Today we will talk about bible verses about how to fast. Fasting is a special way we humble ourselves before God, and it helps us focus more on prayer, worship, and listening to His voice. Many Christians want to grow closer to the Lord, but they may not know how fasting fits into that journey. As we read these bible verses about how to fast, let us come with open hearts. We are not fasting to impress anyone. We are fasting to seek God, to depend on Him, and to give Him our full attention. Let us be teachable, prayerful, and ready to learn from His Word.
Matthew 6:16-18
“Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” – Matthew 6:16-18
Bible Verses About How to Fast
Fasting with a sincere heart before God
When we think about bible verses about how to fast, one of the first things we learn is that fasting begins in the heart. God does not want us to fast in a way that makes us look spiritual to other people. He wants us to come before Him with truth, humility, and love. In this first subtopic, we are reminded that fasting is a private act of devotion between us and our Father. It is not a performance. It is a step of trust. When we fast with the right heart, we are saying, “Lord, You matter more than food, comfort, or attention.” That kind of fasting helps us grow closer to God in a real and lasting way. It teaches us to care more about His approval than the applause of people. It also gives us peace, because we no longer have to pretend. We can be honest with God about our hunger, our weakness, and our needs. A sincere fast opens the door for spiritual growth. It reminds us that God sees what others cannot see. Even when no one notices our sacrifice, the Lord notices. He values our quiet faithfulness. As we read these bible verses about how to fast, let us remember that true fasting is not about showing off. It is about drawing near to God with an open heart, a humble spirit, and a desire to be changed by His love.
Matthew 6:16-18
“Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” – Matthew 6:16-18
Isaiah 58:5
“Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?” – Isaiah 58:5
Joel 2:12
“Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:” – Joel 2:12
Zechariah 7:5
“Speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh month, even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, even to me?” – Zechariah 7:5
Psalm 35:13
“But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.” – Psalm 35:13
Fasting as a way to humble our souls
Bible verses about how to fast often connect fasting with humility. This is because fasting reminds us that we are not in control of everything. We need God every day. When we choose to fast, we are giving up something good, like food, for something greater, like God’s presence and guidance. That choice helps us see our own weakness and God’s strength. Humility is not about thinking less of ourselves; it is about thinking more clearly about God and our need for Him. Fasting can soften our hearts and make us willing to listen, obey, and change. It can help us stop depending on our own plans and start trusting the Lord’s wisdom. In this journey, we learn that our souls need more than meals. They need mercy, truth, and God’s living word. Fasting also teaches us self-control, which is important in our walk with Christ. When we humble ourselves, we make room for God to lift us up in the right time. This subtopic matters because many people want answers from God, but humility helps us ask the right way. We come not with pride, but with surrender. We come not with demands, but with trust. As we read these bible verses about how to fast, let us be reminded that a humble heart is a strong heart in God’s hands.
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” – James 4:10
Psalm 69:10
“When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach.” – Psalm 69:10
Ezra 8:21
“Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.” – Ezra 8:21
Daniel 9:3
“And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:” – Daniel 9:3
Psalm 109:24
“My knees are weak through fasting; and my flesh faileth of fatness.” – Psalm 109:24
Fasting joined with prayer
One of the clearest lessons in bible verses about how to fast is that fasting and prayer go together. Fasting without prayer can become only an empty habit. But when we fast and pray, our hearts become focused on God. Prayer gives words to our longing, and fasting shows our seriousness. Together, they help us seek the Lord with greater attention. When we pray during a fast, we are not just skipping meals. We are spending that time talking to God, listening for His leading, and asking for His help. This helps us grow in faith because we begin to depend on Him more fully. We also learn to wait on God instead of rushing ahead in our own strength. Fasting and prayer can bring calm to an anxious heart. They can guide us in decisions, protect us from confusion, and remind us that God is near. This is why so many believers through the Bible used fasting in seasons of need, sorrow, and decision. They knew God could hear them. We can have that same confidence. As we study these bible verses about how to fast, let us remember that prayer is the voice of faith, and fasting is the expression of that faith in action. Together, they help us seek God with all our heart.
