50 Important fasting prayer bible verses (With Explanation)

Today we will talk about fasting prayer bible verses. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through Gods word. Fasting and prayer are spiritual practices that help us draw near to God, seek His will, and humble our hearts. In this study we will explore what the Bible says about fasting and prayer, why we fast, how we fast, and how fasting connects with prayer. As we read, let us keep our minds soft and our hearts open. We will look at examples from both the Old and New Testaments. We will see honest people who fasted in times of sorrow, decision, and celebration. We will also see Jesus and the early church showing us how to combine fasting with prayer. Our hope is that these fasting prayer bible verses will encourage us and help us grow closer to God. Let us learn together, pray together, and practice fasting in a way that pleases the Lord. May our quiet times of hunger and prayer bring spiritual clarity, healing, and revival to our lives and to our communities.

fasting prayer bible verses

Key Verse

Let us hold one verse close as a key that opens the rest of our study on fasting prayer bible verses. This verse reminds us how God wants us to fast with care and true motive. Keep it in your heart as we read the subtopics that follow.

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”

fasting prayer bible verses

Why We Fast

When we think about fasting prayer bible verses, we ask: why does God ask us to fast? We find many reasons in Scripture, and we see that fasting is not a religious duty only, but a spiritual practice that shapes our hearts. We fast to humbly seek God, to express sorrow over sin, to clear away distractions so we can hear God’s voice, and to show dependence on Him. In our group journey we have learned that fasting helps us remove the noise of daily comfort and focus on the Lord. It makes our prayers more earnest and attentive. Fasting also reminds us that our strength and priorities come from God, not from food or routine. As we fast together, we learn to turn from self-sufficiency and lean into God’s power. The fasting prayer bible verses show us examples: Jesus fasting to prepare for ministry, prophets fasting to seek God’s direction, and communities fasting to repent. We should not fast to impress others, but to realign our hearts. Fasting helps us bring hidden needs into the light before God. It changes our prayers from casual requests to deep petitions. When we practice fasting with prayer, God often grants clarity, healing, or renewed commitment. These verses teach us that the motive matters. We want our fasting to be an honest expression of longing for God, not a way to earn favor or gain recognition. In this way our fasting becomes a sacred act of worship that draws us closer to the Father.

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 58:6

“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? – Isaiah 58:6”

Joel 2:12-13

“Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning. 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 2:12-13”

Matthew 4:1-2

“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. – Matthew 4:1-2”

Mark 9:29

“And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting. – Mark 9:29”

fasting prayer bible verses

Fasting and Prayer Together

We often link fasting with prayer because the Bible pairs them as a spiritual rhythm. When we study fasting prayer bible verses, we see that fasting sharpens our prayers and prayer gives fasting its purpose. Together they form a discipline that helps us seek God more fully. In our shared experience, when we fast and pray we sense a different kind of listening. We stop feeding the body for a time so we can feed the soul. We also recognize that fasting without prayer is incomplete; the physical denial must point to spiritual dependence. Scripture shows leaders and communities combining fasting with prayer when facing big choices or battles. We read of prophets who fasted and prayed in desperation, and of the early church fasting and setting apart leaders. In our groups we gather to pray and sometimes we also choose to fast together, to show unity and dependence on God. This strengthens our petitions because we bring our whole selves—mind, body, spirit—into seeking God. Fasting and prayer also remind us that God is able to act beyond natural means. Yet we always fast with humility, asking God to move in His way, not to force His hand. The fasting prayer bible verses teach us humility, patience, and expectation. As we practice this pairing, our prayers often grow more specific and our hearts more surrendered.

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 8:21-23

“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. So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us. – Ezra 8:21-23”

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”

Acts 13:2-3

“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. Who, when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, sent them away. – Acts 13:2-3”

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”

fasting prayer bible verses

Fasting for Repentance and Humility

When we look at fasting prayer bible verses about repentance, we see a theme of turning back to God. Fasting often accompanies confession and sorrow over sin. In our lives we have found fasting to be a humble posture that helps us face our failures honestly. It strips away the excuses and brings us to a place of clear repentance. The Bible records whole cities and nations who fasted, put on sackcloth, and cried out to God. They did not do this as a ritual only; they did it as a sign that their hearts had changed. As we fast together, we remind one another that humility opens the door for God’s mercy. We also learn that repentance must be real—God looks for a changed heart, not only outward signs. The fasting prayer bible verses show us leaders and common people who fasted to plead for forgiveness and restoration. When we fast in repentance, we posture ourselves to be healed and renewed. Let us use fasting as a way to humble our hearts, confess sin, and receive God’s grace. Our fasting becomes meaningful when it leads to practical change, kindness to others, and a deeper walk with God. We do this not to earn favor, but to seek God’s cleansing presence and a fresh start.

