Fasting and prayer are powerful spiritual disciplines that draw us closer to God. Whether you’re fasting for direction, breakthrough, repentance, or intimacy with the Lord, Scripture is your lifeline during the journey.
God’s Word provides the strength, focus, and clarity needed while you seek Him through self-denial and spiritual hunger.
Below are 15 powerful Bible verses to read while fasting and praying, each followed by a brief explanation to help you stay spiritually grounded, encouraged, and aligned with God’s heart during your fast.
Why Read Scripture During Fasting?
- It strengthens your spirit while your flesh is weakened.
- It keeps your focus on God, not your discomfort.
- It reminds you of God’s promises, power, and purpose.
- It opens your heart to hear His voice more clearly.
15 Bible Verses for Fasting and Praying
1. Matthew 6:16–18
When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do… But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face… your Father… will reward you.
Explanation:
Jesus teaches that fasting is between you and God. Fast with a humble and joyful heart, trusting God to see and reward your sincerity.
2. 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…
Explanation:
True fasting isn’t just abstaining from food—it’s aligning with God’s heart for justice, compassion, and freedom.
3. Joel 2:12–13
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments.
Explanation:
Fasting is a call to deep repentance and wholehearted return to God. He wants your heart more than your sacrifice.
4. Ezra 8:23
So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.
Explanation:
Fasting is a way to seek God’s guidance and help. This verse encourages you that God hears and responds when you fast and pray.
5. Psalm 69:10
When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn.
Explanation:
Fasting can be misunderstood or mocked by others. Stay focused on God’s approval, not the world’s opinion.
6. 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.
Explanation:
Daniel sought God with intensity—fasting combined with humble prayer. Let this remind you to seek God with all you are.
7. Acts 13:2
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said…
Explanation:
Fasting opens the door to hearing God’s voice more clearly. It creates space for spiritual sensitivity and divine direction.
8. 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.
Explanation:
Nehemiah fasted before taking bold action. Fasting prepares your heart for vision, courage, and leadership.
9. Psalm 35:13
Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting.
Explanation:
Fasting is an expression of humility before God. It shows dependence on Him and concern for others.
10. 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.’”
Explanation:
During His own fast, Jesus pointed to the power of God’s Word. Let this verse remind you to feast on Scripture.
11. James 4:8
Come near to God and he will come near to you…
Explanation:
Fasting is an intentional way to draw close to God—and He promises to draw near in return.
12. 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…
Explanation:
Fasting paired with prayer and repentance invites healing, restoration, and divine intervention.
13. Mark 9:29
He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting.”
Explanation:
Some spiritual battles require more than prayer—fasting adds power to your intercession and spiritual warfare.
14. Philippians 4:6–7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God…
Explanation:
During your fast, release every worry to God. Let His peace replace your anxiety as you seek Him.
15. Lamentations 3:25
The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him.
Explanation:
God responds to those who seek Him sincerely. Fasting is one way to show Him that He’s your greatest desire.
Final Thoughts: Let the Word Sustain You
While fasting weakens the body, Scripture strengthens the soul. These verses remind you that God sees, hears, and honors your sacrifice when done in faith and humility. Let them be your guide, your comfort, and your strength as you fast and pray.
Call to Action
Are you currently fasting and praying? Which verse stood out to you today? Share your experience or favorite Scripture in the comments—we’d love to encourage one another in the journey of seeking God deeply.