Is your church doing a fast right now? Or maybe you personally decided to set this time aside to pray more and reset your heart.
For many of us, this season of prayer and fasting is not just tradition. It’s a real need. We want God’s help. We want direction. We want our hearts to be clean again. And sometimes, we just want to feel close to Him.
That’s why this post is built around Scriptures Fasting and Prayer. Not motivational lines. Not long speeches. Just God’s Word (KJV), with simple explanations you can sit with during your fast.
Quick start: what fasting is (and what it is not)
Fasting is choosing to set something aside for a time so you can give more attention to God. Often it’s food, but it can also be other things that pull your mind in many directions.
Fasting is not a way to prove you are strong, or to impress people, or to “earn” answers. God looks at the heart. When the heart is honest, fasting becomes a gentle tool that helps you listen and obey.
How to use these scriptures during your fast
Before we go into the list, here is a simple way to use each verse.
Read the verse slowly.
Ask: What does this show me about God?
Turn it into a short prayer in your own words.
Take one small step of obedience today.
Even if you only do this with one verse per day, it can steady you.
Scriptures For Surrender And Guidance
We’ll start with scriptures for returning to God with a clean heart, and scriptures for guidance and clear direction. These are the verses many believers lean on at the beginning of a fast.
Scriptures for Returning to God with a Clean Heart
When fasting starts, many people jump straight to asking for answers. That’s not wrong. But it helps to first check the heart. A fast can bring hidden things to the surface. It can remind you what you’ve been carrying. These scriptures help you come back to God in a clean and honest way.
1. Joel 2:12–13
“Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.”
Sometimes fasting is simply a way of returning to God honestly. Not with excuses. Not with performance. Just coming back. This verse also reminds you that God is not waiting to punish you. He is gracious and merciful. If your heart is ready to return, He is ready to receive you.
2. Psalm 51:10–12
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.”
This is one of the clearest prayers for inner cleansing in the Bible. During fasting, you may notice how easily your mind wanders, or how quickly old attitudes show up. This scripture gives you language for those moments. It’s about asking God to clean what is dirty, renew what is weak, and restore the joy you may have lost.
3. James 4:8–10
“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”
Fasting often exposes double-mindedness. Part of you wants God, and another part still wants control. This passage is a strong call to return fully. It’s not meant to shame you. It’s meant to bring you back to sincerity. The promise is also clear: when you draw near to God, He draws near to you.
4. Isaiah 58:6–7
“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?”
This scripture corrects a common mistake. It shows that fasting is not only about what you stop eating. It’s also about what God is changing in you. True fasting leads to compassion, fairness, mercy, and a willingness to help others. If your fast is making you angry, proud, or harsh, Isaiah 58 brings you back to what God actually wants.
5. 2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
This verse lays out a simple path: humility, prayer, seeking God, and turning away from sin. Many people quote the last part about healing, but the first part matters just as much. During a fast, this helps you check your posture before God. It’s a reminder that healing often begins with humility and a real turning of the heart.
Scriptures For Guidance and Clear Direction
A lot of fasting seasons are connected to decisions. Some people are asking God about work, marriage, relocation, ministry, health, or the next step in life. These scriptures are helpful when you need direction and you don’t want to move blindly.
6. James 1:5
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
This verse is simple and direct. If you need wisdom, ask God. And notice what it says about God’s character: He gives generously, and He doesn’t shame you for asking. That matters when you feel confused or stuck. Wisdom is not something you have to “deserve.” God can give it.
7. Proverbs 3:5–6
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
During fasting, it becomes clearer how much we lean on our own thinking. This scripture calls you back to full trust. It doesn’t mean you stop using your brain. It means you stop making yourself the final authority. When you acknowledge God in your choices, He directs your path in ways you may not expect.
8. Psalm 32:8
“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”
This is a personal promise. God doesn’t only give rules. He instructs and teaches. He guides. “With mine eye” gives the picture of close attention, like someone watching over you with care. In fasting seasons, this verse helps you slow down and remember that God is not distant from your steps.
