Fasting for God is a powerful spiritual practice that involves intentionally giving up food or certain comforts to focus on Him. While fasting, staying hydrated with water is essential, and unsweetened tea or black coffee can be okay if they don’t become a crutch. Juice and broth may be allowed depending on the type of fast, but sugary drinks, alcohol, and anything with calories like milk or cream should be avoided to maintain the fast’s spiritual purpose.
Ultimately, fasting isn’t about strict rules but about your heart’s posture toward God. The right drinks can support your focus and endurance, but the main goal is to draw closer to God through prayer and humility. If you want to learn more about the different types of fasts, how to structure your fast, and practical tips for staying strong, keep reading for a deeper dive into fasting for God.
Fasting is a powerful spiritual practice. It’s a time when you intentionally set aside food or certain comforts to focus more on God. Whether you’re preparing for a breakthrough, seeking guidance, or drawing closer to Jesus, fasting clears out distractions and helps you align your heart with God’s will.
But here’s a common question that trips a lot of Christians up:
What exactly can you drink while fasting for God?
Let’s break it down clearly so you know exactly what’s okay to drink and what’s not—biblically, practically, and spiritually.
What Is Biblical Fasting?
Before we get into the drinks, let’s quickly define fasting from a Christian perspective.
Biblical fasting is voluntarily giving up food (and sometimes drink) for a spiritual purpose. It’s not a diet or health cleanse. It’s a personal discipline to humble yourself before God.
“I humbled my soul with fasting…” — Psalm 35:13
There are several types of fasts in the Bible:
- Absolute fast: No food or water (Esther 4:16; Acts 9:9)
- Normal fast: No food, but water allowed (Matthew 4:2)
- Partial fast: Restricting certain foods (Daniel 10:3)
Each type has different allowances. Let’s focus on what you can drink, especially during the normal and partial fasts—since these are most common for Christians today.
Can You Drink Water While Fasting?
Yes. Water is not only allowed in most fasts—it’s essential.
Even Jesus, during His 40-day fast, is believed to have drunk water. The Bible says He fasted food, not water:
“After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.” — Matthew 4:2
(It says “hungry,” not “thirsty.”)
Why water matters:
- Keeps you hydrated and alert
- Helps flush toxins from your body
- Prevents fatigue and headaches
💧 Tip: Drink plenty of water throughout your fast—at least 8–10 cups per day.
What About Tea or Coffee?
Here’s where things get a little more personal and preference-based.
Can you drink unsweetened tea or black coffee while fasting?
Yes—usually. But be mindful.
These are generally okay during a spiritual fast because they have no calories if taken black (without sugar, cream, or milk). Many people use them to help with headaches or fatigue, especially during longer fasts.
However, check your heart. Are you drinking coffee because you need it more than you need God? That’s a red flag.
“All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful.” — 1 Corinthians 10:23
If coffee becomes a crutch, consider skipping it. Let the discomfort drive you to prayer.
Can You Drink Juice?
Sometimes. Juice is a gray area in Christian fasting.
In a normal fast, most people avoid calories, so fruit juices (which contain sugar and calories) are typically off-limits.
But in a partial fast, or if you’re doing a “liquid fast” (where you give up solid food but still consume liquids), 100% fruit or vegetable juice can be allowed.
🍊 When juice might be okay:
- You’re fasting for a long time and need light nutrients
- You’re doing a Daniel-style fast or liquid-only fast
- You’re physically unable to fast from all calories
Be careful not to overdo it. Fasting should involve sacrifice. If you’re drinking 5 glasses of orange juice a day, you may be feeding the body more than the spirit.
Can You Drink Broth?
Yes—but with caution.
Clear vegetable or bone broth is sometimes included in extended or liquid fasts. It provides electrolytes and a bit of energy, which helps if you’re fasting for multiple days or working physically during your fast.
Again, the key is purpose. If broth is helping you stay focused on prayer and not just filling you up for comfort, it may be useful.
