Today we will talk about verses about fasting in the Bible. These passages show us how fasting is a powerful way to connect deeper with God and to seek His guidance. For many of us, fasting can be a challenge, but it’s also a beautiful journey that allows us to focus on our spiritual health. As we read through these verses, let’s open our hearts to what God wants to teach us about fasting. It’s not merely about giving up food, but it’s about creating space for God in our lives. So, let’s dive into the Scriptures and explore together!
Bible Verses About Fasting in the Bible
The Purpose of Fasting
Fasting has long been a practice among the faithful, and it brings us face to face with our true motivations. When we fast, we are not just abstaining from food; we are choosing to draw closer to God. We remember that fasting is meant to humble our hearts and focus our attention on Him, away from the noise of everyday distractions. In this sense, it is a spiritual discipline that cultivates our dependence on God, reminding us that our spiritual nourishment is far more essential than physical sustenance. Let us explore the verses that open our understanding of the purpose of fasting.
Joel 2:12
“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” – Joel 2:12
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
Matthew 6:16
“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.” – Matthew 6:16
Acts 13:3
“So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” – Acts 13:3
Ezra 8:23
“So we fasted and prayed about this mission, and he listened to our prayer.” – Ezra 8:23
The Attitude of Fasting
When we think about fasting, our attitude matters just as much as the act itself. Fasting is not meant to be performed for show or to gain approval from others. Instead, it should come from a sincere desire to grow closer to God and to understand His will in our lives. We must choose joy over gloom, because God looks at our hearts. This means we can fast cheerfully and with purpose. Let’s dig into what the Bible says about the attitude we should carry when we choose to fast.
Matthew 6:17-18
“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 6:17-18
Luke 18:12
“I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.” – Luke 18:12
Isaiah 58:5
“Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?” – Isaiah 58:5
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
1 Samuel 16:7
“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'” – 1 Samuel 16:7
Fasting and Prayer
Fasting and prayer go hand-in-hand as wonderful tools for deepening our communication with God. It’s not just about skipping meals; it’s about replacing that time with prayer. When we pray while fasting, we open our hearts to hear from God and to receive His direction. This combined discipline leaves us feeling spiritually refreshed, as we make our requests known and embrace His peace. Engaging in fasting and prayer helps us remember our reliance on God. Let’s look at scripture that beautifully encapsulates this relationship.
Matthew 17:21
“But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” – Matthew 17:21
Mark 9:29
“He replied, ‘This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting.'” – Mark 9:29
Luke 2:37
“And then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.” – Luke 2:37
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
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
Fasting for Repentance
Fasting serves as a humble act of repentance, showcasing our desire to turn away from sin and seek forgiveness. When we acknowledge our wrongdoings and fast, it signifies our sincere commitment to making things right with God. It is a beautiful act of humility, expressing our sorrow over our sins while actively seeking His mercy. This practice can lead to transformation, and remind us of how good God is in His forgiving nature. Let’s uncover some Bible verses that spotlight fasting for repentance.
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
2 Chronicles 7:14
“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.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14
Psalms 51:17
“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” – Psalms 51:17
Daniel 9:3
“So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting and sackcloth and ashes.” – Daniel 9:3
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
Fasting and Humility
When we fast, we are stepping into a posture of humility. It’s an opportunity to recognize our dependence on God and to indicate that our spiritual journey is more meaningful than worldly distractions. Instead of taking pride in what we do, we should embrace our vulnerability during fasting, understanding that we need God’s strength at all times. In this way, fasting becomes a humbling experience that aligns our hearts with God’s purpose. Let’s explore verses that highlight the connection between fasting and humility.
Psalms 35:13
“Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting.” – Psalms 35:13
Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:3
1 Peter 5:6
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” – 1 Peter 5:6
Psalms 69:10
“When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn.” – Psalms 69:10
Matthew 23:12
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:12
Spiritual Breakthroughs through Fasting
Fasting can lead to powerful spiritual breakthroughs in our lives. It helps us seek God’s presence and aligns our hearts with His will. As we fast, we break away from the ties that hold us back spiritually and allow ourselves to draw nearer to God. He hears us as we seek Him diligently, paving the way for transformation. It’s during these times when we open the door to miracles by dedicating time to fasting. Let’s examine verses that exemplify the breakthroughs we can experience through fasting.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33
Isaiah 58:8
“Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.” – Isaiah 58:8
2 Chronicles 20:3
“Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.” – 2 Chronicles 20:3
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
Acts 9:9
“For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.” – Acts 9:9
Fasting and the Community
Fasting is not only a personal experience—it can also be a community endeavor. We often find strength and encouragement in numbers, and coming together as a community to fast can amplify our prayers and our commitment to God. When we share our sacrifices and prayers with one another, we deepen our unity in faith. Together, we can experience the power of collective fasting. Let us discover some important verses that highlight the beauty of community fasting.
Matthew 18:19-20
“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” – Matthew 18:19-20
Joel 1:14
“Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord.” – Joel 1:14
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
Nehemiah 9:1
“On the twenty-fourth day of the same month the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth and having dust on their heads.” – Nehemiah 9:1
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Fasting for Guidance
Fasting can be a powerful cry for divine guidance. There are times when we may feel uncertain or in need of direction in our lives, and fasting provides a way for us to seek wisdom from God. By pausing our daily routines and refocusing our hearts on His Holy presence, we invite Him to speak into our situations. It is amazing how clarity and insight can come during these fasting moments. Let’s look at verses that underscore seeking God’s guidance through fasting.
Acts 1:14
“They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” – Acts 1:14
Acts 10:30
“Cornelius answered: ‘Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me.'” – Acts 10:30
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
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
Psalm 143:10
“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” – Psalm 143:10
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the beautiful verses about fasting in the Bible, we recognize that fasting deepens our relationship with God. It encourages us to draw closer to Him and to seek His guidance with a truly humble heart. Whether we fast for personal reasons, communal purposes, or to break strongholds in our lives, we can trust that God is always present with us in these moments.
Fasting is a powerful tool that invites us into a sacred space where we can express our needs, seek forgiveness, and align our lives with God’s purpose. Each verse we explored serves as a reminder of the significance of this spiritual discipline. Together, let’s commit to embracing fasting in a way that brings glory to God and strengthens our faith.
We pray that as we incorporate fasting into our lives, we will discover more about His goodness, grace, and the beautiful transformation He has for us. May our hearts turn towards Him, leading us to more profound insights and closer relationships both individually and within our communities.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4