Fasting has been practiced for centuries, both for spiritual and health reasons. Whether you’re fasting for religious observance or exploring intermittent fasting for health, it’s important to approach it mindfully. Listening to your body and understanding the benefits can make fasting a powerful tool for well-being.
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What Does The Bible Say About Fasting
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, put oil on 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.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of fasting from a genuine heart and not for the purpose of seeking recognition or admiration from others. It encourages believers to maintain a joyful demeanor during fasting, as the focus should be on their relationship with God. Fasting is meant to be a private and intimate act of seeking God’s presence and receiving His reward in a spiritual realm.
Fasting helps to deepen one’s spiritual connection and sensitivity to God. It is a voluntary act of self-denial that enables believers to prioritize their spiritual needs over their physical desires. By abstaining from food or other earthly pleasures for a dedicated period, individuals can devote themselves to prayer, seeking God’s guidance, and growing closer to Him.
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.”
This verse shows how fasting was a significant practice in the early church, particularly when it came to important decisions or leadership appointments. Fasting, combined with prayer, played a vital role in seeking God’s will and direction for the selection and consecration of leaders. It demonstrates the recognition that fasting can bring about spiritual discernment and foster a deeper reliance on God’s guidance.
By fasting and praying together, the early believers sought spiritual clarity and sought divine intervention in their decision-making process. It serves as a reminder for believers today to utilize the power of fasting alongside prayer when facing significant transitions or seeking God’s will in their lives and ministries.
Luke 2:37
“…and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.”
This verse speaks of Anna, a devout widow who dedicated herself to God through constant worship, fasting, and prayer. Her commitment to fasting and prayer reveals her deep devotion and dependence on God. Anna’s life serves as a powerful example of the benefits and spiritual growth that can result from a lifestyle of fasting and prayer.
Fasting and prayer can foster a deeper connection with God, enabling believers to seek His presence continually. It demonstrates the importance of setting aside designated times for fasting and prayer, as well as making prayer a regular part of one’s daily life. Anna’s example encourages believers to embrace fasting and prayer as a way to draw closer to God and cultivate a vibrant spiritual life.
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.”
This verse addresses the relationship between married couples and the necessity of temporary abstinence within marriage for the purpose of focused prayer. It recognizes the power of setting aside intentional periods of fasting and prayer, including in the context of marital relationships.
By mutually agreeing to set aside specific times for prayer and fasting, couples can seek God together and prioritize their spiritual growth. This verse also acknowledges the potential challenges and temptations that may arise due to physical desires, emphasizing the importance of self-control and the role that fasting can play in overcoming such temptations.
Joel 2:12
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
This verse encourages believers to wholeheartedly return to God with a spirit of fasting, weeping, and mourning. It emphasizes the need for genuine repentance and remorse for sins. Fasting serves as a physical act of humility and surrender, allowing individuals to express their sorrow and desire for reconciliation with God.
Fasting in this context is a way to seek God’s forgiveness and restoration, acknowledging our need for His mercy and grace. It demonstrates a sincere desire to turn away from sinful behavior and align our lives with God’s will. This verse invites believers to approach God with repentant hearts, utilizing fasting as a means of seeking His forgiveness and experiencing His transformative love.
Ezra 8:23
“So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.”
This verse recounts the story of Ezra and a group of Israelites who fasted and petitioned God for protection during a dangerous journey. Their act of fasting was accompanied by fervent prayer, and as a result, God answered their prayer and granted them safety.
This verse demonstrates the power of fasting and prayer when facing challenging situations or seeking divine intervention. It serves as a reminder that fasting, combined with earnest prayer, can move the heart of God and bring about supernatural intervention in our lives. Just as God responded to the fasting and prayer of Ezra and his companions, He is faithful to answer the cries of His children today when they seek Him with sincerity and faith.
Psalm 35:13
“Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered,”
This verse portrays the psalmist’s response to the illness or suffering of others. In times of distress, the psalmist chooses to humble themselves through fasting, recognizing their dependence on God’s mercy and intervention. It illustrates fasting as an expression of humility and a sincere desire for God’s help and healing.
When faced with unanswered prayers or difficult circumstances, fasting can serve as a physical and spiritual act of desperation and surrender. It demonstrates our recognition that only God has the power to bring about healing, restoration, and deliverance. This verse encourages believers to adopt a humble posture and seek God’s intervention through fasting when faced with challenging situations or when seeking answers that seem elusive.
