Fasting and Prayer: A Biblical Guide to Seeking God's Will |

Discover the power of fasting and prayer to deepen your relationship with God and seek His guidance in your life. Learn biblical principles, types of fasts, and practical tips to start your spiritual journey today.

Have you ever felt stuck at a crossroads, unsure of which way to turn? Maybe you’ve been praying for clarity in a decision, but the answers feel just out of reach.

Or perhaps your heart longs to draw closer to God, to feel His presence more intimately, and to understand His purpose for your life. If any of that resonates with you, you’re not alone.

Fasting and prayer are powerful tools that help us align our hearts with God’s will. They are not about earning His favor or twisting His arm to get what we want but about humbling ourselves, quieting the noise around us, and tuning our hearts to hear His voice.

In this post, we’ll explore what fasting and prayer really mean. We’ll talk about why they are so important in seeking God’s will and how you can approach them with faith and expectation.

Whether you’re new to the idea or looking to deepen your practice, you’ll find encouragement, practical tips, and biblical examples to guide you.

Let’s dive in and discover how fasting and prayer can open the door to God’s guidance and bring us closer to His heart.

In This Post

What is Biblical Fasting and How Does it Work?

Biblical fasting is the intentional act of abstaining from food or certain comforts for a period of time to focus on seeking God.

It’s a spiritual discipline seen throughout Scripture, practiced by individuals like Moses, Esther, and Jesus, as well as entire communities. Fasting isn’t about punishing ourselves or earning God’s favor. It’s a way of prioritizing Him above our physical needs and desires.

When we fast, we acknowledge our dependence on God, turning to Him for strength, guidance, and wisdom. By setting aside distractions and filling that space with prayer and Scripture, we create an opportunity to hear His voice more clearly.

Fasting is often paired with specific requests, like seeking God’s direction, interceding for others, or confessing sin.

In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus assumes His followers will fast, reminding us to do so with sincerity and humility. It’s not about outward appearances but a heart posture before God.

Fasting works by redirecting our focus. Every hunger pang or denied comfort reminds us to seek God instead. As we do, He draws near, giving us clarity, peace, and a deeper understanding of His will. Through fasting, we experience His presence in transformative ways.

How to Fast Biblically

Fasting biblically begins with a heart prepared to seek God above all else. It’s not about checking off a spiritual box but entering a sacred space of surrender and reliance on Him. Here are some practical steps to fast in a way that honors God:

Pray and Plan: Before fasting, seek God in prayer and determine the purpose of your fast. Are you asking for direction, interceding for someone, or seeking spiritual renewal? Decide on the type of fast, such as abstaining from food entirely, skipping certain meals, or giving up specific comforts (e.g., social media or entertainment).
Set a Timeframe: Whether it’s a day, a week, or another period, choose a timeframe that aligns with your spiritual goals and physical health.
Replace with Prayer and Scripture: Use the time you’d normally spend eating or engaging in the activity you’re fasting from to pray, worship, and study God’s Word. Fasting without prayer is simply dieting!
Fast with Humility: As Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:16-18, avoid drawing attention to your fast. Keep your focus on God, not on how others perceive you.
Listen and Respond: Be attentive to God’s voice during your fast. He may reveal His will through Scripture, a sense of peace, or unexpected clarity.

Through fasting, you’ll grow closer to God, allowing Him to transform your heart and align your desires with His perfect will.

How to Prepare for Fasting and Prayer

Preparation is key to a meaningful biblical fast. Start by seeking God in prayer, asking Him to guide your heart and clarify your purpose.

What are you fasting for—direction, breakthrough, or deeper intimacy with Him? Identifying your focus will anchor your fast in faith.

Next, plan your fast thoughtfully. Decide what type of fast you’ll undertake (e.g., a full fast, partial fast, or giving up specific comforts) and how long it will last. Consider your physical health and responsibilities as you set realistic goals.

Prepare spiritually by reading Scripture about fasting, such as Isaiah 58, Matthew 6:16-18, and Daniel 9. Meditate on these passages to align your heart with God’s desires. (I’ve included some more helpful Bible verses at the bottom of this post.)

