Fasting and prayer are two of the most powerful spiritual disciplines a believer can practice. When combined, they create an intimate atmosphere where God’s presence can dwell, and our hearts are realigned with His will.
Why are fasting and prayer so powerful?
When we fast, we’re not just abstaining from food, we are intentionally seeking God’s will, surrendering our desires, and dedicating time to prayer and reflection. It’s a time to quiet our hearts and listen for His voice.
Prayer, on the other hand, opens the communication between us and our Creator. It’s our direct line to God, a means of aligning our hearts and minds with His purpose.
Fasting and prayer are often seen in the Bible as a way to:
Seek God’s guidance and will
Express repentance and humility
Intercede on behalf of others
Grow closer to God and build spiritual strength
In this post, we’ll explore 10 powerful scriptures that shed light on the biblical foundation for fasting and prayer.
These verses will encourage you, deepen your understanding of fasting, and help you draw closer to God in your spiritual journey.
What Does the Bible Say About Fasting and Prayer?
The Bible clearly highlights fasting and prayer as key spiritual practices that allow believers to grow in faith, receive answers, and witness miracles. Fasting is often mentioned alongside prayer as a way to humble oneself before God, repent, and earnestly seek His intervention.
Fasting and Prayer Are Linked in the Bible
Fasting without prayer would be like having the car but no fuel. Prayer fuels fasting. As you fast, you should focus on prayer — not just for strength to endure, but for divine guidance, healing, and breakthrough.
Matthew 6:16–18 (NIV):
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Here, Jesus teaches that fasting should be a private matter between the individual and God. It is not a performance to be seen by others, but an act of humble devotion and surrender to God.
The Purpose of Fasting: Seeking God’s Will and Humbling Ourselves
Throughout Scripture, we see that fasting is often used as a means of seeking God’s will and demonstrating humility. It’s not a way to manipulate God but to surrender our will to His.
Isaiah 58:6–7 (NIV):
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter — when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”
This passage speaks to true fasting, a fasting that goes beyond personal sacrifice to a fasting that leads to action. True fasting involves caring for the oppressed, feeding the hungry, and living out God’s heart for justice.
10 Powerful Scriptures on Fasting and Prayer
1. Matthew 6:16-18 — The Right Way to Fast
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have their reward.”
Fasting is meant to be a private act of devotion between you and God. It’s not for the approval of others. God honors the heart behind the fast, not outward displays. The key to effective fasting is humility and sincerity before God.
Short Prayer:
“Lord, help me fast with a pure heart, focusing only on You. May my fasting bring me closer to You, and may I not seek approval from others but from You alone.”
2. Isaiah 58:6-7 — True Fasting
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?”
True fasting is not just about abstaining from food; it’s about aligning your heart with God’s heart for justice and mercy. Fasting should lead us to act in love and serve others, especially those who are oppressed or in need.
Short Prayer:
“God, open my heart to your will during this time of fasting. Help me see those in need and empower me to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with You.”
3. 2 Chronicles 7:14 — Prayer and Repentance
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
This scripture shows that prayer, fasting, and repentance go hand in hand. When we humble ourselves before God, seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways, God promises to hear us. Fasting is not just about abstaining from food but about turning our hearts back to God in repentance.
Short Prayer:
“Father, I humble myself before You today. I repent of my sins and ask for Your forgiveness. Heal my heart and my land, and help me draw closer to You in prayer and fasting.”
4. Matthew 17:21 — The Power of Prayer and Fasting
“However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
Jesus speaks of strongholds that can only be overcome through the combination of prayer and fasting. Some battles in life require more than just prayer. Fasting adds an intensity and focus that strengthens our spiritual authority and allows God’s power to break through obstacles.
Short Prayer:
“Lord, I come to You with my struggles and challenges. I believe that through prayer and fasting, You will give me the strength to overcome and experience Your power in my life. Help me to stay faithful in both prayer and fasting.”
5. Joel 2:12 — A Call to Repentance and Fasting
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
Fasting is often associated with repentance and returning to God with a contrite heart. This verse calls us to return to God fully, acknowledging our need for Him. It’s a reminder that God desires an undivided heart, one that turns to Him in surrender.
Short Prayer:
“Father, I come before You with a broken heart, seeking Your forgiveness and mercy. I repent of my sins, and I return to You with all my heart. Lead me through this time of fasting to grow closer to You.”
6. Luke 4:2 — Jesus Fasts in the Wilderness
“Where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.”
Jesus, the Son of God, fasted for 40 days in the wilderness before starting His public ministry. His fast was a preparation for the work ahead and a means of overcoming temptation.
If Jesus needed to fast to prepare for His ministry, how much more do we need to seek God’s strength and clarity through fasting?
Short Prayer:
“Lord, as I fast, help me overcome temptation and draw near to You. Just as Jesus fasted for spiritual strength and clarity, help me to grow in my relationship with You during this time.”
7. Acts 13:2-3 — Fasting and Seeking Guidance
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’”
The early church leaders sought God’s guidance through fasting before sending out Paul and Barnabas on their mission. Fasting helps tune our hearts to the Holy Spirit, allowing us to clearly hear His voice and receive His direction for our lives and ministry.
Short Prayer:
“Holy Spirit, as I fast and pray, open my ears to hear Your guidance clearly. Lead me in the direction You have called me to, and give me the courage to follow.”