Psalm 69:10
“When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn;”
This verse describes the psalmist’s experience of enduring scorn and ridicule from others while practicing fasting and mourning. It serves as a reminder that fasting may not always be understood or accepted by the world around us. Sometimes, choosing to fast can invite criticism or rejection from others who do not share the same spiritual understanding.
However, despite the potential disdain or mockery, the psalmist recognizes the significance of fasting and remains committed to it as a means of seeking God’s presence and intervention. This verse encourages believers to persevere in their fasting and not be deterred by the opinions or judgment of others, knowing that the rewards and blessings from God far surpass any temporary discomfort or misunderstanding.
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.”
This verse recounts Queen Esther’s decision to call for a city-wide fast among the Jews in response to an imminent threat to their lives. Esther recognized the power of collective fasting as a means of seeking God’s intervention and protection in a dire situation.
Esther’s fasting demonstrated her courageous faith and readiness to risk her own life for the sake of her people. It serves as a powerful example of fasting as a spiritual weapon against adversity and an act of trust in God’s sovereignty. Esther’s story encourages believers to have unwavering faith in God’s ability to deliver them as they engage in times of individual or corporate fasting for the welfare of themselves and others.
Nehemiah 9:1-3
“On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth and putting dust on their heads. Those of Israelite descent had separated themselves from all foreigners. They stood in their places and confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors. They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the Lord their God.”
This passage describes the collective act of fasting and repentance undertaken by the Israelites. They gathered together, publicly expressing their remorse for their sins and the sins of their ancestors. Through their fasting, they sought God’s forgiveness and turned their hearts back to Him.
This account highlights the corporate aspect of fasting and demonstrates the power of communal repentance and seeking God’s forgiveness. It also emphasizes the significance of aligning one’s life with God’s Word through reading and meditating on Scripture during times of fasting. Nehemiah’s story inspires believers to engage in collective acts of fasting and repentance, recognizing the potential for spiritual growth and restoration that can result from such unified actions.
Matthew 9:14-15
“Then John’s disciples came and asked him, ‘How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?’ 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.”
In this verse, John’s disciples question Jesus about the lack of fasting among His disciples. Jesus explains that during His earthly presence, it is a time of celebration and joy rather than fasting. However, He acknowledges that a time will come when His disciples will fast after His departure.
This verse reminds believers that fasting is a spiritual discipline reserved for specific seasons and purposes. It encourages believers to discern the appropriate times for fasting, understanding that fasting is a response to specific spiritual needs and not simply a routine or religious obligation. Just as Jesus and His disciples knew when to fast, believers are called to seek God’s guidance and wisdom in deciding when and why to engage in this practice.
Daniel 10:2-3
“At that time, I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. 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.”
This verse describes Daniel’s period of intense fasting and mourning. For three weeks, Daniel abstained from rich and pleasurable food, as well as luxurious products for personal care. His fasting was a part of seeking understanding and guidance from God in a particular situation.
Daniel’s example teaches believers about the commitment and sacrifice often associated with fasting. It highlights the willingness to go above and beyond normal daily routines and comforts in order to pursue God’s wisdom and direction. Through Daniel’s devoted fasting, he sought to set himself apart for spiritual communion and divine revelation, demonstrating the transformative power of dedicated fasting.
Isaiah 58:6-7
“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? 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 flesh and blood?”
These verses highlight the true purpose of fasting as desired by God. It goes beyond personal spiritual growth and encompasses acts of justice, compassion, and mercy towards others.
God desires His people to embody compassion and actively work for freedom, justice, and welfare for the oppressed and needy. Fasting is meant to be accompanied by practical acts of love, such as feeding the hungry, caring for the homeless, and clothing the naked. These actions demonstrate the true meaning of fasting—sacrificing personal comforts and resources to show God’s love to those in need. This verse challenges believers to not only engage in personal fasting but also to actively pursue acts of justice and mercy in obedience to God’s command.
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?'”
In this verse, God questions the people of Israel about their motives behind their regular fasting. He challenges them to reflect on whether their fasting was truly done to seek a closer relationship with God or merely as a religious practice.
God desires genuine devotion rather than empty rituals. He is not interested in fasting that is done solely for show or self-righteousness. This verse serves as a reminder for believers today to examine their intentions and motivations when engaging in fasting. It encourages us to ensure that our fasting is done with a genuine desire to draw near to God and seek His will, rather than seeking recognition or using it as a means of appearing religious to others.
Isaiah 58:9
“Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk,”
This verse highlights the connection between fasting and answered prayer. It assures believers that by engaging in true fasting and turning away from sinful behaviors, they will experience a deeper level of communion with God and receive His response to their cries for help.
