Bible Verses About Fasting

15 Bible verses about fasting

1. "But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

   Jesus wants us to fast quietly for God's eyes only, not to show off to other people.

2. "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?"

   God wants our fasting to lead to love, kindness, and helping people who are treated unfairly.

3. "Yet even now," declares the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;"

   Fasting is a way to show God we are truly sorry for our sins and want to follow Him.

4. "And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry."

   Even Jesus fasted to prepare for His important work, showing us how valuable it is to seek God.

5. "Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off."

   The early church fasted and prayed to ask for God's help before sending helpers out to share the good news.

6. "As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven."

   Nehemiah fasted because he cared deeply about God's people and wanted to ask God for help.

7. "Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes."

   Daniel fasted to show he was serious about asking God for forgiveness and help.

8. "and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night day."

   This verse shows that fasting is a sweet way to worship and spend time with God every single day.

9. "Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish."

   Esther and her friends fasted to ask God for safety before she did something very brave.

10. "Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods."

    Ezra asked everyone to fast to show they trusted God to protect them on their long trip.

11. "And Jesus said to them, 'Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.'"

    Jesus says that His followers will fast to show how much they look forward to His return.

12. "And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed."

    Leaders fasted to ask God to guide and protect the new churches they started.

13. "And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward."

    Jesus warns us not to pretend to be sad just to get attention when we fast.

14. "Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?"

    True fasting should make us want to share what we have and care for those who are poor.

15. "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.'"

    Fasting helps us quiet our minds so we can hear the Holy Spirit directing our lives.

A prayer about fasting

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me so much. Please help me to understand how fasting can help me grow closer to You. When I fast, keep my heart humble and happy. Let it be a special secret between us. Help me to love You more than food or games, and teach me to share Your love with people who are hurting. Thank You for always hearing my prayers. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Common questions

Can kids fast from food?

It is usually best for kids to fast from other things instead of food, like television, video games, or sweets. Since kids are growing, they need healthy meals! Fasting from a favorite game or screen time is a great way to learn how to put God first and spend more time talking to Him in prayer.

How long should a person fast?

The Bible talks about different fasts. Some people fasted for one day, some for three days, and others for longer. There is no set rule! It is best to start very small, like skipping just one meal to pray, and always ask a parent or a wise adult to help you plan it safely.

What should I do while I am fasting?

Instead of eating, use that time to pray, read Bible verses, and sing songs of praise to God. You can tell God how much you love Him and ask Him to help you or other people. The goal is to spend the time you would have spent eating with your Heavenly Father instead.

Does fasting make God love me more?

No, fasting does not make God love you any more than He already does! God loves you perfectly because of what Jesus did on the cross. We do not fast to earn His love or force Him to do what we want. We fast to change our own hearts and grow closer to Him.

What if I get too hungry and eat?

Do not feel sad or guilty! God is a loving Father, and He is not mad at you. Fasting is a practice, and it can be hard at first. If you make a mistake and eat, just thank God for the food, ask Him to keep helping you grow, and try again another time.