Bible Verses About Fasting That Will Strengthen Your Faith

Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline mentioned over 70 times in Scripture, both in the Old Testament and New Testament. It means abstaining from food, drink, or other comforts for a temporary period to seek God’s will. This practice is not just about skipping meals but about slowing down, reflecting, and becoming more intentional in our devotion. Many churches, individuals, and Christian communities have practiced fasting as a way to grow in faith, gain clarity, and strengthen their relationship with God.

Jesus taught about fasting in Matthew 6:16-18, reminding His followers not to use it as a way to appear holy before others but to seek God humbly in private. In Ezra 8:21-23, the people fasted and prayed for protection and guidance, and God listened and responded. Fasting is not about self-righteousness or suffering; instead, it is about trusting in God, seeking His grace, and drawing closer to Him through prayer and scripture.

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The True Purpose of Fasting: Becoming Fully Dependent on God

Many self-proclaimed believers approach fasting as a way to test their physical endurance, but the true purpose runs much deeper. It is a call to be fully dependent on God, letting go of earthly pleasures like food, coffee, or even social media. This ancient Christian practice is not about merely skipping meals or enduring difficult challenges but about offering our ordinary lives as an honest act of worship.

Jesus emphasized this discipline in Matthew 6:16-18, teaching His followers not to fast for show, like the hypocrites, but to seek their Father in secret, where their reward would come from Him alone. In Ezra 8:21-23, the people fasted and petitioned God for guidance, and He answered their prayer.

This act of surrender is not just a routine but a transformative way to stay intentional in our faith, breaking away from excess and reminding ourselves of the spiritual disciplines that keep us close to God.

Key Bible Verses About Fasting

Old Testament Verses on Fasting

Fasting has been an important spiritual practice since ancient times. Moses fasted for forty days on Mount Sinai while receiving the commandments, showing complete dependence on God (Exodus 34:28). David fasted in deep repentance after his sin, pleading for his child’s life (2 Samuel 12:16).

The Israelites, led by Ezra, fasted and prayed for protection before a dangerous journey, trusting that God would guide and deliver them (Ezra 8:21-23). These examples highlight that fasting was often tied to seeking God’s mercy, guidance, and forgiveness.

Joel 2:12
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

This verse reminds us of the true purpose of fasting—not just skipping meals but seeking God with a fully dependent heart. It is a call to honest repentance, not just an outward religious act.

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.”

Esther led a communal fast, seeking God’s protection in a desperate time. This shows how fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that can bring breakthroughs when facing difficult challenges.

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’s fasting was a deep act of devotion, showing that sometimes, we need to sit still in God’s presence and seek His guidance before taking action.

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.”

This verse highlights public fasting as a way for churches and individuals to unite in seeking God’s will. It’s not just a personal practice but a way to bring communities together in prayer and humility.

Ezra 8:23
“So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.”

Ezra and his people fasted before a long journey, trusting God for safety and protection. Their prayer was answered, showing that fasting helps us depend on God’s guidance in times of uncertainty.

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?”

This verse explains that true fasting is not just about abstaining from food but also about taking action—helping the poor, fighting injustices, and living a righteous life.

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.'”

Jesus taught that fasting shifts our focus from earthly pleasures to spiritual nourishment. Just as food sustains the body, God’s Word sustains the soul.

Ezra 8:21-23
“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’s fasting was an act of humility, acknowledging that their safety depended not on human strength but on God’s protection.

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’s fasting was a sign of deep repentance and seeking God’s wisdom. His example shows that fasting is a way to draw closer to God and seek His guidance.

Isaiah 58:6-8
“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.”

This verse reveals the spiritual benefits of fasting—healing, righteousness, and God’s presence. When done with the right heart, fasting brings breakthroughs in our lives.

Joel 2:12-13
“Return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments.”

This verse emphasizes that fasting is not just about the outward practice but about a heartfelt return to God.

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.'”

The Israelites fasted as a sign of repentance. This verse shows how fasting can help us confess and turn away from sin.

Judges 20:26-28
“Then all the Israelites, the whole army, went up to Bethel, and there they sat weeping before the Lord. They fasted that day until evening and presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the Lord.”

During times of uncertainty, the Israelites fasted and prayed, seeking God’s wisdom before making important decisions.

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.”

Daniel’s partial fast teaches that fasting is not always about completely abstaining from food—it can also involve giving up comforts to focus on God.

Jonah 3:5
“The Ninevites believed in God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.”

Even an entire city turned to God through fasting and repentance, showing that fasting can lead to transformation on a large scale.

Nehemiah 9:1-2
“On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth and putting dust on their heads.”

