Fasting and prayer can be a quiet way to draw near to God. It is not meant to be a performance, and it is not meant to be a burden. It is simply a choice to set something aside so your heart can pay closer attention to the Lord.
In this post, we will look at things to avoid when fasting and praying, based on what the Bible teaches. The goal is not to make you afraid of fasting. The goal is to help you fast with a clean heart, a sincere spirit, and a simple focus on God.
A Gentle note: if you have health concerns, it is wise to choose a safe kind of fast. Some people fast from certain foods, some fast from a meal, and some fast from distractions like social media. God sees the heart. A wise fast is still a meaningful fast.
A Simple Biblical Picture of Fasting And Prayer
The Bible shows that fasting is not mainly about food. It is about the heart. It is about humility, repentance, and seeking God’s will.
In the Gospels, Jesus warned people not to fast in a way that tries to impress others. He spoke about those who make it obvious so they can be noticed. Instead, He taught fasting that is quiet and sincere, done for God and not for attention.
Isaiah also speaks strongly about fasting. God corrected people who fasted outwardly while their lives stayed unchanged. They went without food but kept holding onto strife, harshness, and wrong behavior. God pointed them back to a fast that includes mercy, humility, and doing what is right.
So the foundation is simple: biblical fasting is not just about what you stop eating. It is about turning to God with sincerity, and letting that sincerity show in how you live and how you treat people.
5 Things to Avoid When Fasting and Praying
Fasting can be a beautiful time with God, but it can also go off track if the heart is not guarded. These five points are not meant to discourage you. They are meant to help you keep your fast sincere and centered on God. For each one, I’ll share what to avoid, what it can look like today, and what to do instead.
1. Avoid fasting to be seen or praised
One of the biggest dangers in fasting is doing it for attention. Jesus spoke about people who made their fasting obvious so others would notice them. That kind of fasting may look spiritual on the outside, but it is empty on the inside.
What it can look like today:
- announcing your fast so people admire you
- posting it to get praise
- using fasting as proof that you are “serious”
What to do instead:
- keep it simple and quiet
- fast for God, not for people
- focus on prayer, not on being noticed
“And thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” — Matthew 6:18
Gracious God,
Please guard my heart as I fast.
Keep me from doing this to be seen or praised.
Help me seek You in a quiet and sincere way.
Let my fasting be worship, not a show.
Amen.
2. Avoid fasting while holding on to sin, bitterness, or harshness
Some people fast outwardly while their hearts remain unchanged. Isaiah speaks about this clearly. God corrected fasting that was mixed with strife, anger, and wrong treatment of others. A fast that pleases God is not only about what we stop eating. It is also about what we stop doing.
What it can look like today:
- fasting but staying unforgiving
- fasting but continuing in secret sin
- fasting but speaking harshly to people
- fasting but refusing to make things right
What to do instead:
- ask God to search your heart
- repent where you need to repent
- forgive where you need to forgive
- choose kindness and humility during the fast
“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness… and to let the oppressed go free.” — Isaiah 58:6
Mighty God,
Please cleanse my heart as I fast.
Show me what I need to confess and turn away from.
Help me forgive, make peace, and walk in love.
Let this fast change my heart, not just my routine.
Amen.
3. Avoid skipping meals without prayer and the Word
Sometimes people call something a fast, but they only skip food. They do not pray. They do not read Scripture. They do not seek God. Without prayer, fasting becomes only hunger. Prayer is what makes fasting a spiritual act.
What it can look like today:
- going without food but staying busy all day
- fasting but not setting time for God
- thinking the “fast” itself is what matters
What to do instead:
- set simple prayer moments (morning, midday, night)
- read a short passage of Scripture daily
- pray honestly, even if it’s only a few words
“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” — James 4:8
Dear Lord,
Help me not to treat fasting like a routine with no heart.
Teach me to seek You, not just skip food.
Draw me into prayer and Your Word.
Let my attention return to You again and again today.
Amen.
4. Avoid praying with wrong motives or empty words
Prayer during fasting should be humble and sincere. It should not be used to show off, to sound important, or to take shots at other people. God hears simple prayer. He is not looking for big speeches.
