Christian Fasting: I only drank water for three days
I fasted, having nothing but water, for three days and documented my experience. Here’s what I learned.
Transcript
Day 1 – Morning
Alright, it is day one of my fast. I just woke up a little while ago, got the kids off to school, ate breakfast, and all that good stuff. It’s a little crazy. Not really sure how it’s going to all go. I’m a little worried I’m going to get really, really hangry. That’s something I’m going to have to keep an eye on, and not blow up at people because I’m hungry. I’m a pretty big guy. I really like to eat food. But fasting is an important thing in the Christian faith, and it’s something that I have not done very well. Something I think the church doesn’t really understand fully. So I’m to be fasting here for the next few days, and we’ll see how long I can go, and we’ll see how it works.
I’m just drinking water for this fast. Which means, I’m cutting out coffee. Ugh. I’m a little worried about that. I love a good cup of coffee in the morning. I usually have about a cup a day. And I think that’s gonna be hard. I’m expecting I’ll get some headaches. I’m expecting I’ll probably have some caffeine withdrawal, some sugar withdrawal—whatever else. But, yeah, we’ll give it a try. In Christian fasting, fasting is always connected to prayer for something. It’s not just something you do to lose weight. I’m not doing this to lose weight, although I could afford to lose a pound or 10 or 20. But the reason I’m fasting is because I have a family member who is in very, very rough shape right now in critical care right now in the hospital who is this is fine for their life. So I’m praying, fasting, and begging God for a miracle. Begging God to do something awesome and save this person’s life.
So here goes. I’m fasting. It’s day one. I’m trying to keep my normal routine. I’m gonna try to not make a big deal about it. Usually, I go for a run in the morning, but since I’m going to be fasting, I’m not sure that running is the best idea. I’m afraid I’m going to get dizzy or pass out or something. So rather than scaring everyone in the neighborhood or potentially hurting myself, I’m just going to go for a walk and then I’ll get my day started from there.
It’s eight in the morning right now. My last meal was at 6 PM last night. So I’ve officially been fasting, as we all do every night while we’re sleeping, for about 14 hours now. And we’re going to see how long I can go.
I’m going to document this and see, hoping to encourage you guys to try it out as well.
Day 1 – Noon
It is noon on day one, which means I’ve been fasting about 18 hours or so. I’m starting to get kinda hungry. My body is saying, “Hey, it’s lunchtime. Why aren’t you eating right now.” So I’m going to go and have my lunch right here (water). I’m just starting to get a bit of a dull headache that I thought would be coming on. My body is starting to say, “Hey, go grab some food.” It’s starting to hurt a little bit. I’m starting to feel a little bit tired, but so far so good. Not too bad. We’ll see tonight. I think it’s going get worse.
Day 2 – Morning
It’s day two, about 7 AM, which means I’ve been fasting now for about 37 hours. And last night I actually slept pretty good. I thought it was going to be a lot more difficult. I thought I’d have a lot more hunger pain at night, but I just drank a bunch of water before bed, and I didn’t wake up with any hunger pain. I did have to pee a couple of times. But I had a good night sleep, and this morning I’ve got a little bit of a dull headache, but it’s not any worse than it was yesterday and I’m actually feeling okay.
One of the things that’s been really cool so far is just that reminder every time I start thinking about food, since I’m trying to focus more on God than I am eating—to feast on God and not on food—it’s been cool every time I think about food to remind myself to pray instead. So I’ve been spending a lot more time in prayer or just sending up little silent prayers to God, just quick ones every time I think about foods, asking for his help, asking for is his help in this situation I’ve been talking about. And it’s just been a really cool thing just to have this constant reminder to pray, and I feel like I’ve been kind of in a lot more of a constant flow of conversation with God.
Day two is on the way, and I’m ready to do it. Let’s do this thing.
Day 2 – Night
It is just past 8 o’clock, the night of day two, which means that I’ve been fasting for over 50 hours now. And I’m starting to feel it. Today was a bit rough. It was a lot harder than the day one was.
The hardest part of the day, I had to go to the grocery store to get some food for my family, and the grocery store was tortured. It was so bad. If you are fasting, avoid the grocery store if at all possible. It was tough.