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”

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”

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”

1 Samuel 7:6

“And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the Lord, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the Lord. – 1 Samuel 7:6”

Nehemiah 9:1

“Now in the first day of the seventh month ye shall gather yourselves together, and bring the children of the captivity, and enter into a covenant with the Lord your God, and on that day shall ye read the law of the Lord your God, and shalt confess the sins of your fathers, and of your own sin: and the LORD is not far from you. – Nehemiah 9:1”

fasting prayer bible verses

Fasting for Guidance and Decision Making

In the Bible we read cases where people fasted as they sought direction from God. When we face big decisions, fasting prayer bible verses encourage us to slow down and seek the Lord’s wisdom. In our experience, fasting helps clear the clutter of daily life and brings calm to our minds. We stop depending on our own plans and ask God to lead. Often, leaders in Scripture fasted before choosing people for ministry or before sending out workers. This shows us that decisions carry spiritual weight and deserve a humble approach. Fasting does not guarantee a sign, but it helps us posture our hearts to listen more carefully. As we fast and pray together, we sense a greater sensitivity to God’s voice and to one another’s counsel. Fasting is a discipline that reminds us our choices should be shaped by prayer and by God’s Word, not by haste or pressure. We also learn patience; sometimes answers come gradually. The fasting prayer bible verses teach us to seek God first in matters both small and large, trusting that He will guide our steps when we truly seek Him.

Acts 13:3

“And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. – Acts 13:3”

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”

Psalm 109:24

“My knees are weak through fasting; and my flesh faileth of fatness. – Psalm 109:24”

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”

Matthew 17:21

“Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. – Matthew 17:21”

fasting prayer bible verses

Corporate and Public Fasting

We are a people who sometimes fast together. The Bible calls communities to fast in times of crisis, mourning, or urgent need. When we read fasting prayer bible verses about corporate fasting, we see leaders proclaiming fasts so the whole nation or town would humble themselves. In our own circles we have seen the power of unified fasting and prayer: it brings focus, unity, and a sense that we are asking God together. Corporate fasting shows solidarity with those in need and honors God as the true source of help. It can also move leaders to take responsible action and to listen more carefully to God’s guidance. The Old Testament has examples where kings and prophets called fasts until God answered. The New Testament records gatherings where the church fasted to seek God’s will for missions and leadership. When we fast together, we remember our dependence on God as a community, not just as individuals. We also learn to support one another; some members fast while others pray, and all share the burden. Corporate fasting is a way we declare before God that we want His direction for our group and for the wider world.

Joel 2:15

“Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: – Joel 2:15”

Joel 1:14

“Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders, all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the Lord your God, and cry unto the Lord. – Joel 1:14”

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”

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”

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 prayer bible verses

Biblical Examples of Extended Fasts

Some of the fasting prayer bible verses describe long fasts—days, weeks, even forty days. We read about Moses, Elijah, Daniel, and Jesus who undertook long seasons without food for a specific spiritual purpose. In our study we notice that extended fasts often come at turning points: before receiving a revelation, during intense mourning, or in preparation for major ministry. Extended fasting is not about proving toughness; it is about deep dependence on God. When we read these passages together, we are reminded that significant spiritual seasons sometimes require longer times of focused devotion. Yet extended fasts should be entered into wisely, with prayerful thought and often with medical or spiritual counsel if needed. The Bible shows that these fasts produced clarity, strengthened faith, and often led to direct encounters with God. For our lives, even short fasts can have strong spiritual results. But reading about long fasts encourages us to honor God with serious devotion when His call requires it. As a community we respect the discipline and seek God’s timing for extended devotion, always trusting His sustaining grace.

Exodus 34:28

“And he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread nor drink water. – Exodus 34:28”

Matthew 4:1-2

“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. – Matthew 4:1-2”

Luke 4:2

“Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. – Luke 4:2”

Daniel 10:2-3

“In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. – Daniel 10:2-3”

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”

fasting prayer bible verses

Spiritual Benefits and Rewards of Fasting

Reading fasting prayer bible verses helps us see spiritual benefits that come when we fast with right motives. Scripture links fasting with God answering, healing, and restoration. In our shared life we have seen fasting bring clarity, deeper worship, and renewed passion for God. The Bible promises that when we humble ourselves and seek God, He will draw near and act on our behalf. Fasting can break strongholds, loosen the bondages that keep us from walking in freedom, and bring justice and mercy to those in need. It also revives our compassion; when we fast, we become more aware of others’ suffering. The rewards are not always instant, and sometimes they come in changed hearts rather than quick fixes. But the fasting prayer bible verses assure us that God sees our private devotion and responds in ways that honor Him. These benefits include guidance, strengthened faith, and spiritual renewal. As we fast, we grow in dependence, and we find that God’s presence becomes our greatest reward.

