Esther faced an impossibly high-stakes situation. Her people, the Jews, were slated for annihilation by royal decree. Esther’s people faced certain death at the hands of the Persian empire. They needed help, and fast.
With trembling hands but strong faith, Esther resolved to approach the king for her people. But she knew better than to rely on her courage, beauty, or eloquence. This was a matter of life and death that required divine intervention.
First, Esther purposed to fast. She led the Jews in Susa to abstain from food and drink for three days as she focused her heart fully on God. She knew that changing the king’s mind would require Heaven’s help. So, Esther prostrated herself in prayer.
She denied her appetites as she cried out to the Almighty for favor and help. And God heard her plea. Dramatic reversal followed the fast by Esther as she found favor that altered the fate of her people.
An entire nation was spared by the petition of one courageous, fasting woman. Esther’s plight shows we all face high-stakes situations which need divine breakthroughs.
In major decisions, tough times, or key relationships, we need God’s hand to shift things our way. When you find yourself staring at an impasse or crisis, consider emulating Esther.
Consecrate yourself through fasting and prayer. Deny natural appetites so that your spiritual hunger for God’s intervention may increase. Then boldly take your petition before Heaven’s throne.
Who knows? Your situation may just mark the beginning of a dramatic turnaround story!
Key Takeaways
- The Esther Fast is a 3-day period of prayer and fasting to seek God’s favor and intervention.
- Esther fasted before approaching the king; you can also fast as you approach God’s throne.
- Fasting prepares your heart and focuses your prayers.
- Fast and pray for breakthroughs in relationships, big life decisions, and finances.
- Approach your fast with faith, expecting God to intervene.
The Power of The Three Day Fast From The Book of Esther
The Book of Esther tells a dramatic story of God’s intervention to save the Jews from destruction. Esther had become the queen to King Ahasuerus of Persia but had hidden her Jewish identity.
Haman, an enemy of Esther’s cousin Mordechai, conspired to kill all Jews in the Persian Empire.
Upon learning of the decree, Mordechai tore his clothes. He put on sackcloth and ashes, then went out to the streets, crying in distress.
“When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly.” – Esther 4:1 (NIV)
Mordecai asked Esther to appeal to the king on behalf of her people. Approaching the king unsummoned could mean death. So, Esther asked Mordecai to gather all the Jews to fast for three days, day and night, before she went in to see the king.
Here is Esther’s declaration:
“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish” – Esther 4:16 (NIV)
After three days of prayer and fasting, Esther approached the king. She did so with courage and wisdom from the Lord.
The king received her and her appeal led to a new decree. It allowed the Jewish people to defend themselves.
Consequently, the Jewish people were delivered, and the wicked Haman was defeated! The Jewish holiday of Purim is held in March to celebrate this great deliverance.
Esther’s brave, spirit-led approach, after fasting and praying, changed everything. Because she humbled herself and sought the Lord, God used her to save her people. What a great example of the power of fasting and prayer!
Esther’s story shows that prayer and fasting can help you. It prepares your heart to approach God with your needs. That’s why the Esther Fast has become a popular way to seek God’s favor and direction.
Why Do the Esther Fast?
Here are some common reasons for doing the Esther Fast:
- You need God’s guidance and direction for a major decision.
- You’re facing a pressing challenge and need a breakthrough.
- You’re asking God to intervene in a difficult situation or relationship.
- You’re preparing your heart for a new season or major event.
- You’re seeking spiritual preparation through consecration.
- You need to hear clearly from God and know His will.
Maybe you’re facing a major crossroads in your life, like a new job, a move, a relationship, or an opportunity. Or perhaps, there’s been a difficulty, like conflict, loss, or threat, that you need God to step into.
No matter your situation, the Esther Fast will help. It will focus your heart and prayers to receive God’s guidance and favor.
Like Esther, fasting humbly before God is a powerful way to prepare yourself before presenting your requests.
By setting aside food and distractions for prayer and fasting, you can clear your mind, body, and spirit. This will prepare you to receive from the Lord.
Some other benefits of fasting include:
- Drawing closer to God as your flesh is subdued.
- Cut worldly distractions to hear God’s voice more clearly.
- Experience greater spiritual authority as you discipline your flesh.
- Focus your prayers and offer sacrificial dedication to God.
- Encounter supernatural breakthroughs as you wait on the Lord.
If you need help, the Esther Fast is a proven spiritual practice. It opens your heart to hear from God and receive His help.
How to Do the Esther Fast: 5 Steps
The Esther Fast usually lasts for 3 days. You’ll go without food and drink during this dedicated time set aside for prayer and fasting.
