Today we will talk about verses about fasting in the Bible. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that many Christians practice. It is a time when we choose to abstain from food or certain activities to draw closer to God. While we may think of fasting as only denying ourselves physical nourishment, it is much deeper. It’s about realigning our hearts and intentions and seeking God’s presence. As we delve into God’s word, let’s open our hearts and reflect on the power of fasting and how it can transform our spirits. In these verses, we will discover guidance, encouragement, and the blessings that come with fasting in devotion to our Maker.
Bible Verses About Fasting
The Purpose of Fasting
As we explore the Bible verses about fasting, it’s crucial for us to understand its purpose. Fasting is about more than simply abstaining from food; it’s about seeking a deeper connection with God. When we fast, we purposefully create space in our lives to focus on prayer and spiritual growth. This practice allows us to surrender our worries and desires to God, trusting Him to guide us. As we journey together through these verses, we realize that the ultimate goal of fasting is to grow in our relationship with God and understand His will in our lives.
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 6:16-18
“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
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 13:2-3
“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.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” – Acts 13:2-3
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
Fasting and Prayer
One of the most significant themes we find in the Bible regarding fasting is its connection to prayer. It’s essential for us to grasp how these two practices go hand in hand. When we fast and pray, we set aside distractions to connect with God more profoundly. This is a time when we can pour out our hearts to Him, share our struggles, and seek His guidance. Fasting creates an environment of openness and vulnerability, allowing us to hear the still small voice of God speaking to us. As we read through these verses about fasting along with prayer, let’s remember that these two practices are powerful tools in our spiritual life.
Matthew 17:21
“But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” – Matthew 17:21
Mark 1:35
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” – Mark 1:35
Luke 2:37
“And then was a widow of about four score and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.” – Luke 2:37
Ezra 8:23
“So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.” – Ezra 8:23
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
The Humility of Fasting
As we engage in fasting, we are often reminded of the importance of humility. Fasting should never be done for show or to gain approval from others. It’s a personal journey between us and God. By humbling ourselves, we acknowledge our dependence on Him and recognize that our strength comes from Him alone. This period of fasting helps us fend off pride and brings clarity to our spiritual lives. As we reflect on these verses, let’s approach fasting with pure hearts, letting go of our self-importance, and embracing our need for God.
Psalms 35:13
“But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting, and my prayer returned to my own heart.” – Psalms 35:13
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10
Matthew 23:12
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:12
Isaiah 57:15
“For this is what the high and exalted One says—he who lives forever, whose name is holy: ‘I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.'” – Isaiah 57:15
Psalms 69:10
“When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn.” – Psalms 69:10
Fasting for Guidance
Fasting is profoundly transformative, especially when we are seeking guidance from God. When life is filled with uncertainty, turning to fasting helps us clarify our thoughts and hear God’s voice more distinctly. It provides us a moment to step back from our busy lives and listen to what God has planned for us. We intentionally set aside distractions to prioritize our relationship with Him, inviting His wisdom and direction into our decisions. These Bible verses remind us how fasting can help us align our hearts with God’s desires for us, encouraging us to seek His path.
Acts 10:30-31
“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 and said, “Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor.”’” – Acts 10:30-31
Psalms 25:4-5
“Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” – Psalms 25:4-5
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
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
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
Types of Fasting
When we think about fasting, it’s essential to recognize that there are different types of fasting mentioned in the Bible. From absolute fasting, where we refrain from all food and drink, to partial fasting, which can be a limited diet, different practices serve various purposes. Each type has its own spiritual implications. As we consider the kind of fasting we’re drawn to, we must always remember that it should align with our intentions of seeking God’s face. Through these verses, we can see how fasting can be adapted to fit individual needs while pursuing spiritual growth.
Matthew 4:2
“After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.” – Matthew 4:2
Lamentations 2:19
“Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children, who faint from hunger at every street corner.” – Lamentations 2:19
Matthew 9:15
“Jesus answered, ‘How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.'” – Matthew 9:15
1 Corinthians 7:5
“Do not deprive each other except when you agree to do so 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
Daniel 10:3
“I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.” – Daniel 10:3
Fasting in Times of Trouble
We all experience moments of trouble or difficulty in our lives. During these times, fasting can be a powerful response. As we immerse ourselves in prayer and seek God’s guidance, fasting helps us navigate through pain and worry. It becomes an opportunity for us to press into God and truly rely on Him for strength and support. Moreover, these verses encourage us to turn to God in our challenging times, reminding us that He is our refuge and strength, always ready to help us. Let’s see how fasting plays a role in overcoming adversity.
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
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
Matthew 11:19
“The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.” – Matthew 11:19
Fasting for Spiritual Strength
We all desire to be spiritually strong, and fasting plays a vital role in this quest. The act of fasting allows us to push aside distractions and empty ourselves of worldly desires, creating room for the Holy Spirit to fill us with His presence. As we read these Bible verses, let’s remember that our goal is to allow God to strengthen us spiritually so that we can face the challenges in our lives. Fasting restores our focus, renews our commitments, and empowers us to walk confidently in faith. Let’s embrace this practice for the spiritual boost we all need!
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
1 Peter 5:10
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” – 1 Peter 5:10
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Ephesians 6:10
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” – Ephesians 6:10
Romans 12:1-2
“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 12:1-2
Spiritual Warfare and Fasting
In our Christian journey, we recognize that life can involve spiritual battles. Fasting becomes a key part of our armor as we confront challenges from the enemy. When we fast, we engage in a supernatural readiness that helps us stand firm and boldly face conflicts. During fasting, we deepen our reliance on God, asking Him to fight our battles for us. These verses remind us that our spiritual struggles are often met with strength through fasting and faith, reminding us the battle belongs to the Lord.
2 Corinthians 10:3-4
“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world; on the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” – 2 Corinthians 10:3-4
Ephesians 6:12
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” – Ephesians 6:12
Matthew 4:1-11
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.” – Matthew 4:1-11
Luke 22:31-32
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.” – Luke 22:31-32
Romans 8:37
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” – Romans 8:37
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the verses about fasting, we understand that this ancient practice remains a powerful tool for our spiritual growth. Fasting calls us to examine our hearts, seek guidance, and humble ourselves before God. It creates avenues for deeper connection and opens our spirits to His leading in every aspect of life. We earnestly learn the value of setting aside distractions and inviting the Lord into our challenges, prayers, and blessings. Let us embrace fasting not as a mere tradition but as a meaningful journey towards spiritual intimacy with our Savior.
We find strength and clarity as we embark on this path together, recognizing fasting as an opportunity to deepen our faith. May we be inspired to fast with hearts focused on God, inviting His light and truth into our lives. In all things, let our commitment to God shine bright as we navigate through life, armed with the wisdom shared in Scripture. Amen!
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