The people of Israel practiced fasting as a way to show humility and return to God.

2 Chronicles 20:3-4
“Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.”

When facing danger, King Jehoshaphat called for a nationwide fast, demonstrating that fasting is a powerful act of trust in God’s help.

Joel 2:15-16
“Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly.”

This verse highlights that fasting was not just an individual practice but a community-wide spiritual discipline.

Jeremiah 36:6
“So you go to the house of the Lord on a day of fasting and read to the people from the scroll the words of the Lord that you wrote as I dictated.”

Here, fasting is paired with Scripture, showing that reading God’s Word should be part of the fasting experience.

Jeremiah 36:9
“In the ninth month of the fifth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, a time of fasting before the Lord was proclaimed for all the people in Jerusalem and those who had come from the towns of Judah.”

This verse shows that fasting was not just an individual act but a communal one. People gathered in public fasting to seek God’s guidance and show their dependence on Him.

Daniel 9:2-3
“In the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years. So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.”

Daniel’s fasting was an act of seeking God’s will through Scripture. He understood the importance of aligning his prayers with God’s word, showing that fasting and Bible reading go hand in hand.

Daniel 9:3-5
“So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed: ‘Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws.'”

Daniel’s fasting was deeply connected to repentance. He acknowledged sin and sought God’s mercy. This shows that true fasting is not just about abstaining from food but about a heartfelt return to God.

Daniel 9:20-23
“While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and making my request to the Lord my God for his holy hill—while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. He instructed me and said to me, ‘Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding.'”

Daniel’s fasting and prayer led to a supernatural response. God sent an angel to give him wisdom and revelation, proving that fasting can open spiritual doors and bring divine clarity.

Ezra 8:22-23
“I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, ‘The good hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.’ So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.”

Ezra’s fasting was an act of trust. Instead of relying on human protection, he and his people depended on God’s safety. Their prayer was answered, showing that fasting strengthens faith and invites God’s intervention.

Jonah 3:5-8
“The Ninevites believed in God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. When Jonah’s warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat down in the dust. This is the proclamation he issued in Nineveh: ‘By the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let people or animals, herds or flocks, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. But let people and animals be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence.'”

Even an entire city—from the king to the people—humbled themselves through fasting. This shows the transformative power of fasting in bringing repentance and turning away from sin.

Esther 4:3
“In every province to which the edict and order of the king came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping and wailing. Many lay in sackcloth and ashes.”

When faced with danger, the Jews turned to fasting as a sign of surrender and dependence on God. This shows that fasting is a powerful spiritual response in times of trouble.

Esther 4:15-16
“Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: ‘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.'”

Esther’s fasting before approaching the king shows that fasting can prepare us for difficult decisions. It builds spiritual strength and trust in God, reminding us that He is in control.

New Testament Verses on Fasting

In the New Testament, Jesus set the ultimate example by fasting for forty days in the wilderness, resisting temptation and showing that true strength comes from God’s Word (Matthew 4:2). The early church practiced fasting and prayer when making important decisions, such as appointing elders in Acts 14:23.

Jesus also taught that fasting should not be done for show, but in secret, where the Father will reward those who fast with a humble heart (Matthew 6:16-18). These verses remind us that fasting is a powerful discipline that draws us closer to God, deepens our faith, and strengthens our spiritual journey.

Matthew 17:20-21
“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

Jesus emphasized the power of fasting in overcoming spiritual battles. Some challenges require deeper faith, which grows through prayer and fasting. This verse shows that fasting strengthens faith and brings breakthroughs that seem impossible.

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.'”

Jesus taught that fasting is not just a religious routine but a spiritual discipline done at the right time. While He was present, His followers didn’t need to fast, but after His departure, fasting would become an important part of their spiritual journey.

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.”

The early church leaders practiced fasting when making important decisions. This shows that fasting helps believers seek God’s guidance and trust Him in their spiritual leadership.

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.”

Jesus taught that fasting should be done with humility and not for show. He promised that God rewards those who fast with the right heart, focusing on spiritual growth, not public recognition.

Luke 2:36-38
“There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.”

Anna’s dedication to fasting and prayer shows that it is a lifelong discipline that deepens our relationship with God. It also highlights how fasting is an act of worship and devotion.

Acts 13:2-4
“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.”

Through fasting and prayer, the Holy Spirit gave clear direction to the early church. This shows that fasting helps believers hear God’s voice and prepare for new spiritual assignments.

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 practiced a partial fast, avoiding certain foods for a period of three weeks. This verse shows that fasting is not just about skipping meals but about self-discipline and spiritual focus.