What it can look like today:
- praying to impress people
- using prayer to criticize others indirectly
- repeating words without meaning
- praying with pride instead of humility
What to do instead:
- pray like a child talking to a loving Father
- keep your words honest and simple
- ask God to change you first
- pray with a gentle spirit
“The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him… in truth.” — Psalm 145:18
Holy God,
Keep my prayers sincere as I fast.
Remove pride and help me speak to You honestly.
Teach me to pray with humility and faith.
Let my words come from a clean heart.
Amen.
5. Avoid fasting without wisdom or care for your body
Fasting should never become self-harm. God cares about your health and your limits. Some people push themselves too far, ignore medical issues, or feel guilty for not fasting the way others do. That is not the heart of biblical fasting.
What it can look like today:
- forcing an extreme fast when your body can’t handle it
- ignoring medical advice or health conditions
- judging others for fasting differently
- feeling condemned when you struggle
What to do instead:
- choose a fast that is wise for your health
- consider partial fasting or fasting from distractions
- ask God for a sincere heart, not a perfect record
- rest when you need to
“Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?” — Ecclesiastes 7:16
Gracious God,
Help me fast with wisdom and humility.
Teach me to honor You without harming myself.
Guide me to choose a fast that is safe and sincere.
Let my heart stay close to You through it all.
Amen.
How to fast and pray in a simple, biblical way
After learning what to avoid, it helps to know what to do. Fasting does not need to be complicated. A simple plan makes it easier to stay consistent, especially when your body feels weak or your schedule is busy.
Here is a simple pattern you can follow each day of your fast:
- Start with a short moment of stillness
Before you rush into your day, pause. Take a slow breath. Ask God to help you focus. Even one quiet minute can reset your heart. - Read a small portion of Scripture
You do not need a long reading plan during a fast. Choose a short passage, a psalm, or a few verses from the Gospels. Read slowly. If one line stands out, stay on it. - Pray simply and honestly
Use short prayers. Thank God, confess what needs to be confessed, ask for guidance, and surrender your day to Him. If you do not know what to say, repeat a simple request like, “Lord, help me stay close to You today.” - Add one act of obedience or mercy
Isaiah 58 reminds us that fasting should touch how we live. During your fast, look for one small way to do good—make peace with someone, speak kindly, help someone, give, or forgive. These simple acts keep fasting connected to love. - End the day with a brief review
At night, take a moment to reflect. Ask: “Did I seek God today?” If you failed or got distracted, do not quit. Confess it, receive God’s mercy, and start again the next day.
If you break your fast early, do not drown in guilt. Learn from it and continue. God is not asking for perfection. He is asking for a sincere heart.
A Gentle closing reflection
Fasting and prayer are not ways to earn God’s love. God already loves you. Fasting is simply a way to draw near to Him, quiet your life, and listen with a humble heart.
If you remember nothing else, remember this: God cares about sincerity. He sees what is done in secret. He honors a heart that seeks Him, even when the fast feels imperfect.
May your fasting and prayer lead you to deeper repentance, calmer faith, and a closer walk with God.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about fasting the right way?
The Bible teaches that fasting should be sincere and focused on God. Jesus warned against fasting to be seen by others, and Isaiah showed that fasting should be joined with repentance, mercy, and right living. Biblical fasting is about the heart, not appearance.
Should I tell people I am fasting?
In many cases, it is better to keep fasting private, unless there is a good reason to tell someone (for example, a spouse, a pastor, or a group fasting together). Jesus taught fasting that is not done for attention, but for God.
What if I feel weak while fasting?
Feeling weak can happen during fasting. Drink water, rest when you need to, and choose a fast that fits your health. You can also do a partial fast. The goal is not to harm your body. The goal is to seek God with a humble heart.
Can I fast if I have health issues?
If you have health concerns, it is wise to choose a safer form of fasting and seek medical advice if needed. You can fast from certain foods, one meal, or distractions like social media. God honors a sincere heart, even when your fast looks different.
How long should a beginner fast?
A beginner can start small—one meal, one day, or a partial fast. The length matters less than the sincerity. Start with what is wise and manageable, and focus on prayer and Scripture.
