17 Uplifting Prayers When Fasting Based on the Bible

Fasting is about more than the food—or lack thereof! When we fast, it's vital to engage the Word of God, stay in an atmosphere of worship, and pray without ceasing. Fasting increases our physical and spiritual hunger. Truly, fasting fuels our prayer life, and the fuel for prayer is God's Word. When Jesus faced temptation after forty days of fasting, Jesus answered, "It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4)

Understanding Biblical Fasting

In the Word of God, we see many biblical accounts of fasting. This spiritual discipline is defined as abstaining from food for a period of time for the purpose of humbling oneself, repenting, and/or seeking the Lord. Fasting is an ancient practice rooted in devotion, repentance, and deepening your connection with the Lord. Biblical fasting emphasizes surrendering physical comforts to focus on spiritual growth, self-reflection, and the pursuit of righteousness.

To understand the practice better, here is a comparison of motivations and benefits:

  • Biblical Fasting: Driven by a spiritual calling; emphasizes surrendering physical comforts to focus on spiritual growth and the pursuit of righteousness.
  • Intermittent Fasting (IF): Grounded in scientific and health-related considerations; aimed at optimizing physical well-being, weight management, and enhanced longevity.

When we enter into prayer and fasting as a Christian discipline, we are led by the Holy Spirit and keep our eyes on Jesus. We are seeking God's mercy, righteousness, and insight, while remaining obedient to the fasting and prayer principles we see in God's Word.

Bible Verses to Pray While Fasting

There are many Bible verses about fasting. The following scriptures highlight times of seeking God, repentance, mourning, humbling, freedom, and protection:

  • Isaiah 58:6 - "Is this not the fast which I choose, To loosen the bonds of wickedness, To undo the bands of the yoke, And to let the oppressed go free And break every yoke?"
  • Matthew 6:16-18 - "But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by people, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you."
  • Joel 2:12 - "Yet even now," declares the LORD, "return to Me with all your heart, And with fasting, weeping, and mourning."
  • Psalm 35:13 - "But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled my soul with fasting, And my prayer kept returning to my bosom."
  • Acts 13:2-3 - "While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away."
  • Daniel 9:3 - "So I gave my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes."
  • Ezra 8:23 - "So we fasted and sought our God concerning this matter, and He listened to our entreaty."

Prayers to Prepare Your Heart for Fasting

Before you fast, you want to prepare yourself physically. This includes consulting your doctor, educating yourself on the process of fasting, and adjusting your diet in the days leading up to your fast. You also want to prepare spiritually, and here are some fasting prayers for preparation.

Prayer to Prepare for a Time of Fasting and Prayer

Heavenly Father, I humbly come before you and consecrate this time of fasting to you. I commit to fast from _______ (what you are fasting from) for _______ (length of time). I lay all my fears and anxieties at your feet, trusting you to sustain me throughout my fast. I will live by the Word of God and declare that your unfailing love is priceless, and I take refuge in the shadow of your wings (Psalm 36:7). My intentions and prayer requests for this fast are _______ (make a list). I submit these to you, along with the process of fasting, and have confidence, according to 1 John 5:14, that if I ask anything according to your will, you hear me.

Spiritual Warfare: Prayer and Fasting Overcomes Demonic Forces

When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit. His disciples asked Him privately, ‘Why could we not cast it out?’ So He said to them, ‘This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.’

Today's Prayer: Lord, grant me the discernment I need to help others find freedom from demons and all evil forces in this world. Use me to free them and help them find eternal freedom available through Jesus. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.