9. Isaiah 30:21
“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.”
Some decisions feel like standing at a crossroads. This scripture gives comfort: God can make the way clear. Sometimes it’s not a loud voice. Sometimes it’s a steady conviction. Sometimes it’s repeated confirmation. But the point is this: God can guide you when you feel pulled in different directions.
10. Colossians 1:9
“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;”
This verse shows what real guidance looks like. It’s not only about knowing what to do next. It’s about being filled with the knowledge of God’s will, with wisdom and spiritual understanding. That kind of guidance shapes your choices, your attitude, and your direction. It helps you move with clarity, not pressure.
Scriptures For Strength To Finish The Fast
Most people start a fast with energy. Then real life kicks in. Hunger shows up. Headaches show up. Emotions come up too. And sometimes you begin to notice how much you use food or comfort to cope.
These scriptures are for the middle of the fast. The part where you want to quit, or you feel weak, or your mind feels noisy. They remind you that God can strengthen you, and He can carry you through.
11. Isaiah 40:31
“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
Fasting forces you to slow down. It makes you wait. And waiting can feel uncomfortable. But this verse says waiting on the Lord is not wasted time. It’s a place where strength is renewed. Not always instantly, but truly. When you feel tired, this reminds you that endurance is also a gift from God.
12. 2 Corinthians 12:9
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
A fast can make you feel weak in a way you don’t like. You may even feel embarrassed about it. But God does not despise weakness. This verse shows a different picture: weakness can become the place where God’s strength is seen most clearly. If you feel fragile, this scripture helps you stop pretending and start leaning.
13. Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
This verse is often used in big moments, but it also helps in small ones. Like pushing through a difficult day of fasting. Like saying no to distractions. Like staying calm when your body feels uncomfortable. It reminds you that strength doesn’t have to come from willpower alone. Christ strengthens you.
14. Psalm 73:26
“My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.”
This verse is honest. Sometimes your body feels weak. Sometimes your heart feels weak too. It admits both without shame. Then it anchors you: God is the strength of your heart. If you feel like you can’t carry yourself, this scripture reminds you who carries you.
15. Galatians 5:16
“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”
Fasting is not only about food. It’s also about the flesh—your cravings, impatience, pride, and the urge to do things your own way. This verse is a simple guide: walk in the Spirit. One step at a time. It’s a reminder that victory is often daily, not dramatic.
Scriptures For Breakthrough in Battles (spiritual warfare and deliverance)
Some people fast because they feel under pressure. Strong temptation. Fear. Repeated setbacks. A situation that looks like it won’t shift.
It’s important to say this clearly: fasting is not magic. But fasting can sharpen your focus in prayer and help you resist the enemy. These scriptures give language for battle, and they also keep you grounded in God’s power, not your own effort.
16. Mark 9:29
“And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.”
This verse is one reason many Christians connect fasting with breakthrough. Jesus shows that some burdens don’t move with casual prayer. Sometimes you have to press in with deeper focus. Not because God is far, but because the situation is heavy. This verse encourages steady prayer, not lazy faith.
17. 2 Corinthians 10:4–5
“(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”
Many battles are in the mind. Fearful thoughts. Dirty thoughts. Hopeless thoughts. Angry thoughts. This passage reminds you that spiritual warfare is real, and it also tells you where to fight: in your thoughts. During fasting, your thoughts can become louder. This scripture helps you take them seriously and bring them under Christ.
18. Ephesians 6:10–11
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
This verse does not say “be strong in yourself.” It says be strong in the Lord. When fasting makes you feel weak, this reminds you where strength comes from. It also teaches you to stand, not panic. The enemy has tricks, but God has armour. You don’t need to be afraid, but you should be awake.
19. Zechariah 4:6
“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.”
Fasting can tempt you to think your breakthrough depends on how hard you fast. This verse corrects that. It’s not by might. Not by human power. It’s by God’s Spirit. That keeps your heart humble. It also keeps you hopeful, because God can do what you cannot do.
20. Isaiah 54:17
“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.”