Here are some guidelines for your Esther Fast:
- Set aside 3 days and clear your schedule for fasting and prayer. Depending on your situation, you may not be able to take time off work to focus on your spiritual goals. Or you may need to take time off work and eliminate other responsibilities to really go deep with the Lord.
- Begin your fast like Esther and the Jews did – with a full day, night, and following day of fasting from both food and water. This will help you overcome your initial hunger and cravings so that you can focus completely on God. After 24 hours, you can either dry fast for the next two days (no food, no water) or drink purified water as needed. Both options are fine.
- Spend extended, dedicated time praying, reading the Bible, and waiting on God each day. The more time you can devote to be still before the Lord, the more you’ll be able to hear His direction. Meditate deeply on scriptures on God’s power, promises, and faithfulness. Journal during your fast to record lessons, revelations, and prayers.
- After you complete your 3-day Esther Fast, celebrate by eating and rejoicing in the Lord! Break your fast by eating light, nutritious foods. Your fast isn’t only about going without food. It’s about dedicating yourself to draw closer to the Lord. So complete it with joyful expectation of God’s intervention in your life.
- During your Esther Fast, be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. He may nudge you to extend your fast beyond 3 days if you need more focused prayer. Follow the Spirit’s leading.
9 Tips for an Effective Esther Fast
To get the most out of your Esther Fast, keep these tips in mind:
- If you have any medical conditions, consult your doctor before fasting for many days.
- Prepare activities in advance. This will keep you spiritually engaged. Use Bible reading plans and worship music.
- Let supportive friends and family know you are fasting so they can cover you in prayer.
- Remove distractions as much as possible so you can fully concentrate on the Lord.
- Journal about revelations, prayers, and spiritual markers to retain what God shows you.
- Fasting involves the voluntary relinquishment of something important, typically food, for spiritual reasons.
- Remember, your fast isn’t about food but it’s about consecrating yourself to seek God’s face and favor.
- Don’t despise small beginnings – 3 days can make a huge spiritual impact when honored with focus.
- Trust God fully and enter your fast with bold faith, believing God for a breakthrough as Esther did.
The Esther Fast is for those seeking God’s guidance and favor. With deep humility and bold faith, you can follow Esther’s example.
Fast and pray for a breakthrough. Remove distractions and depend on God through prayer and fasting. He will meet you with supernatural wisdom, favor, and intervention.
Closing Thoughts on Fasting for Three Days
Esther’s brave decision to save her people shows the bold faith and commitment needed for a breakthrough.
Esther gained spiritual strength by fasting and sacrificing her comfort. She used it to change her people’s fate.
God may be calling you to a period of intensive prayer and fasting as well. An Esther Fast can help you hear the Lord’s direction and gain His favor. By separating yourself to seek Him, you can achieve this.
When you humble yourself through fasting and prayer, God moves mountains for you. This is true if you do it according to His will.
Don’t underestimate the power of consecrating yourself to the Lord. A season of focused fasting and prayer can set the stage for years of blessing.
Esther’s fast saved the Jewish people. Follow her example and see what God wants to do through you when you fully depend on Him.
He is still a miracle-working God. Fasting and prayer will unlock His favor and intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What should I abstain from during an Esther Fast?
A. You need to fast from all food and drinks. Avoid solid foods, and beverages like coffee, soda, alcohol, and juice. Limit screen time and entertainment as well to maximize spiritual focus.
Q. How will I maintain energy if I don’t eat for 3 days?
A. Expect to experience some fatigue, especially on your first day without food and water. Rest as needed between prayer times. You may take electrolytes like magnesium to reduce headaches.
After 24 hours, you may drink water. You’ll feel renewed and gain supernatural energy. Your hunger will diminish, and you’ll be amazed at how your body adapts.
Q. What if I have health conditions or concerns about fasting?
A. Always consult your doctor if you have medical issues or take prescription meds. Some conditions may require you to modify rather than fully abstain from food.
If you have any doubts, it’s best to refrain from extended fasting. God honors even small acts of sacrifice done in faith.
Q. Can I fast secretly or do I need to tell people?
A. You can fast privately if you wish. However, telling supportive loved ones or groups can help. It provides spiritual accountability and extra prayer, which aid effectiveness. Use wisdom, but don’t feel the need to hide fasting.
Q. What if nothing changes immediately after my Esther Fast?
A. Don’t lose heart! Fulfillment of God’s promises often comes at His timing, not ours. The fast consecrates you for a breakthrough. But keep praying after your fast for God’s intervention.
Like Esther, you’ve positioned yourself for blessings by relying on the Lord. Stay ready to move as He directs you.
