-day will yield themselves to sleep in the open church?

Fifthly and lastly, From all outward pleasures of our senses: so that as it was not the throat only that sinned, so must not the throat only be punished; and therefore we must endeavour to make our eyes, as at all times, so especially on that day, to fast from beholding vanities, our ears from hearing mirth or music, but such as may move to mourn; our nostrils from pleasant smells, our tongues from lying, dissembling, and slandering; that so nothing may hinder our true humiliation, but that all may be signs that we are unfeignedly humbled. Thus much of the outward manner.

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