The hardest thing was walking in there, and the grocery store has a Starbucks in it. And I’m smelling the fresh-brewed coffee people are ordering, and then I turn the corner, and I smell all these fresh pastries and doughnuts that they had out. Ohhh, I want one so bad!
The headache is a little less dull than it used to be, but I still have kind of a dull headache. It still feels a little rough. My energy level is a little low.
One of the things that was really tough for me today was my focus was just nonexistent. I had no ability to focus. I was sitting in my office trying to get a bunch of work done today, trying to do some projects I had, and my ability to stare at the screen, and focus, and think, and process stuff correctly was just gone.
Another thing I found myself doing today is just walking towards my refrigerator and just opening it, and just staring for a little bit. And then I shut the door again, just basically torturing myself looking at food. But other than that I’m actually feeling alright. My energy level is not quite right where it is. My focus isn’t quite there. I’m a little bit fuzzy and foggy, but I’m feeling pretty good. Still, again, it’s been really cool just every time I’m getting hungry I’m trying to remind myself, Okay, just focus on God instead and pray. Talk to him about it.” to rely on God for sustaining me and taking care of me and not just food. And it’s been a really, pretty incredible experience in that regard.
I had a great Bible study this morning. And the Bible verse is actually corresponding to eating food. I was like, “Aww, you gotta be kidding me!” But I actually got some pretty great take away from it, and I’m really feeling just more spiritually attuned right now.
Goodnight.
Day 3 – Morning
It’s the morning of day three. It’s about 7 AM right now, which means I have been fasting for over 61 hours. Oh man, that’s a long time. Did not think I was going to be able to make it that long. And I’m feeling a lot better this morning. I heard a lot of people say on day three you start to feel better, and truly my headaches I’ve been having the last two days are gone. I have a little bit more energy this morning. I can feel it already, and so far it feels pretty good. Now, I am still hungry, but it’s not as bad as it was yesterday morning. So I’m hoping that it stays that way today, but we’ll see.
One of the coolest things about fasting has been just really exercising my self-control in my discipline, and really stretching my muscles to see, okay, how much can I be self-controlled? How much can I resist the temptation to give in, even with something as simple as eating?
And I was reading my Bible my quiet time this morning, that verse in first Corinthians chapter 10, that no temptation has overtaken us except what’s common. No temptation has come at us except what’s common to man, but God always provides a way out (1 Cor 10:13). And a lot of times we have so many temptations in life to sin, so many temptations to give in to greed, or pride, or to lust, or whatever else it is, and we feel like we are powerless. But God says, “Look, no temptation has overtaken you except what is common to man, and you have the power through me to get out of this. I will give you a way out. And you can endure these temptations.” And I feel like, through fasting, I’m kinda working that muscle of self-control and enduring temptation. And it’s giving me a lot more confidence in my own abilities, through Christ, to overcome these temptations, to overcome these struggles, and to really be more self-controlled, and more disciplined in my life.
So it’s been a really cool experience, and I feel like my time with God has been more fruitful, my prayer has been better. I’ve been praying throughout the day every time I’m feeling like I want to have food, I pause, I stop, and remind myself to to feed off of God, not just off of food. And it’s been a really, really cool experience.
So today’s going to be my last day. I’m excited about that. I’m looking forward to dinner, but I want to go the full three days. I’m just kinda shocked that I was actually able to do it, and it wasn’t quite as bad as I thought it was going to be. And today I’m actually feeling pretty good so far, so we’ll see how that goes.
Day 3 – Night
Well, it is almost 6 PM on day three, which means I am counting down the seconds until I am done with this fast. It’s been nearly three days, proximally 72 hours, and I’m actually feeling pretty good.
Day three has been a bit more of a breeze actually, surprisingly enough. Yesterday I had a lot of really bad headaches. Today I’m feeling really good. I had a lot more energy today. I was able to get a lot more work done. My focus was back, I could really hone in on things, and I really felt pretty good. Actually, thinking about it, I really feel like I could probably go another day or two if I had to. But I promised I was going to break it off on three days, so I’m going to break it tonight. I’m going to go have dinner with my family here in a few minutes. They’re really excited for me to join them again. I’ve been sitting with them while they’re eating, but I haven’t been eating with them.