8. 1 Corinthians 9:27 — Discipline in Fasting
“I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
Paul speaks about self-discipline and how fasting is an act of bringing the body under control to align with God’s will. Fasting trains us to discipline our desires and focus on spiritual growth, reminding us that our flesh is not in charge — God is.
Short Prayer:
“Lord, help me to discipline my body and desires during this fast. May my life reflect Your will and not my own. Strengthen me to stay focused on You and Your purpose for my life.”
9. Ezra 8:23 — Seeking God’s Favor
“So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.”
In this passage, Ezra leads the people of Israel to fast and pray as they journey to Jerusalem, asking God for His protection and favor. Fasting is a powerful way to petition God, seeking His intervention and favor in our lives. It teaches us to depend on Him for our needs and trust that He hears us.
Short Prayer:
“Father, I fast and petition You today for Your favor and protection. Answer my prayers, and provide for my needs according to Your will. I trust that You will move in Your perfect timing.”
10. Psalm 35:13 — Fasting for Deliverance
“Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered.”
David demonstrates how fasting is an act of humbling oneself before God in times of trouble. It’s a way of seeking deliverance and trusting God to intervene on behalf of ourselves or others.
Fasting can be a profound act of intercession, especially when you stand in the gap for someone else’s breakthrough.
Short Prayer:
“Lord, I humble myself before You today, interceding for those in need of Your deliverance. I fast and ask that You move mightily in their lives, bringing freedom and healing.”
How to Start Fasting and Praying
If you’re new to fasting or want to deepen your practice, here are some practical tips on how to begin:
1. Start Small
You don’t need to jump into a long fast. Start with a one-day fast or a partial fast (such as skipping one meal) to get accustomed to the process.
Focus on prayer, worship, and seeking God’s presence during your fast.
2. Pray and Read the Bible During Your Fast
Make prayer and Bible reading a priority during your fast. This is an opportunity to draw near to God through His Word.
Reflect on the scriptures shared in this article, meditating on their significance in your life.
3. Fast for a Specific Purpose
Whether it’s seeking God’s guidance, repenting, or interceding for someone, have a clear reason for your fast. Fasting with intention helps you stay focused and intentional in your prayers.
4. Keep Your Fast Between You and God
Jesus encourages us to fast privately, not for show. Fast with humility, and let your fasting be an act of personal devotion to God.
Matthew 6:17-18 encourages fasting in a way that is unseen by others, so keep your fast between you and God.
5. Stay Hydrated and Care for Your Body
If you are fasting from food, make sure to stay hydrated, especially with water. Your physical well-being is important as you devote yourself spiritually.
The Benefits of Fasting and Prayer
Fasting and prayer provide numerous benefits for the believer’s life:
1. Deepens Your Relationship with God
Fasting creates space for you to draw closer to God, quieting the noise of daily life so that you can hear His voice more clearly.
2. Brings Clarity and Spiritual Insight
As you fast and pray, you’ll experience greater clarity in your decisions, relationships, and spiritual walk, helping you better align with God’s will.
3. Breaks Spiritual Strongholds
Fasting combined with prayer can help you break free from spiritual strongholds, addictions, or persistent areas of sin in your life. It brings freedom and deliverance.
4. Builds Discipline and Self-Control
Fasting trains your body to submit to your spirit. It cultivates self-discipline, helping you to focus on eternal matters instead of temporary pleasures.
5. Releases God’s Power in Your Life
Fasting magnifies the power of prayer, creating an atmosphere for miracles, breakthroughs, and answers to prayers. It aligns your heart with God’s will and invites His intervention.
As you seek God through fasting and prayer, trust that He is listening. Whether you’re fasting for breakthrough, guidance, or simply to draw closer to God, He will answer in His perfect time. Keep your heart surrendered, your faith strong, and your prayers fervent.
Final Encouragement — God Answers the Prayers of a Fasting Heart
As you embark on a journey of fasting and prayer, remember that God is faithful to hear your cries. Fasting isn’t about manipulating God; it’s about aligning your heart with His will, humbling yourself before Him, and seeking His face with sincerity.
God promises that when you seek Him with all your heart, He will be found. Even in times of silence, God is working. Your prayers and fasting are not in vain, and He will answer in His perfect timing.
Matthew 7:7 (NIV):
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
Don’t give up. Continue to pray, fast, and trust that God is at work in your life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why should I fast and pray?
Fasting and prayer deepen your intimacy with God, provide spiritual clarity, and enable breakthroughs in areas of your life. They are an opportunity to humble yourself before God and align with His purpose.
How long should I fast for?
Start small with a one-day or partial fast, and work your way up. The length of your fast depends on your spiritual goals and physical ability. The key is sincerity and humility.
Can I fast without food?
Yes. While food is the most common fast, you can also fast from other things like social media, entertainment, or distractions. Fasting is about denying the flesh to focus on the spirit.
How do I prepare spiritually for a fast?
Set clear intentions for your fast. Repent of any sin, pray for God’s guidance, and ask Him to help you grow during this time. Begin with a heart of surrender, knowing that God honors your effort.
Does fasting automatically make my prayers more powerful?
Fasting doesn’t guarantee that God will answer exactly as we wish, but it intensifies our prayers by focusing our hearts on His will. It aligns our desires with His and invites His intervention.