What Should You Avoid Drinking?
To honor God in your fast, you should avoid:
- Sugary drinks: Soda, sweetened iced tea, sports drinks
- Alcohol: Completely off-limits during any spiritual fast
- Milk or creamers: These add calories and reduce the “sacrificial” aspect of fasting
- Meal replacement shakes: These turn a fast into a diet
Avoid anything that feels indulgent or replaces your dependence on God.
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” — Matthew 4:4
Fasting Isn’t About Legalism
Fasting is a spiritual act. Don’t get caught up in the rules so much that you forget the reason.
You’re not fasting to impress God or others. You’re fasting to seek Him.
If a sip of juice helps you stay in prayer, use it wisely. But don’t let comfort dilute the sacrifice.
When in Doubt, Pray About It
If you’re unsure about what to drink during your fast, ask the Holy Spirit. Every fast is personal. What God asks of you might be different than what He asks of someone else.
“But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may not be seen by others… and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” — Matthew 6:17-18
Don’t compare your fast to someone else’s. Obedience is better than performance.
Summary: What You Can Drink While Fasting for God
Here’s a quick reference chart:
| Drink | Allowed? | Notes |
| Water | ✅ Yes | Essential—drink plenty |
| Black Coffee | ✅ Yes | OK if unsweetened; watch dependence |
| Herbal or Green Tea | ✅ Yes | No sugar or additives |
| 100% Fruit/Veg Juice | ⚠️ Sometimes | Only in partial or liquid fasts |
| Broth | ⚠️ Sometimes | Use in extended fasts for strength |
| Milk or Creamer | ❌ No | Adds calories—avoid |
| Sweet Drinks (Soda, etc) | ❌ No | Too much sugar, no spiritual value |
| Alcohol | ❌ Never | Inappropriate for fasting |
Final Thoughts
Fasting is about the posture of your heart, not your drink list. But clarity helps you stay focused and intentional.
So yes, drink water. Have a little tea or black coffee if it helps. Use juice or broth wisely in longer fasts. Avoid anything indulgent or distracting. And most of all—use your fast to seek God deeply.
When you feel the hunger or the cravings, don’t just endure it—pray. That’s where the power of fasting comes alive.
FAQs: What Can You Drink While Fasting for God? A Christian Guide
- What can you drink while fasting for God?
You can drink water freely, and unsweetened tea or black coffee are usually allowed. Juice and broth may be permitted depending on the type of fast, but sugary drinks, alcohol, and milk should be avoided to keep the fast spiritually focused. - Is it okay to drink coffee while fasting for God?
Yes, black coffee without sugar or cream is generally okay during a fast, but be careful not to rely on it more than on prayer and God’s strength. - Can I drink juice while fasting for God?
In some fasts, especially partial or liquid fasts, 100% fruit or vegetable juice is allowed. However, it’s best to avoid juice in strict fasts due to its sugar and calorie content. - Should I drink water when fasting for God?
Absolutely. Water is essential during fasting to stay hydrated and maintain focus throughout your fast. - Is alcohol allowed while fasting for God?
No. Alcohol is not appropriate during any Christian fast as it distracts from the spiritual purpose. - Can I drink broth while fasting for God?
Broth can be allowed in extended or liquid fasts to provide some nourishment, but only if it helps you maintain your focus on God without becoming a comfort. - Can I add milk or cream to my tea or coffee during a fast?
No. Milk or cream adds calories and lessens the sacrifice of fasting, so it’s best to avoid them. - What drinks should I avoid while fasting for God?
Avoid sugary drinks like soda, sweetened tea, sports drinks, alcohol, and any calorie-rich beverages that can distract from the spiritual focus. - How do I know what to drink during my fast for God?
Pray and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit. Your fast should be personalized, focusing on what brings you closer to God. - Can fasting without drinking water be biblical?
Yes, in an absolute fast (no food or water) like Esther’s, but these are extreme and not recommended for most people due to health risks.