So I’m really looking forward to it. I cannot wait. Oh man, I’ve been thinking about food all day. Actually, the hardest part today has literally been just counting down the last few hours here, waiting for dinnertime. As long as I’m not thinking about food, I can handle it okay, but when I start thinking about that food that I’m about to put into my mouth, oh man, it feels like time has slowed down to a standstill here, waiting for these last few minutes to tick by.
But I did it—three days of fasting. And I’ll tell you; I’m really glad I did it. It’s been a really cool experience. The spiritual aspect has been awesome. I have really felt like I’ve connected more with God. My prayer time has been really good and productive. My time in the Word has just been really fruitful. And I really just feel like, man, it’s just been a really awesome experience.
I also feel like I’ve kind of proven to myself that I have more willpower and strength, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to really resist temptation more.
And I know some of you are wondering, “Okay, what are the physical effects of fasting?” Now, the reason I’m fasting is for spiritual reasons I want to make sure that’s clear. That’s the reason you fast in the Bible. It’s not just for weight loss, but there are physical benefits as well.
I just did my final weigh-in, and I’ve lost a grand total of 11 pounds in three days. That’s pretty crazy.
Alright, that’s it. I’m gonna go eat. Later.
Hello, thank you so much for explain how the fasting went for you, i know the second day the headache is crucial, its a good incentive to know that the 3er day was better, means that the prince of peace started sustaining you, i would like to know approximately your age, the older you get the hardest its to do a fasting, i know after fasting your battery gets charge to the fullest. Thank u
I enjoyed every word. It doesn’t look impossible anymore. Thanks for sharing.ay God answer our petitions even as He helps us to get better too
Thank you for sharing. It sheds more light
Thank you for sharing your experience! This helps those of us considering or about to start a three day fast. God bless you.
Hello I am thankful of your post,however what became often familymember?
Hey what ever happened to the family member?
Congrats, this was great and encouraging to read 🙂 I wish you and your family the best.
Im starting mine tommorrow ! My Heavenly Father knows why. Thank you for sharing your jouney. I pray I will endure. Coffee will be a huge issue for me. Im a pretty heavy lady but that is not why Im doing it. In Jesus name Amen !
I am starting my fast tomorrow! I have been preparing for the last 3 days. and this is it! here we go!
I have almost the same experience. Ooh my two years old son is there wanting food everytime.i have to cook. I thank God for grace I’m counting hours. Hey!! I can’t imagine I have been cooking for my family And there I tell my body “friend you are going to take water”
I thank God for strength and guidance
Donate your food to someone who needs it. Doesn’t give physical benefits you’re just hurting your metabolism. Spiritual witch doctors won’t heal the damage you’re doing to your body.
You
Sound insane
I started my water fast today and its been pretty rough for me. Had made a home made chicken noodle soup for the family and home made banana bread which I absolutely LOVE. My home smells like fresh baked banana bread. Been opening and closing the fridge so I can definitely relate to the blogger. Its hard but I’ve never done this before and want to truly honor my heavenly father.
Congrats on finishing your fast.
– Jackie Bautista
I started my P&F 2 days ago, the evening of the first day was a little tough. The cook at my workplace brought me fries fish and potatoes just before I left work on that first day. I said to myself what sorcery is this. I came home and wanted to break my fast to eat the fish. The Holy Spirit said put it in the fridge. I obeyed. And never looked at ot again. Drank water went to bed. Slept well woke up at 3am to pray. Then it got rough. The headache is now throbbing from yesterday, my stomach feels a little rough. Woke up and told God I’m breaking the fast the Holy Spirit said remember why you’re doing this. Told God I’m continuing but praying I’m praying for strength. Second day was rough, I almost quit twice. Night of the second day felt so sick, weak and felt like throwing up it was time to pray, went to take a shower and felt like I was gonna faint. Kept praying asking God for strength. Almost quit again. Holy Spirit said you’re almost there, remember why you’re doing this. I couldn’t kneel to pray so I laid down and prayed. I felt sick all night woke ip at 3am to pray but couldn’t pick myself up so I laid and prayed.
This morning day 3. I feel so much stronger. No more feeling ill, you did say day 3 you feel energized. I feel that way today. Thank you for your guidance yesterday I read your post on day 2 when I was looking for encouragement. Thank you for sharing your journey.
