Today we will talk about scriptures about fasting. Fasting is an important spiritual practice that allows us to draw closer to God and seek His guidance. It’s not just about refraining from food; it’s about dedicating time to prayer and reflection. In doing so, we shift our focus from earthly comforts to spiritual nourishment. When we deny ourselves, we open the door for God to fill us with His presence and guidance. Let’s meditate on God’s word and learn how fasting plays a vital role in our faith journey.
Scriptures About Fasting
The Purpose of Fasting
In our Christian walk, we often seek to understand the purpose behind fasting. It’s more than just abstaining from food; it’s an intentional act of humility and dependence on God. By fasting, we communicate our earnestness in seeking God’s will and interceding for others. We draw strength from Him, redirect our thoughts, and align our hearts with His. This spiritual discipline helps us to remember that our true sustenance comes from God alone, as we let go of distractions to focus on prayer and growth.
Matthew 6:16-18
“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.” – Matthew 6:16-18
Isaiah 58:6
“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?” – Isaiah 58:6
Luke 4:2
“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.” – Luke 4:2
Joel 2:12
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” – Joel 2:12
Acts 13:3
“So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” – Acts 13:3
Fasting as a Form of Prayer
Fasting enables us to enhance our prayer life. When we intentionally set aside time to fast, we’re dedicating ourselves to prayer, creating an environment for God to work in us. It helps us to center our thoughts and desires on God’s presence. It’s during these moments of vulnerability that we truly connect with our Creator, seeking His comfort, counsel, and intervention in our circumstances. Engaging in prayer while fasting can reveal the depths of God’s heart and His will for our lives.
Psalm 35:13
“But as for me, when they were ill, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting, and my prayer returned to my own heart.” – Psalm 35:13
Matthew 17:21
“But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” – Matthew 17:21
Ezra 8:23
“So we fasted and sought our God concerning this matter, and He answered our prayer.” – Ezra 8:23
Mark 9:29
“He replied, ‘This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting.'” – Mark 9:29
1 Corinthians 7:5
“Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” – 1 Corinthians 7:5
The Spiritual Discipline of Fasting
Fasting is a practice that forms part of our spiritual discipline. Just as we train our bodies, we need to train our spirits to be attuned to God’s voice. By making fasting a regular part of our spiritual walk, we cultivate an attitude of humility and reliance on God. Through discipline, we learn what it means to truly depend on Him for strength. As we incorporate fasting into our lives, we develop deeper connections with God, allowing it to transform our hearts and minds.
Matthew 6:25-26
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” – Matthew 6:25-26
1 Corinthians 9:27
“No, 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.” – 1 Corinthians 9:27
Galatians 5:16
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” – Galatians 5:16
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
Romans 12:1
“Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1
The Power of Corporate Fasting
When we fast together as a community, the experience becomes even more profound. Corporate fasting helps us unite in purpose and intention, seeking God collectively. As we gather and pray, we create a nurturing environment, encouraging one another and seeking to grow together. This collective act of faith can bring about incredible transformation, not only in our lives but also in our churches and communities. God promises to respond to our united cries, lifting us and providing what we need.
Acts 13:2
“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.'” – Acts 13:2
2 Chronicles 20:3
“Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.” – 2 Chronicles 20:3
Nehemiah 1:4
“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.” – Nehemiah 1:4
Esther 4:16
“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” – Esther 4:16
Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” – Matthew 18:20
Fasting for Guidance
In times of uncertainty, fasting can be a powerful tool to seek God’s guidance. When we fast, we demonstrate our willingness to listen and learn from His wisdom rather than relying on our own understanding. This spiritual discipline sharpens our ability to hear God’s voice amidst the noise of life. It’s a way to quiet our thoughts and emotions, allowing us to discern His plans for us more clearly. Through fasting, we bow before our mighty God, acknowledging that we need His direction in every decision we make.
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5
Psalm 119:66
“Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands.” – Psalm 119:66
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Acts 14:23
“Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.” – Acts 14:23
Isaiah 30:21
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'” – Isaiah 30:21
Fasting for Repentance
Fasting serves as a powerful expression of repentance. When we humble ourselves before God through fasting, we recognize our need for His mercy and grace. It’s a way to turn away from our sins and seek cleansing and restoration. During this time, we reflect on our choices, ask for forgiveness, and seek to amend our ways. Fasting for repentance helps us realign our lives, creating space for God to renew our hearts and restore our relationship with Him.
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Jonah 3:5
“The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.” – Jonah 3:5
Psalm 51:10-11
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.” – Psalm 51:10-11
Ezra 10:6
“Then Ezra withdrew from before the house of God and went to the room of Jehohanan son of Eliashib. While he was there, he ate no food and drank no water, because he continued to mourn over the unfaithfulness of the exiles.” – Ezra 10:6
Joel 2:13
“Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.” – Joel 2:13
Fasting for Breakthrough
Fasting can lead to spiritual breakthroughs, both personally and within our communities. When we seek God through fasting, we invite His intervention into our circumstances, laying our needs before Him. Whether it’s a struggle we face, healing we need, or challenges in relationships, fasting allows us to experience God’s transformative power. By focusing on Him, we can see mountains moved and obstacles overcome. As we trust in God’s timing and power, we position ourselves for a divine breakthrough.
Matthew 7:7
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7
Isaiah 58:9
“Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.” – Isaiah 58:9
Luke 18:7
“And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?” – Luke 18:7
Psalm 34:17
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.” – Psalm 34:17
Matthew 11:12
“From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it.” – Matthew 11:12
The Attitude of a Faster
Our attitude during fasting is crucial; it speaks volumes about our heart condition. Fasting should never be done out of obligation or to show off, but rather as a genuine expression of devotion. When we approach fasting with humility and sincerity, we invite God to work in our hearts. It’s a time to be open, vulnerable, and honest before God, allowing Him to refine us. By practicing the right attitude during fasting, we not only seek to grow but also invite God to transform our motives and desires to align with His.
Zechariah 7:5
“Ask all the people of the land and the priests, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for the past seventy years, was it really for me that you fasted?” – Zechariah 7:5
Matthew 23:12
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:12
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2
Romans 14:17
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 14:17
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on these scriptures about fasting, we are reminded of its significance in our faith journey. Fasting is not merely a ritual but a profound spiritual practice that can lead us closer to God. It fuels our prayer life, strengthens our spiritual muscles, and allows us to align our hearts with His will. Whether we fast for guidance, repentance, or breakthrough, our approach matters, as it reflects our sincerity in seeking God.
We learned that fasting is a community effort, too, as we encourage one another and join in prayer together. Moreover, it is an opportunity to address our attitudes and ensure we are sincere in our devotion. As we take this journey through fasting, we will discover that it transforms our perspectives and deepens our relationship with Christ.
Ultimately, fasting is an invitation to grow closer to God and become more like Him. Let’s embrace this powerful spiritual discipline and enjoy the intimacy it offers in our walk with the Lord.
Further Reading
40 Powerful bible verses about Faith (Full Commentary)
30 Powerful Best Bible Verses For Good Morning (With Commentary)