Isaiah 58:8

“Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy reward. – Isaiah 58:8”

Isaiah 58:11

“And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. – Isaiah 58:11”

Psalm 69:10

“When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach. – Psalm 69:10”

Mark 9:29

“And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting. – Mark 9:29”

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”

fasting prayer bible verses

When to Fast – Specific Situations

The Bible gives examples of times to fast, and those examples help us decide when we might fast today. In our life together we have fasted in times of sorrow, when facing big decisions, during seasons of repentance, and when interceding for others. Fasting prayer bible verses point to urgent needs (like national danger), personal crises (like grief), and times of preparation (like before a mission). We also see fasting for thankfulness and in times of worship. When we read these verses, we notice that the motive matters: we fast to seek God, not to manipulate outcomes. Our community learns to ask the Holy Spirit whether a fast is timely and helpful. Sometimes God leads individuals to fast alone; sometimes He calls a whole church. The Bible shows both private and public fasts, and each has a purpose. We want to be sensitive to God’s timing. If we are uncertain, we can pray and ask the Lord to show whether fasting will clarify His will or strengthen our prayers. The fasting prayer bible verses give us wisdom and examples for choosing the right time to fast.

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”

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”

1 Corinthians 7:5

“Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. – 1 Corinthians 7:5”

Joel 2:15

“Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: – Joel 2:15”

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 prayer bible verses

How to Fast – Attitude and Heart

As we read fasting prayer bible verses about how to fast, we learn that attitude matters most. Fasting is not a show for others; it is a way to humble our hearts before God. In our practice we focus on sincerity, mercy, and justice. The Bible warns against fasting that is only outward form. Instead, God values a heart that seeks justice, cares for the needy, and turns from evil. When we fast, we should also maintain a spirit of worship and joy, not gloom. Our fasting should lead to loving action and to a deeper dependence on God. In groups we remind each other to check motives and to let fasting produce compassion. Scripture gives practical guidance: fast in secret if the motive is private, involve others when the community is seeking God together, and always combine fasting with prayer and reading Scripture. The fasting prayer bible verses guide us to fast in ways that honor God and bless others.

Isaiah 58:6-7

“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? – Isaiah 58:6-7”

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”

Zechariah 7:5-6

“Say unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and in the seventh month, even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, even to me? And when ye did eat, and when ye did drink, did not ye eat for yourselves, and drink for yourselves? – Zechariah 7:5-6”

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 9:14-15

“Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? 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 9:14-15”

fasting prayer bible verses

Obstacles, Encouragement, and Perseverance

Fasting prayer bible verses also speak to the challenges we face. We may feel physical weakness, spiritual dryness, or discouragement. Yet Scripture encourages us to persevere. In our journey we help one another through the hard parts. We remind each other that fasting is not meant to be a test of endurance alone; it is a season of reliance on God. When we encounter temptation or weariness, we turn to prayer, Scripture, and supportive companions. The Bible gives examples where people fasted through struggle and saw God’s help at the end. We also find encouragement in promises that God hears humble prayer and honors secret devotion. Perseverance in fasting is shaped by patience and trust. We do not give up at the first sign of difficulty. Instead, we look for what God is doing, and we stay faithful. These fasting prayer bible verses remind us that God is with us in the struggle, and that our perseverance often leads to breakthrough.

2 Samuel 12:16

“Then David besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth. – 2 Samuel 12:16”

Psalm 109:24

“My knees are weak through fasting; and my flesh faileth of fatness. – Psalm 109:24”

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”

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”

Acts 13:2-3

“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. Who, when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, sent them away. – Acts 13:2-3”

Final Thoughts

I have shared many fasting prayer bible verses to help us understand this spiritual discipline. We read examples from prophets, kings, Jesus, and the early church. We learned that fasting is about humility, seeking God, and aligning our hearts with His purposes. Fasting is not a show but a secret place where God meets us.

We practiced looking at reasons to fast, the right attitudes, and how fasting links with prayer. We saw times to fast for repentance, guidance, or corporate need. We also learned that perseverance matters and that God rewards sincere devotion.

As we go forward, let us fast prayerfully, humbly, and with clear motives. Let us support one another and seek God’s wisdom about when and how to fast. May these fasting prayer bible verses guide our hearts and draw us closer to the loving Father we seek.

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