A Fresh Start This Fall: Spiritual Fasting and Prayer for Beginners
- Leanne | My Godly Flourish
- Jul 31, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 20, 2025
Your first step before you begin any fast?
Make sure your heart — and your plan — are prepared.
Starting a fast without a clear focus can feel overwhelming.
You may find yourself wondering what to pray for, how long to fast, or how to stay consistent when hunger kicks in.
That’s why having a simple, prayerful plan in place can make all the difference.
To make this easy for you, I have created a FREE How to Start a Fast Checklist — a printable guide with the essential steps to take before, during, and after your fast so you can feel confident and spiritually prepared.
👉 Grab Your Free Checklist Here and take your first step toward a focused, breakthrough-filled fast.
Once you have your plan ready, read on for how a fresh start this fall will serve as a strong foundation to guide you every step of the way.
Fall offers us a beautiful reminder: change can be holy.
Just as nature enters a season of letting go and quiet reflection, so too can we. Autumn is the perfect time to slow down, refocus, and embrace a spiritual fresh start.
And one of the most powerful ways to do that is through spiritual fasting and prayer.
Whether you’re brand new and wondering how to fast for God as a beginner, or simply seeking deeper spiritual growth, this season invites you into a sacred rhythm of surrender and renewal.
What is Spiritual Fasting — and Why Do It in Autumn?
Spiritual fasting is the intentional act of abstaining from food (or something else you normally consume) to create more space for God.
It’s not just about what you give up — it’s about what you lean into: time with the Lord, prayer, worship, and reflection on His Word.
In many ways, fall mirrors the fasting journey.
Trees shed their leaves in quiet surrender, preparing for stillness and new growth. Likewise, fasting invites you to lay aside distractions and busyness to draw near to God with simplicity and intentionality.
Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days in the wilderness before beginning His ministry (Matthew 4:1–2). His example shows us that fasting can be a holy preparation for what God wants to do in and through us.
How to Fast for God: A Beginner's Approach
If you’ve never fasted before, don’t worry — spiritual fasting for beginners doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
God honours even the smallest step of faith.
Here's are 4 gentle and grace-filled steps to help you start a spiritual fast this fall:
1. Begin with Prayer and Purpose
Ask God to guide your fast. What do you need in this season — clarity, healing, renewal, or breakthrough? Pray over your intention. A simple prayer might be:
“Lord, I want to know You more. Help me quiet the noise of life so I can hear Your voice. Strengthen me as I seek You through this fast.”
This intentional start sets the tone and invites God to be the centre of your fast.
2. Choose the Type of Fast That Fits Your Life
When exploring how to start a spiritual fast, it’s important to choose a fast that is sustainable and meaningful for you. Here are a few beginner-friendly options:
Partial Fast: Skip one meal per day and use that time for prayer.
Daniel Fast: Focus on fruits, vegetables, and water (Daniel 1:12).
Intermittent Fast: Fast from sunrise to sunset, then break your fast with a simple meal.
Media/Social Fast: Step away from distractions like social media to create more space for God.
Remember: the focus is less on the “rules” and more on the relationship. Ask yourself what will help you stay present with God in this season.
3. Anchor Your Fast in Scripture
Fall is a natural time for renewal and a spiritual reset. Meditate on fresh start scriptures like:
“Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing...” – Isaiah 43:18–19
Let God’s Word nourish your spirit as food normally nourishes your body.
Read passages slowly.
Journal your thoughts.
Reflect on what God may be showing you through this season.
4. Create a Sacred Routine
Set aside time each day to pray, read Scripture, or simply sit in silence with God. Light a candle, take a walk, or play worship music.
Create a peaceful rhythm that reflects the stillness of fall and keeps your heart connected to the purpose of your fast.
Spiritual Fasting Isn’t About Perfection — It’s About Presence
You may feel hungry, distracted, or even discouraged during your fast — and that’s okay. Fasting for spiritual growth is not about checking off spiritual boxes.
It’s about returning to God, moment by moment.
Each craving or moment of discomfort becomes an invitation to lean in. To say, “Lord, I need You more than anything else right now.”
Your Fresh Start Begins Now
If you are ready to deepen your journey, join us for 21 Days of Fasting & Prayer for Spiritual Breakthrough.
This simple-to-follow program is a prayer and fasting resource designed to lead and support you through your fasting journey. Whether you have never fasted before, or if you're already a seasoned pro.
This will provide you will daily prayer, scripture, community and encouragement so you can step into fasting with confidence.
Final Thoughts: Let This Be Your Season of Surrender
Autumn reminds us that letting go can be beautiful.
As trees release their leaves, we’re invited to release our own burdens — anxiety, fear, distractions, and even the need for control.
As you fast and pray, may you discover that God is not only enough — He is more than enough.
This fall, may you hear His voice more clearly, trust Him more deeply, and experience the fresh start your soul has been longing for.
You don’t need to have it all together.
You just need to come — hungry for more of Him.
If this post encouraged you, share it with a friend or leave a comment below. We’d love to hear about your fasting journey and pray alongside you.
May this fall be the beginning of something truly life-changing in your walk with God.
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