What a beautiful story of faith! I’m proud of you!
Yeah like others asked… what was the answer to your prayers?
I’m about to do this for GOD’s intervention in situations in my life and was looking for encouragement/ a blueprint.
Thank you for sharing your fasting experience it has really encouraged me as I’m new to fasting and I feel like god is putting it on my heart to start fasting regularly I recently done a 21 day fast just had breakfast, lunch and dinner no junk in-between no coffee just hot water lemon and honey and I really felt closer to god from it so I’m going to do 3 day fast from tomarrow just having dinner at 5pm and just water my next fast wil be a full fast and this has really encouraged me its great that u felt good on day 3, Thanks again for sharing!!!
God 😇🙏
I have been fasting for a few months and the practice of fasting has made me a more spiritual being and healthier. My communions with the collective consciousness has grown stronger, as I am cleansing my body. My temple is constantly cleansed of physical, mental & spiritual frictions caused by life the negativity removed, as my faculties have come into order and i believe i see the path to enlightenment, and fasting seems to have synchronizing my energy physically, mentally and spiritually. What I received recently was an understanding that we all need to do the best we can with the time we are given. Set an intention and ask for help and watch the miracles.
Reading all this has been encouraging. This is my second time I complete a 3 day water fast. So far; the first day was ok, the second day was easy, and the third day I’m hurting! I’ll get through this in Jesus’ name, Amen!
Just want to be closer to Jesus!
You got this don’t give in!
I started my 3 days of fasting on Wednesday.
Apakah setiap berapa jam baru minum air
I’m now on 38hr which is my second day (midday) and I’m feel very low but also putting my whole trust in god. I feel good just tired is all but I can’t wait to push myself and really challenge my flesh and trust in the Holy Spirit to strengthen my spirit. Also this was a great read to see someone talk about it through each day.
I really enjoyed reading this article and the comments to it too. I’m on my second day right now and it was encouraging to see how the person in this article and some in the comments had to endureto finish their fasts and some of the challenges they faced. I’m so excited I made it past day one haha and I agree that every time I think about food or eating, I have to pray or I will start to have an attitude and I want this fast to fully be pleasing to The Most High <3 He is the one who put it on me to fast and I want to get everything I can out of it (spiritually, even if idk exactly why he wanted me to do it. I know he gives good things and wants us to have deliverance) . Whoever reads this next continue on! You can finish with the help of God
-Ke
Thank you for sharing your experience
Hi! I just had to tell you that I absolutely loved reading your experience with your three day fast. Some parts made me laugh because I understand the feeling. I’m currently 36 hours in and thought about giving up. I’m grateful God brought me to your testimony. Stomach growling as we speak. Pray for me if you can!
Thank you for sharing your story. I’m just going into the evening of day two and googled about headaches because I woke up with a blinding headache this morning and, although it eased a little, I ‘ve had a bad headache all day. I really loved hearing that other Christians are fasting to grow spiritually. I don’t feel so alone … thank you.
Thank you so much for your post, this has encouraged me to keep going, I’m currently on day 2 11pm an hour to day three and my stomach is growling, I’ve been sniffing foods here and there but I choose to keep going and not eat, I’ll start praying anything u think about or smell food so that should help too, I’m looking forward to my result of my fasting and prayer and I know my ElROI won’t fail me. What God cannot do does not exist.
I love to hear your story I’m on day 3 and it’s 12 in the afternoon, I feel really accomplished and u couldn’t have said that better, knowing u have more willpower and strength through Christ himself! It makes u realize what u can accomplish and what sins u can put away for him, god bless
Thank you for your post! I’m currently on day 1 – night time. It’s been pretty rough but I’m pushing through. That’s a great way to think instead of thinking of food, just pray! Thank you, praying that’ Jesus will come and show himself in ways I wouldn’t imagine!
God bless. Again, thank you
Hi Pastor. I really would have loved to hear how God has stepped in to help your family member that is in critical condition. I pray that God has answered your prayer concerning your family member because of your diligence with this fast. God bless you and your family in 2025.
Thank you for sharing your story! I am 2 days in and the headache is really bad but my body is burning so much fat. I have been praying and reading my Bible constantly.
