Fasting in the Torah and Gospel

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Biblical accounts of fasting

Moses fasted for forty days and forty nights while he was on the mountain with God. (Exodus 342
King David fasted when the son of his adulterous union with Bathsheba was struck sick by God, in punishment for the adultery and for David's murder of Bathsheba's husband, Uriah the Hittite. Nevertheless, the son died, upon which David broke his fast (2 Samuel 1215-25).

King Jehosaphat proclaimed a fast throughout Judah for victory over the Moabites and Ammonites who were attacking them (2 Chronicles 203).
The prophet Joel called for a fast to avert the judgement of God.
The people of Nineveh, in response to Jonah's prophecy, fasted to avert the judgement of God (Jonah 37).
The Jews of Persia, following Mordechai's example, fasted because of the genocidal decree of Haman. Queen Esther declared a three-day fast for all the Jews prior to risking her life in visiting King Ahasuerus uninvited (Esther 4).
Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights while in the desert, prior to the three temptations (Matthew 42, Luke 42).

The prophetess Anna, who proclaimed the birth of Jesus in the Temple, fasted regularly (Luke 237).
There are indications in the New Testament as well as from the Didache that members of an Early Christian Church fasted regularly.

David used fasting as an act of humbling his soul (Psalm 3513).
The church in Antioch were worshipping the Lord and fasting when the holy spirit told them to send Barnabas and Saul for work (Acts 132).
Paul and Barnabus appointed elders with prayer and fasting (Acts 1423).

Biblical teaching on fasting

The prophet Isaiah chastised the Israelites in Isaiah 58 for the unrighteous methods and motives of their fasting. He clarified some of the best reasons for fasting and listed both physical and spiritual benefits that would result (Isaiah 583-13).

Jesus warned his followers against fasting to gain favour from men. He suggested practical steps should be taken to fast in private. (Matthew 616?1. It is important to note that v16 says "When you fast" not "if you fast".
The Pharisees in Jesus' time fasted regularly and asked Jesus why his disciples did not. Jesus answered them using a parable (Matthew 914-15, Mark 218-20, Luke 533-39, see also Mark 2).

http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasting#Biblical_accounts_of_fasting