Acts 13:3
“And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” – Acts 13:3
Acts 14:23
“And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.” – Acts 14:23
Daniel 9:3
“And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:” – Daniel 9:3
Ezra 8:23
“So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.” – Ezra 8:23
Nehemiah 1:4
“And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,” – Nehemiah 1:4
Fasting in times of repentance and return
Bible verses about how to fast also show us that fasting is often linked to repentance. Repentance means turning away from sin and turning back to God. It is not just feeling bad; it is changing direction. Fasting helps us do that because it slows us down and makes us honest about our hearts. When we fast in repentance, we are saying, “Lord, we need Your mercy. Clean us, restore us, and help us walk in Your ways.” This is a beautiful and serious part of our walk with God. We all need moments when we stop, reflect, and return to Him with fresh sincerity. Fasting can make us more aware of the things that pull us away from God. It also helps us feel His kindness, because He receives humble hearts. In the Bible, entire groups of people fasted when they wanted to return to the Lord. Their fast was a sign that they were not satisfied with empty religion. They wanted real change. We can learn from that example in our own lives. When we fast, we can ask God to forgive us, renew us, and give us clean hearts. These bible verses about how to fast remind us that God welcomes repentant people. He does not turn away those who come back to Him in humility and faith.
Joel 2:12
“Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:” – Joel 2:12
Jonah 3:5
“So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.” – Jonah 3:5
Jonah 3:7
“And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water:” – Jonah 3:7
Daniel 9:5
“We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments:” – Daniel 9:5
2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14
Fasting for direction and wisdom
When we study bible verses about how to fast, we find that fasting can help us seek direction and wisdom from God. Life brings many choices, and not all of them are easy. Sometimes we need more than our own ideas. We need the Lord to show us the right path. Fasting helps quiet the noise around us so we can listen more carefully. It is like making room for God’s voice in a busy world. When we fast for direction, we are saying that we trust God’s wisdom more than our own understanding. That is a powerful act of faith. It helps us avoid rushing into decisions and instead wait on the Lord with patience. In the Bible, God’s people fasted when they needed to know what to do next. They were not using fasting as magic. They were using it as a way to seek God with focus and trust. We can do the same. Whether we need help with family decisions, ministry choices, work issues, or personal challenges, God can guide us. As we read these bible verses about how to fast, let us remember that the Lord is a wise Shepherd. He knows where we should go, and fasting helps us lean in closer to hear Him.
Ezra 8:21
“Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.” – Ezra 8:21
Acts 13:2
“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.” – Acts 13:2
Judges 20:26
“Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God, and wept, and sat there before the LORD, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.” – Judges 20:26
Acts 13:3
“And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” – Acts 13:3
2 Chronicles 20:3
“And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.” – 2 Chronicles 20:3
Fasting for God’s help in hard times
Life can bring trouble, fear, and heavy burdens, and bible verses about how to fast show us that fasting is a strong response in hard times. When we face danger or deep pain, fasting helps us turn our eyes away from panic and toward God’s power. It does not mean we pretend the problem is small. Instead, it means we believe God is bigger than the problem. Fasting in hard times is an act of dependence. We are saying, “Lord, we need You now.” This kind of fasting can happen when we are sick, brokenhearted, confused, or afraid. It can also happen when our family, church, or nation needs God’s help. In those moments, fasting helps us gather our thoughts and bring our need before the Lord with seriousness. It is not about controlling God. It is about surrendering to Him. We rest in the truth that He hears us. He is close to the humble and near to the brokenhearted. These bible verses about how to fast encourage us not to give up when life gets hard. Instead, we can seek God with both prayer and fasting, trusting that He can strengthen us, guide us, and carry us through. In the middle of trouble, fasting becomes a way to say, “We are still looking to You, Lord.”
Esther 4:16
“Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.” – Esther 4:16
2 Chronicles 20:3
“And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.” – 2 Chronicles 20:3
Psalm 109:24
“My knees are weak through fasting; and my flesh faileth of fatness.” – Psalm 109:24
Jonah 3:5
“So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.” – Jonah 3:5
Ezra 8:23
“So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.” – Ezra 8:23
Fasting that leads to God’s mercy and forgiveness
Bible verses about how to fast show that God is merciful to people who seek Him with honesty. Fasting does not earn forgiveness like a paycheck. God’s grace is a gift. But fasting can help us come into the light and ask for that mercy with a humble spirit. When we fast, we learn to admit when we have gone the wrong way. We also remember that God loves to restore what sin has damaged. His mercy is big enough for our failures. In Scripture, fasting often appears when people are crying out for forgiveness, healing, or spiritual renewal. This tells us something important: God welcomes broken and repentant hearts. He is not waiting to shame us. He is waiting to bring us back. That is good news for all of us. Fasting can help us slow down long enough to confess, listen, and receive God’s grace. It can clear away pride and make room for healing. As we read these bible verses about how to fast, let us remember that the Lord is near to those who call on Him in truth. He loves to forgive, cleanse, and make us new. When we fast with repentance and faith, we are placing ourselves under His loving care.