Thank you for this post I’m currently in day three and it has truly been a challenge. But with the strength that the Holy spirit has given me I mad it. I have enjoyed talking to God more and giving him my heart. I pray that everyone who is in their fast or is thinking of doing it, comes out feeling new and refreshed with a clean heart. You can do all things through christ. Just pray for strength.
In my age of 65, I never could do a total fast of no food, just water. As a youngster most of the youth could go the full distance of 3 days. I, till today, could not do more than 24 hours…… This time, I lay before God, stepping into prayer and Bible reading whenever my stomach shouts the chant of “you cannot do it” and eventually changing that chanting into a confirmation from His Word: I can do anything through Christ……. Yes I can…
So, I will have one of my favourites, a cup of coffee by latest 6 tonight, 22 June 2025, and embark on a my Quest to overcome…… Please stand with this Granny in prayer. Thank You
The Lords grace is sufficient .
Thanks for sharing your experience with your fasting, I’m on my second day right now. It’s 3:11 p.m on Thursday 24, 2025. So far I have been going through the hunger pains and headache but I’m okay. Praying reading my Bible, and talking to the Lord a lot I feel really good Amen! 1 more day left but I also feel I could go longer. I’m so proud of you and I. Just imagine all the other things we can do through Jesus Christ that strengthens us. Have a blessed life I pray I do.
Been doing a bread and water fast for two days each week for four weeks now, and it’s been insightful. At 51, I’m learning and getting back more control over my body again, all while being shown by the Lord some of the nasty stuff that still exists and needs to be dealt with in my head and heart. One of the more tame and fun ones is just how much of a little kid my body is, and by that I mean it’s like hearing it say to me that it doesn’t want just bread and water but (fill in the blank) instead. The bread is providing sustinance, but my body wants other stuff instead. My body has even mindlessly grabbed other stuff out of the fridge (when I’m supposed to be going in for bread and water) to try and get me to eat or drink something else without thinking about it. Once I wake up from that momentary hypnosis and attempted Jedi mind trick, I laugh at my body’s attempt to get me to cheat and then get the bread and water I was there for. I’m giving my body what it needs in the most basic form, but it’s trying to fight back with what it wants instead. Truly amazing, our Lord and Savior is the Man for sure. Helps us to see so many things more clearly, or even for the first time, once we get our worldly wants out of the way and just get down to the business of focusing on Jesus and allowing Him to make us more holy in every way.
Also, thought of how Jesus is the bread of life and living water for us during my fast today. So, great!!!
Thank you for sharing your 3 day fasting journey. I am going to start my journey tomorrow. I am fasting for a miracle on a 20 yr old male that was recently diagnosed with a mental disorder that will be debilitating . I believe miracles still happen and we need to ask for them. Your experience has helped me to know more of what to expect. Blessings, Lorrie
That’s so selfless of you! I pray it goes well and that 20year receives his healing.
Great experience and tha is for sharing
It was nice reading your blog. It felt more realistic. I’m on day 2. Definitely looking forward to day 3 and after eating a meal. But more importantly to gain the benefits spiritually I need. My prayed life has become constant in these 3 days.
Thank you for sharing your fast experience. I am beginning my very first water/prayer fast at age 69.
Thank you for sharing, I am on day 2, and it has been so blessed to spend time in prayer and meditate Word. This is not my first time of fasting, but this time it is a little bit harder but thankfully God’s my strength.
Thank you for sharing your experience
Im in 60 hours fasting Willing to reach 72 hours around 22h00
Hi, preacher.
Thank you for this. Was super funny and helpful at the same time.
I’m currently in my fast too, would hope to break in many hours to come. Thank you so much. This was helpful.
Hi, preacher.
Thank you for this. Was super funny and helpful at the same time.
I’m currently in my fast too, would hope to break in many hours to come. Thank you so much. This was helpful.
Hi,
My name is Mary and would like to go on 3 day Esther Fast
My question is…can I have showers during those 3 days ?