Matthew 17:21
“But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

Jesus reinforced that some spiritual battles require fasting. This verse highlights that fasting and prayer together bring supernatural power to overcome strongholds.

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.”

The early church used fasting as a way to seek God’s direction. It was an intentional practice that helped believers align with God’s will before making major decisions.

Mark 9:29
“He replied, ‘This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting.'”

Jesus emphasized that fasting is necessary for spiritual warfare. Some strongholds cannot be broken by prayer alone but require fasting for greater power and breakthrough.

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.”

Anna’s dedication to fasting shows that it is not just for specific needs but also a way to stay close to God and live a life of worship.

James 4:8-10
“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

This passage highlights that fasting is an act of humility. It helps believers draw closer to God, seeking His grace and transformation.

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.”

Fasting isn’t just about food; it can also involve abstaining from other activities to focus on prayer. This verse shows the importance of setting aside time for spiritual growth.

Acts 13:1-2
“Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul. 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.'”

This verse highlights that fasting was a normal practice in the early church. It helped believers hear God’s voice and prepare for important spiritual missions.

Why Is Fasting Important in Christianity?

Fasting is more than just abstaining from food; it is a way to show dependence on God and seek His guidance. Throughout the Bible, people fasted during times of decision-making, repentance, and seeking miracles. In Ezra 8:23, the Israelites fasted and petitioned God for protection, and He answered them.

In Isaiah 58:6-7, true fasting is described as a way to break the yoke of oppression, help the poor, and draw near to God with a humble heart. It is a time to let go of earthly distractions, whether food, social media, or even shopping, and focus on what truly sustains us—God’s Word.

Jesus Himself practiced fasting, as seen in Matthew 4:4, where He reminded us that we do not live by bread alone but by every word from God. The early church, including the disciples and prophets, often fasted before making important decisions (Acts 13:2-3).

Today, many Christians continue this discipline during Lent, personal spiritual journeys, or special periods of seeking God’s will. Whether done privately or as a community, fasting is a transformative act that brings clarity, strength, and a closer relationship with God.

Types of Fasting in the Bible

The Bible describes different types of fasting, each with a unique purpose and spiritual significance. One of the most intense is the absolute fast, where a person goes without food or water for a short period. Esther 4:16 records how Queen Esther and the Jews fasted for three days before she approached the king to plead for her people.

This type of fast requires deep trust in God and is usually done in times of urgent need. A partial fast, like the one observed by Daniel in Daniel 10:3, involves restricting certain foods rather than completely abstaining from eating. Daniel avoided meat and wine for three weeks, focusing instead on seeking God’s wisdom and revelation.

A supernatural fast is when someone is sustained by God beyond normal human limitations. Moses fasted for forty days and nights on Mount Sinai without food or water while receiving the commandments (Exodus 34:28). This type of fast is rare and only possible through divine strength. Lastly, a corporate fast involves an entire group, such as a church, nation, or community, coming together for a common purpose.

In Jonah 3:5-10, the people of Nineveh, from the king to the poorest, fasted in repentance, and God relented from sending destruction. These fasting practices show that whether private or communal, each fast is a way to seek God, trust in Him, and experience spiritual breakthrough.

How to Fast According to the Bible

Before starting a fast, it’s important to prepare both spiritually and mentally. Fasting is not just about skipping meals but about focusing on God with a humble heart. Begin by setting a clear purpose—whether seeking guidance, repentance, or spiritual renewal. Pray and ask God for strength, as fasting can bring both physical challenges and spiritual breakthroughs.

The Bible does not give a fixed time for fasting. Some fasts last a day, while others, like Jesus’ forty-day fast (Matthew 4:2), are much longer. The length of your fast should align with what you feel led to do and what is sustainable for your health and daily life.

There are important dos and don’ts when fasting. Do stay hydrated if your fast allows, and use this time for prayer, reading scripture, and seeking God. In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus warns against making a show of fasting—true fasting should be done with a sincere heart, not for recognition. Avoid excessive self-denial that could harm your health and instead focus on spiritual growth. Most importantly, always pair your fasting with prayer.

In Ezra 8:23, the Israelites fasted and prayed, and God answered their prayers. Fasting without prayer is simply going hungry—but with prayer, it becomes a powerful act of faith, leading to clarity, strength, and a closer relationship with God.

Common Misconceptions About Fasting

Many people believe that fasting makes God answer prayers more quickly, but the Bible does not teach this. Fasting is not a way to force God to act but a practice that helps us grow in faith, humility, and dependence on Him.

