Today we will talk about verses about fasting from the Bible. Fasting is a spiritual practice that many of us engage in as a way to deepen our relationship with God. It’s not just about giving up food or certain comforts; it’s about clearing our minds and hearts to focus on prayer, worship, and our dependence on God. As we delve into these verses, let’s remember that fasting is a personal journey, and each of us may experience it differently. Let’s approach this exploration with open hearts and open minds, seeking to understand and apply God’s Word in our lives.
Bible Verses About Fasting
The Purpose of Fasting
In our walk as Christians, we often find that fasting serves a vital purpose in our spiritual growth. Fasting isn’t simply about abstaining from food; it’s about getting closer to God. Through fasting, we express our devotion and commitment to our faith. We believe that as we set aside our physical needs, we create space to hear from God more clearly, allowing us to grow and strengthen our relationship with Him. In this way, we acknowledge our dependence on God for everything—in good times and bad.
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
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
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
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
Types of Fasting
As we embark on our fasting journey, it’s essential to recognize that there are different types of fasting. Each can serve different purposes and can be tailored to fit our spiritual goals. Whether it’s a complete fast, where we refrain from all food, or a partial fast, where we give up specific items, we find that the heart behind our fasting is what truly matters. By understanding the types of fasting, we can choose the one that aligns best with our intentions and our relationship with God. This personal choice can help us cultivate a deeper sense of purpose as we seek to grow closer to Him.
Matthew 4:4
“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” – Matthew 4:4
1 Corinthians 7:5
“Do not deprive each other except for 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
Luke 2:37
“And then was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.” – Luke 2:37
Esther 4:16
“Go, gather all the Jews who are in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do.” – Esther 4:16
Daniel 10:3
“I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks.” – Daniel 10:3
Fasting with a Heart of Humility
Fasting is more than an outward expression; it’s about the attitude of our hearts. We must approach our fast with humility, turning our focus away from ourselves and toward God. When we genuinely seek Him while fasting, we find that our hearts soften, allowing us to connect with His Spirit. It’s not about putting on a show for others; it’s about getting our hearts right before God. By cultivating this humility during fasting, we can deepen our understanding of our need for grace and mercy in our lives.
Psalm 35:13
“But when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered.” – Psalm 35:13
Luke 18:12
“I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.” – Luke 18:12
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10
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
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
Fasting and Prayer
Combining fasting with prayer is a powerful way to enhance our spiritual journey. Through fasting, we set aside distractions, allowing more room for prayer, worship, and reflection. This combination provides us with an opportunity to seek God’s guidance in a profound way. When we fast with a heart full of prayer, we align ourselves with God’s will and invite His presence to guide us through our challenges and decisions. This duo is vital for making the most of our fasting experience, helping us to grow in our faith and understanding.
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.'” – Mark 9:29
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 Samuel 7:6
“When they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the Lord. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, ‘We have sinned against the Lord.’ And Samuel was leader of Israel at Mizpah.” – 1 Samuel 7:6
Ezra 8:23
“So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.” – Ezra 8:23
Fasting as an Act of Worship
When we think about fasting, we often consider it as a personal sacrifice. However, it is also an act of worship. Fasting allows us to express our devotion and reverence to God. By intentionally setting aside our earthly needs, we focus on His greatness and goodness in our lives. Worship is about connecting with God, and fasting provides us with an excellent opportunity for that. It’s about dedicating our hearts and minds to recognizing and celebrating His presence in our lives, bringing us to a more profound understanding of worship.
Matthew 4:10
“Jesus said to him, ‘Away from me, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'” – Matthew 4:10
Acts 13:2
“While they were worshipping 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
Psalm 69:10
“When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn.” – Psalm 69:10
Philippians 3:18
“For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.” – Philippians 3:18
Psalm 42:1
“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.” – Psalm 42:1
Collective Fasting
Fasting can also be done as a community. When we come together as fellow believers to fast, we unify our hearts and minds for a shared purpose. Collective fasting strengthens our bonds and allows us to support each other in our spiritual journeys. By fasting together, we can achieve great things in prayer and be a powerful testimony of unity in Christ. This coming together helps reinforce that we are not alone in our struggles and strengthens our faith as we seek God’s presence more fervently.
Acts 13:3
“So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” – Acts 13:3
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
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
Ezra 8:21
“There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children.” – Ezra 8:21
Spiritual Breakthroughs through Fasting
Fasting has the potential to lead us to spiritual breakthroughs. When we embrace fasting, we intentionally seek God’s presence in our lives and allow Him to work in us. Often, it’s through this dedication that we face and overcome challenges that may have been holding us back from our full potential in Christ. We can expect to see spiritual growth, liberation from burdens, and clarity on the path God wants us to take. It’s essential to approach fasting with the faith that our efforts can lead to transformative experiences.
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
Matthew 6:7
“And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.” – Matthew 6:7
Psalm 69:10
“When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn.” – Psalm 69:10
Daniel 9:3
“So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.” – Daniel 9:3
James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16
Receiving Guidance through Fasting
Fasting can also be a time for us to seek guidance from God. During times of uncertainty or when we’re faced with tough decisions, fasting can help us tune into God’s voice more clearly. We learn to submit our plans and desires to Him while waiting for His direction. As we seek His will through fasting, we may discover insights into our lives and find clarity and peace that can only come from God. It’s through these moments of surrender that we become more attuned to His guiding spirit, allowing us to walk confidently in His plans.
Ezra 8:23
“So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.” – Ezra 8:23
Acts 13:2
“While they were worshipping 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
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
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
Hebrews 11:6
“And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6
Final Thoughts
As we explore the richness of fasting through the lens of scripture, we see that this spiritual discipline is not merely about abstaining from food but is a profound way to draw closer to God. Fasting can serve various purposes: it can be a means of worship, a way to seek guidance, a time for collective unity, or a pathway to spiritual breakthroughs. Each time we choose to fast, we’re invited into a deeper dialogue with God. As we embrace fasting, let’s ensure our hearts are set on personal and communal growth in faith. Together, may we continue to seek God’s presence in all aspects of our lives and experience the blessings that come from dedicating ourselves to Him.
With an open heart and a willingness to listen, we can expect to see God’s direction unfold in our lives. So, let’s embrace fasting as a part of our faith journey, knowing it can transform our hearts and deepen our relationship with our Father.
May we always remember that fasting is less about what we give up, but more about what we gain in drawing closer to God.
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