HI MARY,
SO WHY NOT HAVE THE SHOWER(S)? ABSTAINING FROM TAKING A SHOWER DOESN’T MESS UP YOUR FASTING FROM ANYTHING IN GENERAL (OR I SHOULD SAY FROM “YOUR FAST”) i.e. FROM ANYTHING ELSE. I FOUND THAT FASTING FROM EVERYTHING BUT WATER EACH DAY FOR ONE DAY AT THE BEGINNING WAS NOT ENJOYABLE ANY MORE OR LESS FOR THAT ONE DAY. IT, HOWEVER, DID KEEP MY EYE ON THE BALL SO TO SPEAK. IT KEPT ME FOCUSED ON WHY I WAS FASTING i.e. REALLY FOR THE LORD GOD . IN MY CASE, I ALSO AM A MODERATE JOGGER – USUALLY 3.0 (“UNENJOYABLE” INITIALLY BUT SOON BECAME LIKABLE ) MILES A DAY. THE PERSPERATION ALONE USUALLY GENERATED SOON A PLUS – A WEIGHT LOSS.
No dreams? i get dreams and a lot of attacks in dreams. But I dream a lot anyway, though i seem to remember them more in a fast, intense spiritual warfare, it can be frightening when no one warns about the warfare, or even infers its because you are wilfully sinning in some way. 🙁
So I’m on my second day of my fast and it’s going ok, I feel it’ll help because we are having revival at church. I’m looking forward to this whole week fasting and services.i do have a slight headache but I’m praying my way through it. Thanks for sharing 👍🏼.
Although I did not read this because I am fasting, I was wondering about it. Thank you for sharing your experience. I also want to thank you for discussing how all temptations are common to man. I have been going through some things and it really provided me with clarity. Thank you again!
I’ve done several 3 day fasts. It’s hard but God is with us in the fast.
I just read this thinking about how I needed to fast and my mind thinks about how I need to lose weight but then I think about how much sin I sin every day and how I need to be close to God and how God calls on us too fast so I’m starting my fast I’m going to use what you talked about and bring my hunger to God to be hungry for God it’s already been eight hours since I ate I will see what happens The only big concern I have is I’m still partially sick from the holidays but I’m gonna give that to God because I trust him
This guide was perfect, thank you brother planning on doing the same fast this Thursday at 6pm until Sunday at 6pm thank you for the advice.
God is so awesome this just reminds me that you can do all things through Christ that strengthens me God also fastened for 40 days and 40 nights and also was tempted by satin
Thank you Pastor Hilgemann, for sharing your experience. Your testimony is encouraging as I am on day 2 of my participation in my church fast (it is for my entire church family anyone who could participate). I noticed a lot of people in the comments came here on day 2, very interesting because I agree that day 2 is quite hard. I had a mild headache after taking a 3 mile walk with my friend at a local lake, it quickly turned into a migraine and slept for many hours after to try and stay away from taking any medication for it. By God’s grace my headache was gone this morning! Hallelujah, God is so good! My body feels hungry but my mind is focused on God and Jesus Christ, growing closer to Him and asking for His guidance and mercy for my children. My journey as a single mother has been devastating and only God has been able to help me along the way, He has brought me to where I am now and changed my perspective on what being a good leader and Godly servant means. “I can do all things in Jesus Christ, who strengthens me.” Phillipians 4:13 I claim this scripture and firmly believe it is true! Amen!
Im Motivated, thanks.
I sincerely appreciate this review of a water fast. Thank you pastor. It was real, relatable and so encouraging. It is in fact possible and I could do it too.
Hey brother,
Just reading your post because I am doing a 3 day water fast before my first mission trip at 35 years old. I have done fasts before but am always surprised how reliant on food we can be and how much the clarity of mind comes after you get past the first day. My prayers grow when my stomach doesn’t. Weird how that works. Day 2 is always the worst for me. Day one your body is saying, “ oh you forgot to eat, that’s okay we’ll catch up tomorrow.” Day 2 your body is like, “No no no, we are not doing this.” I have been telling my self that the hunger pains are what it feels like to crucify the flesh. It serves Christ. It serves me, not the other way around.
Thank you for your post. I have a day left and maybe half of another one before I will eat but I am grateful that I’m not the only one who is experiencing why God prescribed fasting and prayer. He is good and worthy to be praised.
Best wishes,
Ryan
Also a pinch of Celtic sea salt fixes the headaches. I allow myself lemon in my water and a pinch of Celtic sea salt for the headaches. It works!
Thank you for sharing your story. I really appreciate it. Now I know what to expect