In Ezra 8:23, the Israelites fasted and prayed, and God answered, but the key was their trust in Him, not just the act of fasting. God listens to prayers whether or not a person is fasting, but fasting helps remove distractions and allows us to focus more deeply on His will.

Another common misconception is that fasting is only about food. While the Bible often mentions abstaining from food, people can also fast from other earthly pleasures, such as social media, shopping, or even coffee. The purpose is to remove anything that distracts us from God. Lastly, some think that fasting should be publicly displayed, but Jesus taught in Matthew 6:16-18 that fasting should be done privately, not to show off.

God rewards those who fast with sincerity, not those who seek recognition. Whether done publicly in a community or privately, the true focus of fasting should always be to draw closer to God.

The Spiritual Benefits of Fasting

Fasting is more than just giving up food; it is a powerful way to deepen your relationship with God. When we fast, we remove earthly distractions and focus fully on God’s presence. This practice helps us become more dependent on Him, just as Jesus demonstrated during His forty-day fast (Matthew 4:2).

By spending more time in prayer and reading scripture, we open our hearts to God’s guidance and grow in faith. Many believers find that fasting brings clarity, allowing them to hear God’s voice more clearly and experience spiritual breakthroughs.

Fasting also builds self-discipline and strengthens our ability to resist temptation. In Matthew 4:4, Jesus reminded us that we do not live by bread alone, but by God’s Word. When we deny ourselves physical comforts, we train our hearts to seek God’s will above all else.

This is especially important in spiritual warfare, where fasting can be a weapon against evil influences. In the Bible, people fasted in times of great struggle, seeking God’s power to overcome challenges. By practicing fasting, we grow stronger in faith, develop courage, and stand firm in righteousness.

Fasting and Modern Christianity

Many wonder if fasting is still necessary for Christians today. The Bible shows that fasting was an important part of spiritual life for Jesus, the disciples, and many believers throughout history. While fasting is not a requirement for salvation, it remains a powerful way to grow closer to God and develop self-discipline.

In a world full of distractions, modern believers can use fasting to refocus on their faith and seek God’s guidance. Whether it’s fasting from food, social media, or other earthly comforts, the purpose is to remove distractions and spend more time in prayer and scripture.

Many believers have shared powerful testimonies about the impact of fasting on their spiritual journey. Some found clarity in making important life decisions, while others experienced breakthroughs in areas of struggle.

A member of one church shared how a corporate fast led to miraculous answers to prayer, while another person found peace during a difficult time by fasting and seeking God’s will. These stories remind us that fasting is not just an ancient practice, but a transformative tool that still brings blessings, strength, and deeper faith in today’s world.

Conclusion

Fasting is a powerful way to grow closer to God, strengthen faith, and gain spiritual clarity. While it may seem difficult at first, the Bible reminds us that God rewards those who seek Him (Matthew 6:16-18). Whether you choose to fast from food, social media, or other comforts, the key is to do it with a sincere heart and a desire to draw nearer to God. If you have never tried fasting, start with a small commitment and ask God for guidance. Just as Jesus fasted and found strength, you too can experience the transformative power of fasting in your spiritual journey.

Prayer for Fasting

Heavenly Father, I come before You with a humble heart, seeking Your guidance as I begin this fast. Help me to focus not on what I am giving up, but on drawing closer to You. Give me the strength to overcome any challenges and the wisdom to understand Your will. May this time of fasting deepen my faith, bring clarity, and strengthen my spirit. I trust that You will provide peace, grace, and renewed strength as I seek You with all my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

FAQs

1. How long should I fast according to the Bible?
   The Bible does not give a fixed length for fasting. Some fasted for a day (Judges 20:26), while others, like Jesus, fasted for forty days (Matthew 4:2). The key is to seek God’s guidance and fast for a period that aligns with your spiritual goals and physical health.
2. Can I drink water while fasting?
   Yes, most biblical fasts allow for water, except for absolute fasts, where people went without food and water for a short time (Esther 4:16). Staying hydrated is important, especially during longer fasts.
3. Is fasting only about giving up food?
   No, fasting can also mean giving up social media, entertainment, or anything that distracts from spending time with God. The purpose is to deny the flesh and focus on spiritual growth.
4. Will fasting make God answer my prayers faster?
   Fasting does not force God to respond, but it helps us align our hearts with His will. Many in the Bible fasted during times of seeking guidance or breakthroughs (Ezra 8:23), and God responded according to His timing.
5. Can I fast if I have medical conditions?
   If you have health concerns, consider modified fasts, such as partial fasting (Daniel 10:3) or fasting from non-food distractions. Always consult a doctor before starting a food-related fast.