Some people are fasting because of opposition. Wrong accusations. Delays. Unfair treatment. Spiritual attacks. This verse is a comfort that God defends His people. It does not mean you will never face a weapon. It means the weapon will not win in the end. It reminds you that God has the final word.
Scriptures For Provision And Open Doors
During fasting seasons, many people bring practical needs to God. Bills. Job issues. Family needs. Visa matters. Health costs. School fees. Rent. You may be praying for open doors or a way forward.
These scriptures help you bring those needs without panic. They remind you that God cares about daily life, not only spiritual feelings.
21. Matthew 6:33
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
This verse sets order. Seek God first. Not last. Not only when you’re desperate. When you put God first, He takes care of what you need. During fasting, this keeps your focus straight. You’re not fasting only to get things. You’re fasting to seek the King. And God knows what “things” you need.
22. Philippians 4:19
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
This verse does not say God supplies wants. It says need. That matters. Some seasons are tight and stressful. This scripture helps you remember that God’s supply is not limited to what you see in your hand right now. He supplies according to His riches, not your salary, not your connections.
23. Psalm 34:10
“The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.”
Fasting involves hunger, so this verse can hit differently during a fast. It compares strong creatures that still suffer lack, then it makes a promise about those who seek the Lord. It doesn’t mean life is always easy. But it points to God’s faithful care. When you seek Him, you are not forgotten.
24. Deuteronomy 8:3
“And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not… that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.”
This verse explains something important: God sometimes allows hunger to teach dependence. Not to punish you, but to train your heart. Fasting is not just a sacrifice. It’s a reminder that your life is held up by God’s Word, not food alone. It helps you trust God beyond what you can touch.
25. Revelation 3:7–8
“These things saith he that is holy, he that is true… behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it…”
Open doors are real. Some doors are also locked for a reason. This scripture helps you trust that Jesus has authority over doors. When He opens a door, no man can shut it. And when He shuts a door, no man can force it open. During fasting, this gives peace. You don’t have to fight people. You can follow God.
Scriptures For Peace, Healing, And Restoration
Sometimes fasting brings quiet joy. Other times it brings tears. You may feel emotional. You may remember wounds. You may feel anxious about the future. You may even feel tired of carrying burdens alone.
These scriptures are for peace and healing. Not shallow comfort, but the kind of peace that steadies you when life is not perfect.
26. Philippians 4:6–7
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Anxiety can get louder when you remove distractions. This passage gives you a clear path: pray, bring your requests, and add thanksgiving. Then it gives a promise: God’s peace will guard your heart and mind. This is not fake peace. It’s peace that keeps you when answers are still on the way.
27. Psalm 23:1–3
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul…”
Fasting can make you feel exposed. This scripture reminds you that the Lord is a Shepherd. He leads, provides, and restores. If your soul feels tired, Psalm 23 is like water. It doesn’t rush you. It calms you. It reminds you that God can restore what stress has drained.
28. Psalm 107:19–20
“Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”
This verse is honest about trouble and distress. It also shows God’s response: He saves, heals, and delivers. Notice the phrase “He sent his word.” God’s Word is not empty. During fasting, reading scripture is not just a duty. It is one way God brings healing and rescue.
29. Jeremiah 30:17
“For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD…”
Some wounds are seen. Others are hidden. This verse speaks directly to restoration and healing. It reminds you that God is not only concerned about your future. He also cares about what hurt you in the past. If you are fasting with pain in your heart, this scripture gives hope for restoration.
30. Matthew 11:28–30
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest… For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Some people fast while carrying heavy burdens. Responsibilities. Family issues. Financial stress. Secret struggles. Jesus gives a simple invitation: come to Me. Not “fix yourself first.” Not “carry it alone.” Come and find rest. During fasting, this scripture reminds you that rest is not only sleep. Rest is also bringing your load to Jesus.
Short Bible examples of fasting that led to guidance and breakthrough
You’ll notice in Scripture that fasting often shows up at important moments. Here are a few quick examples you can reflect on during your own fast.