2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14
Joel 2:13
“And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.” – Joel 2:13
Nehemiah 9:1
“Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them.” – Nehemiah 9:1
Daniel 9:9
“To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him;” – Daniel 9:9
Psalm 35:13
“But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.” – Psalm 35:13
Fasting as worship and seeking God’s presence
Fasting is not only for problems; it is also a way to worship God and seek His presence. Bible verses about how to fast remind us that our deepest hunger should be for the Lord Himself. When we set aside food for a time, we make space to enjoy God more fully. This kind of fasting helps us worship with greater focus and love. It teaches us to treasure His presence above temporary comfort. In worship, we turn our attention from ourselves to God. Fasting supports that by removing distractions and helping our hearts stay close to Him. We can use fasting to praise, sing, pray, read Scripture, and quietly rest in the Lord. This brings joy, even if the fast is hard at times. Our hunger becomes a reminder that God alone satisfies the soul. The Bible shows us that fasting can be part of devoted worship, not just emergency help. It can be a holy habit that shapes our lives. As we reflect on these bible verses about how to fast, let us remember that seeking God is never wasted time. When we hunger for Him, He blesses us with His nearness, peace, and strength. Fasting can help us love Him more deeply and worship Him more sincerely.
Luke 2:37
“And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.” – Luke 2:37
Acts 13:2
“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.” – Acts 13:2
Psalm 63:1
“O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;” – Psalm 63:1
Psalm 42:2
“My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?” – Psalm 42:2
Psalm 27:4
“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.” – Psalm 27:4
Fasting in times of mourning and deep sorrow
Sometimes bible verses about how to fast show us that fasting is connected to grief and sorrow. When our hearts are heavy, fasting can be a way to bring that pain before God instead of carrying it alone. It helps us slow down, reflect, and remember that the Lord is near to those who mourn. Fasting in sorrow is not pretending everything is fine. It is a sincere way of saying, “God, we need Your comfort.” In the Bible, people fasted when they were grieving, when they had lost something important, or when they needed help in a painful season. This shows us that God is not far from our tears. He receives our sorrow with care. Fasting can help us process grief in a holy way. It can keep our hearts tender and open before the Lord. It can also lead us to hope, because even in sorrow, God is still good. As we read these bible verses about how to fast, let us remember that mourning does not mean faith is gone. Sometimes mourning and faith walk together. In fasting, we bring both our pain and our trust to God. He can carry what we cannot.
2 Samuel 1:12
“And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.” – 2 Samuel 1:12
Nehemiah 1:4
“And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,” – Nehemiah 1:4
Psalm 35:13
“But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.” – Psalm 35:13
Matthew 9:15
“And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.” – Matthew 9:15
Luke 5:35
“But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.” – Luke 5:35
Fasting with faith for ministry and calling
Bible verses about how to fast also show that fasting can help us move forward in ministry and calling. When God is sending people into a task, fasting helps prepare the heart. It reminds us that ministry is not built on human effort alone. It is powered by God’s Spirit. Fasting can help us listen for direction, receive courage, and stay humble as we serve. It can also help churches and believers make wise choices together. In the Bible, leaders fasted when appointing others, sending workers out, or preparing for God’s work. That tells us fasting is not only personal; it can also bless the whole body of Christ. When we fast for ministry, we are asking God to lead, provide, protect, and bless the work of our hands. We are saying that we want His plan more than our own ideas. This brings unity and strength. It helps us stay focused on the kingdom of God instead of our own recognition. As we read these bible verses about how to fast, let us remember that God uses surrendered people. When we fast with faith, we open the door for Him to work through us in powerful ways.
Acts 13:3
“And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” – Acts 13:3
Acts 14:23
“And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.” – Acts 14:23
Acts 13:2
“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.” – Acts 13:2
Judges 20:26
“Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God, and wept, and sat there before the LORD, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.” – Judges 20:26
Ezra 8:23
“So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.” – Ezra 8:23
Final Thoughts
As we finish these bible verses about how to fast, I hope we remember that fasting is not about looking better than others. It is about drawing closer to God with a humble and willing heart. We have seen that fasting can help us repent, pray, worship, make decisions, and trust God in hard times. It is a gift that helps us slow down and listen to the Lord.
When I think about fasting, I see a loving invitation from God to depend on Him more fully. We do not fast in our own strength alone. We fast with faith, prayer, and надежда in His goodness. Even when fasting feels hard, God meets us there. He sees our hearts, hears our prayers, and strengthens our walk with Him.
May we use fasting in a wise and prayerful way. May our hearts stay tender, our minds stay clear, and our spirits stay close to the Lord. As we keep seeking Him, we can trust that He will guide us, bless us, and help us grow.
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
