30 Important fasting bible verses (With Explanation)

Today we will talk about fasting Bible verses. Many Christians do not fully understand what fasting means and its importance in our spiritual lives. Fasting is not merely about abstaining from food; it’s a time to draw closer to God, to pray, and to seek His will. As we read through these verses together, let’s keep an open heart and mind to what God might be revealing to us. Fasting can deepen our relationship with Him, as it teaches us reliance on His strength and provision. It’s a powerful way to express our faith, our commitment, and our desires to glorify God in our daily lives. Be on the mode of meditation as we explore God’s word and discover the blessings of fasting.

Bible Verses About Fasting

The Purpose of Fasting

In our spiritual journey, understanding the true purpose of fasting is crucial. Fasting goes beyond denying ourselves physical nourishment; it is rooted in our desire to strengthen our relationship with God. By engaging in fasting, we allow ourselves to experience deeper prayer and reflection, inviting God’s transformative power into our lives. We often find that the reasons behind our fasting—whether seeking guidance, healing, or breakthrough—bring us closer to His heart. When we commit to fasting, we express our dependence on God, recognizing that our spiritual sustenance comes from Him alone. Let’s explore these verses that remind us of the purpose of fasting in our spiritual walk.

Joel 2:12

“Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and 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

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 as a Form of Prayer

As we delve deeper into our relationship with God, we find that fasting and prayer go hand in hand. They complement each other beautifully, forming a powerful alliance in our spiritual lives. When we fast, our focus shifts away from earthly things and towards heaven, creating space for intense prayer and communion with our Creator. Fasting helps us to quiet the noise in our lives, allowing God’s voice to be clearer. It’s during these sacred moments that we can experience God’s guidance and authentic presence. Let’s reflect on how fasting as a form of prayer enables us to cultivate an intimate relationship with God.

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 eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.” – Luke 2:37

Acts 14:23

“So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” – Acts 14:23

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

Fasting and Humility

When we fast, we often enter a space of humility before God. It’s within this humility that we find our true selves, acknowledging our limitations and need for His grace. Fasting helps us to remember our dependence on God, pushing aside our pride and self-sufficiency. In this vulnerable state, we can experience God’s mercy and compassion, realizing how gracious He is toward us. Embracing humility during fasting allows us to be authentic before God and receive His guidance. Let’s look at these verses that reflect the theme of fasting and humility, encouraging us to approach God with a humble heart.

Psalms 35:13

“But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting, and my prayer would return to my own heart.” – Psalms 35:13

Psalms 69:10

“When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn.” – Psalms 69:10

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, with all our possessions.” – Ezra 8:21

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

Matthew 6:18

“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 6:18

Fasting for Guidance

In our quest for clarity and direction, fasting can serve as a powerful tool to receive guidance from God. Oftentimes, life’s journey presents us with challenging decisions and choices, leaving us yearning for divine insight. Fasting, paired with prayer, helps us to seek God’s will and remain sensitive to His leading. It brings our hearts into alignment with His desires and allows us to discern His voice amidst the noise. By humbling ourselves through fasting, we open ourselves to the wisdom and discernment God graciously offers. Let’s explore these verses that emphasize fasting for guidance and the blessings of seeking God’s direction through this spiritual discipline.

Exodus 34:28

“Moses was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments.” – Exodus 34:28

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

Luke 6:12

“One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.” – Luke 6:12

Jeremiah 33:3

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” – Jeremiah 33:3

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

Fasting and Repentance

Fasting can be a significant act of repentance in our lives. When we realize we’ve strayed from God’s path or have committed sins, fasting helps us to reflect and turn back to Him with sincerity. It’s an act of confession, bearing our hearts before God and accepting His grace. During fasting, we often come face-to-face with our shortcomings and weaknesses, prompting a genuine desire for change. As we repent, we experience the unburdening of our souls while embracing God’s forgiveness. Let’s explore these verses which highlight the connection between fasting and repentance, encouraging us to seek restoration in our relationship with God.

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

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

Matthew 4:17

“From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” – Matthew 4:17

The Benefits of Fasting

Fasting has numerous benefits that enrich our spiritual lives. As we choose to fast, we not only nurture our relationship with God but also experience personal growth and transformation. Fasting can lead to a cleaner conscience, a clearer mind, and a more focused vision of our identity in Christ. It helps us build resilience in our faith and fosters a spirit of gratitude and reliance on God. As we choose to set aside our cravings, we allow God’s presence to fill us, resulting in renewed strength and purpose. Let’s reflect on these verses that highlight the incredible benefits of fasting in our lives.

Psalms 69:33

“The Lord hears the needy and does not despise his captive people.” – Psalms 69:33

Matthew 5:6

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” – Matthew 5:6

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

Luke 9:23

“Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'” – Luke 9:23

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 and Spiritual Warfare

In our walk with the Lord, we often face spiritual battles that require us to stand firm in faith. Fasting plays a strategic role in spiritual warfare, equipping us with strength and discernment. When we engage in fasting, we not only confront our own weaknesses but also empower our prayers to be more potent against the forces that oppose us. This dedicated time of seeking God helps us to battle against temptations and the enemies of our faith. Let’s explore these verses that exemplify how fasting aligns us with God’s power in overcoming challenges during spiritual warfare.

Matthew 4:1-2

“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 4:1-2

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

Isaiah 58:7

“Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own

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