Fasting is not merely a physical act but also a means of attuning our hearts to God’s voice and aligning our lives with His righteousness. When we remove the yoke of oppression, cease from accusing others, and speak words of kindness, our fasting becomes more meaningful and effective. This verse encourages believers to pursue a fasting lifestyle that leads to genuine transformation and opens the door for God to answer their prayers.
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.”
In this verse, Isaiah describes the blessings that come as a result of sincere fasting. He promises that God’s favor and restoration will shine upon those who fast with right motives. Their light will shine, bringing forth healing, righteousness, and the manifest presence of God.
Fasting has the power to break through spiritual darkness, usher in divine healing, and release God’s favor and protection. It paves the way for God’s glory to be revealed in and through the lives of His people. This verse serves as an encouragement to believers, assuring them that fasting done in the right spirit will yield supernatural outcomes and abundant blessings from the Lord.
Psalm 109:24
“My knees give way from fasting; my body is thin and gaunt.”
These words from the psalmist illustrate the physical effects that fasting can have on the body. The act of fasting can cause weakness, weariness, and physical discomfort. The psalmist’s description reflects the sacrifice and physical strain that can accompany a dedicated period of fasting.
Fasting humbles the body and emphasizes the spiritual over the physical. It reminds believers of their dependence on God, as they temporarily deny their physical needs and desires. This verse encourages believers to be aware of the physical challenges that may arise during fasting, while also recognizing the spiritual benefits and rewards that come from seeking God through this discipline.
Acts 27:9
“Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Day of Atonement. So Paul warned them,”Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.”
In this verse, the apostle Paul refers to the Day of Atonement, a solemn occasion marked by fasting and repentance for the Jewish people. The mention of the Day of Atonement indicates the significance and observance of fasting within the early Christian community, even beyond Jewish customs and practices.
This verse highlights the understanding that fasting can bring spiritual discernment and warning. Paul’s words indicate his sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading and an awareness of the potential dangers ahead. It serves as a reminder for believers to seek God’s guidance through fasting and prayer, recognizing the potential for divine insight and protection in critical situations.
2 Chronicles 20:3
“Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.”
This verse refers to King Jehoshaphat’s response when faced with a formidable attack from enemy nations. In his alarm, he recognized the need to seek God’s intervention and guidance. He proclaimed a fast for the entire nation of Judah, demonstrating his dependence on God and his desire for divine protection.
Like King Jehoshaphat, believers can choose to fast in times of crises or when seeking divine intervention. Fasting can serve as a powerful spiritual weapon in times of great need and serve as a catalyst for God’s deliverance and victory. Furthermore, it demonstrates humility, trust, and an acknowledgment of God as the ultimate source of strength and hope.
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.”
These verses describe Jesus’ experience of fasting for an extended period, preceding His encounter with and ultimate victory over temptation by the devil. Jesus’ forty-day fast in the wilderness demonstrates His complete reliance on God and His preparation for the ministry that lay ahead.
This verse assures believers that Jesus, our model and Savior, understands the significance and challenges of fasting. Just as Jesus relied on God’s strength during His period of fasting, believers can trust that God will sustain them during their own seasons of fasting. Jesus’ example inspires believers to embrace fasting as a means of spiritual preparation, seeking God’s guidance, and receiving His empowerment to resist temptation.
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.”
These verses describe the early believers in Antioch engaging in fasting and prayer as they sought God’s direction and guidance. During a time of worship, the Holy Spirit spoke, revealing His plan for Barnabas and Saul (later known as the Apostle Paul) to be set apart for a specific ministry.
This passage emphasizes the importance of combining fasting and prayer as a means of discerning God’s will and commissioning individuals for specific tasks. It showcases the power of congregational fasting and prayer in the context of corporate worship. The Antioch believers’ example encourages believers today to seek God’s guidance through fasting and prayer, both individually and collectively, as they navigate their unique callings and ministries.
Acts 27:33-34
“Just before dawn, Paul urged them all to eat. ‘For the last fourteen days,’ he said, ‘you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.'”
In this verse, the apostle Paul encourages those aboard a ship that had been caught in a severe storm to eat, having gone without food for an extended period. His words assure them of God’s provision and protection, even in the midst of a life-threatening situation.
This narrative showcases the physical aspect of fasting, highlighting the potential dangers of abstaining from food for extended periods. Paul’s concern for the well-being of the people reveals the need to exercise wisdom and discernment when engaging in fasting. It serves as a reminder that fasting should not be taken to extremes that jeopardize one’s health but rather be approached with balance and consideration for one’s physical needs.