- Jesus (Matthew 4:1–4): He fasted before beginning His public ministry, and He answered temptation with the Word of God.
- Esther (Esther 4:16): She called a fast before stepping into a risky moment that could change everything.
- Daniel (Daniel 10:2–3): He set himself to seek understanding, and God answered in His time.
- The early church (Acts 13:2–3): They fasted and prayed, and the Holy Spirit gave direction for ministry.
A simple way to use this list during your fast
If you don’t want to read all 30 at once, here is an easy rhythm:
- Morning: read 1 scripture slowly and sit with it for a minute
- Midday: read another scripture and ask God to guide your mind
- Evening: read one scripture again and reflect on what stood out
Even small consistency matters during fasting seasons.
7-day and 21-day plans you can follow
If you’re fasting right now, structure helps. Not because God needs a schedule, but because you do. A simple plan keeps you from drifting, especially on days when you feel tired.
a simple daily rhythm (use this every day)
morning (5–10 minutes)
- read 1 verse slowly
- ask one question: what is God showing me here?
- write one sentence in a notebook
midday (2–5 minutes)
- read the same verse again (or a second verse)
- sit quietly for one minute
- choose one small act of obedience
evening (5–10 minutes)
- read 1 verse that fits your day (strength, peace, guidance, etc.)
- write one honest reflection: what was hardest today, and what helped?
7-day plan (for a short fast)
day 1: returning to God with a clean heart (verses 1–2)
day 2: humility and sincerity (verses 3–5)
day 3: guidance and clear direction (verses 6–8)
day 4: guidance and next steps (verses 9–10)
day 5: strength to continue (verses 11–13)
day 6: strength and self-control (verses 14–15)
day 7: peace and rest in Christ (verses 26–30)
tip: if you can’t read all the verses listed for a day, pick two and stay with them.
21-day plan (common for January fasting seasons)
week 1: clean heart and fresh start
- day 1: verse 1
- day 2: verse 2
- day 3: verse 3
- day 4: verse 4
- day 5: verse 5
- day 6: repeat verse 1 + verse 2
- day 7: repeat verse 4 (isaiah 58)
week 2: guidance and strength
- day 8: verse 6
- day 9: verse 7
- day 10: verse 8
- day 11: verse 9
- day 12: verse 10
- day 13: verse 11
- day 14: verse 12
week 3: breakthrough, provision, peace
- day 15: verse 16
- day 16: verse 17
- day 17: verse 18
- day 18: verse 21
- day 19: verse 22
- day 20: verse 26
- day 21: verse 30
tip: you can add one “review day” each week where you reread the verses that hit you hardest.
common questions people ask during prayer and fasting
what if i can’t fast from food?
You can still fast in a meaningful way. Some people do a partial fast (like one meal a day). Some fast from certain foods. Some fast from social media, entertainment, or something else that has been taking too much attention.
The main goal is focus and humility, not suffering.
should i tell people i’m fasting?
In general, keep it simple and quiet. If you have to explain for practical reasons (like family meals), do it without making it a big announcement. Fasting is personal. It’s between you and God.
what if i don’t feel anything while fasting?
That happens a lot. A fast is not measured by feelings. Sometimes God is working under the surface. Keep showing up. Keep reading the Word. Keep praying even when it feels dry.
does fasting guarantee a breakthrough?
Fasting is not a deal you make with God. But it does help you seek Him with fewer distractions. It can help you repent, listen, and obey. And many times, that’s where real change begins.
what if i feel weak or dizzy?
Use wisdom. Drink water, rest when you need to, and don’t ignore your health. If you have a medical condition, consider a partial fast and talk to a doctor if needed. God is not honoured by harm.
Closing Eencouragement
If you’re in a season of prayer and fasting right now, keep it simple. Don’t try to copy someone else’s pace. Don’t turn it into a competition. Focus on seeking God with an honest heart.
And when you feel weak, don’t assume you’re failing. Many people feel that way during fasting. Just return to the Word again. One verse. One step. One day at a time.
