Fasting and prayer are powerful spiritual disciplines that help us draw closer to God, seek His will, and strengthen our faith. Whether you’re fasting for breakthrough, healing, direction, or simply to deepen your relationship with the Lord, Scripture is a vital part of the journey. God’s Word brings clarity, encouragement, and focus during times of fasting.
In this post, we’ll explore 15 Bible verses to read during fasting and prayer. These verses will inspire, comfort, and guide you as you humble yourself before the Lord and seek His presence with a focused heart.
Key Takeaways Before We Begin
- Fasting is not about self-denial alone—it’s about spiritual renewal and deeper intimacy with God.
- Prayer and Scripture are essential to any fast, helping align your heart with God’s.
- These verses can be used for meditation, reflection, and declaring truth during your fast.
- The Bible provides both encouragement and instruction for a meaningful time of fasting.
15 Bible Verses to Read During Fasting and Prayer
1. Matthew 6:17-18
But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;
That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
Explanation:
Jesus reminds us that fasting is a private act of devotion. It’s not for show—it’s about intimacy with God and seeking Him sincerely.
2. Isaiah 58:6
Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
Explanation:
True fasting goes beyond food. It’s about breaking chains, releasing burdens, and living with compassion and justice.
3. Joel 2:12
Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning.
Explanation:
God calls His people to return to Him wholeheartedly during times of crisis or repentance. Fasting becomes a way to express our full surrender.
4. Ezra 8:23
So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.
Explanation:
This verse shows how fasting and prayer moved God’s heart. When done in humility and faith, fasting brings divine attention and help.
5. Psalm 35:13
But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.
Explanation:
Fasting is an act of humility. David used fasting to express sorrow and lift up others in prayer during hard times.
6. Acts 13:2-3
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Explanation:
The early church fasted to hear from the Holy Spirit. Fasting helps prepare us to hear God’s voice and receive direction.
7. Daniel 9:3
And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes.
Explanation:
Daniel sought God with intensity and humility. This verse reminds us that fasting is a powerful way to seek God’s mercy and guidance.
8. Nehemiah 1:4
And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven.
Explanation:
Nehemiah responded to devastating news with prayer and fasting. It’s a way to carry our grief and concerns straight to God.
9. Matthew 4:2
And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
Explanation:
Jesus Himself fasted to prepare for ministry. His example shows us the power of fasting to overcome temptation and grow in spiritual strength.
10. James 4:8
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Explanation:
Fasting helps us get closer to God. This verse is a reminder that when we take one step toward Him, He takes one toward us.
11. 2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Explanation:
This verse is often quoted during fasts for revival or national healing. God promises restoration when we seek Him with humility and repentance.
12. Luke 5:16
And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.
Explanation:
Jesus often stepped away from the crowds to fast and pray. Fasting involves pulling away from distractions to focus fully on the Father.
13. Jonah 3:5
So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.
Explanation:
This verse shows how fasting can be part of repentance on both personal and community levels. God responded to their humility with mercy.
14. Psalm 63:1
O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.
Explanation:
Fasting creates a hunger for God—not just physically, but spiritually. This verse expresses the deep longing for His presence.
15. Mark 9:29
And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
Explanation:
Jesus said some spiritual breakthroughs require fasting. When we face difficult battles, fasting can be the key to unlocking victory.
Final Thoughts: Fasting That Draws You Near to God
These Bible verses to read during fasting and prayer are spiritual fuel for your journey. Whether you’re fasting for clarity, breakthrough, healing, or simply to know God more deeply, His Word will sustain you. Fasting is not about impressing God—it’s about inviting Him closer, emptying ourselves so He can fill us more.
Let these verses shape your prayers and strengthen your spirit as you seek Him.
What About You?
Are you currently fasting and praying for something specific?
Which of these verses stood out to you or brought you comfort?
Share your experience or favorite scripture in the comments. Your journey may encourage someone else who’s seeking God through fasting.