What Does the Bible Say About Fasting and Prayer?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary holds a degree in theology and she has a deep understanding of biblical texts. She works as an elementary school teacher in Alabama.

In a nutshell, the Bible teaches that fasting and prayer can be powerful tools in a believer’s spiritual journey. If you’re short on time, here’s the scoop: Fasting involves voluntarily abstaining from food or certain luxuries for a set period, often to seek God’s guidance, repentance, or spiritual growth. It’s a way of drawing closer to God through self-discipline. Prayer, on the other hand, is communication with God, pouring out your heart, seeking His will, and finding strength in His presence.

Now, let’s dig a bit deeper into what the Bible has to say about these practices.

What Does the Bible Say About Fasting and Prayer?

Fasting and prayer have a significant presence in the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments. They are not some spiritual mumbo-jumbo but a part of the rich tapestry of the Christian faith.

In the Old Testament, fasting was often associated with repentance, mourning, and seeking God’s guidance. For example, in the book of Joel, the prophet calls for a fast in response to a locust plague, urging people to return to God with all their hearts.

In the New Testament, Jesus himself fasted for forty days in the wilderness before beginning his ministry. His example shows that fasting can be a powerful way to draw near to God and overcome temptations.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus also taught about prayer. He emphasized the importance of sincerity in prayer, avoiding empty, repetitive words, and seeking a personal connection with God. The Lord’s Prayer, found in Matthew 6, provides a beautiful template for effective prayer.

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Paul, in his letters to various churches, encouraged believers to pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances. He saw prayer as a way to maintain a close relationship with God and find strength in challenging times.

Bible Verses About Fasting and Prayer

  1. Matthew 6:16-18: “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others… But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
  1. Isaiah 58:6-7: “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?”
  1. Acts 13:2-3: “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.’ Then after fasting and praying, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.”
  1. James 4:3: “You ask and do not receive because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.”
  1. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
  1. Psalm 35:13: “But I, when they were sick— I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting; I prayed with head bowed on my chest.”
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Fasting and prayer are not just rituals; they are means to deepen your relationship with God and align your heart with His. They can be powerful tools in your spiritual journey, allowing you to draw closer to Jesus and seek God’s will in your life.