Finally, approach your fast with humility and anticipation. Trust that God will meet you in this sacred time, guiding and strengthening you as you seek His will.

Fasting Dos and Don’ts

Fasting and prayer are powerful tools for spiritual growth, but they require the right heart posture and approach. Here are some essential dos and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do:

Pray Consistently: Replace the time you’d spend eating or engaging in other activities with prayer and worship. Fasting without prayer misses the point.
Stay in the Word: Use Scripture to guide your prayers and draw closer to God. Passages like Isaiah 58 and Matthew 6 provide wisdom about fasting.
Fast with Humility: Approach fasting with a heart focused on God, not on seeking attention or approval from others.
Be Physically Wise: Choose a fast that suits your health and lifestyle. If necessary, consult a doctor before fasting, especially for extended periods.
Journal Your Experience: Document what God reveals during your fast, including answered prayers or personal insights.

Don’t:

Make It About Appearance: Avoid flaunting your fast or seeking praise from others. As Jesus said, keep your fast private (Matthew 6:16-18).
Focus on the Rules: Fasting isn’t about rigid rules; it’s about connecting with God.
Neglect Your Body: Don’t ignore signs of physical distress. Take care of yourself as you seek God spiritually.

By focusing on God and following these principles, your fast can become a transformative experience of His presence and guidance.

15 Bible Verses About Fasting and Prayer

Fasting is a time to draw closer to God, seek His guidance, and align our hearts with His will. During your fast, turning to Scripture can provide strength, encouragement, and clarity.

These Bible verses to read while fasting offer powerful reminders of God’s promises and the purpose behind fasting and prayer. Let His Word guide you as you seek Him.

Matthew 6:16-18 – “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 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.”
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?”
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:”
Ezra 8:23 – “So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.”
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.”
Daniel 9:3 – “And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:”
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,”
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.”
Matthew 4:2 – “And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.”
Esther 4:16 – “Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.”
2 Chronicles 20:3 – “And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.”
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.”
1 Corinthians 7:5 – “Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.”
Luke 2:37 – “And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.”
Mark 9:29 – “And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.”

These verses are powerful reminders of how fasting and prayer align us with God’s purposes and open the door to His guidance and blessings.

We find encouragement to carry on when we read Bible stories about how God’s people fasted and prayed.

4 Fasts Mentioned in the Bible

Fasting is mentioned throughout the Bible. It’s a powerful tool to connect with God. Fasting, in general, is abstaining from food. It might be all foods or particular types of food, such as sugar.

Fasting may also include abstaining from some sort of entertainment or activity. Fasting allows us to remove our focus from something (like food), in order to focus on God.

Fasts are mentioned often in the Bible, as it was a more common practice then. Here are four fasts that are mentioned in the Bible.

Remember, these are just examples of fasts. They are not necessarily meant to be followed. And you should never begin an extended fast without consulting a doctor.

Esther Fast

In Esther 4, Queen Esther and the Jewish people fasted for three days and nights, seeking God’s intervention to save them from destruction. Esther and her people fasted from all food and water. This fast is often associated with dire situations requiring divine breakthroughs and courage.

Note: It is dangerous to fast for long periods of time without water. Please do not do this!

Elijah Fast

After a period of despair, Elijah fasted for 40 days and nights while traveling to Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19). This fast demonstrates how God sustains us physically and spiritually when we are weary or in need of a fresh encounter with Him.

The Elijah fast is often used for renewal or restoration.

Daniel Fast

The Daniel Fast involves abstaining from rich foods, such as meat and wine, and consuming only simple, plant-based foods. In Daniel 10:2-3, Daniel fasted for three weeks, seeking understanding and humility before God. This fast is often chosen to focus on spiritual growth and discipline.

Jesus’ Fast in the New Testament

Jesus’ 40-day fast in the wilderness is one of the most profound examples of fasting in the Bible. Found in Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus fasted completely, consuming no food, as He prepared for His earthly ministry. During this time, He faced intense temptation from Satan but remained steadfast by relying on God’s Word for strength and victory.

This fast demonstrates the power of fasting for spiritual preparation, clarity, and fortitude against temptation. Jesus’ example teaches us that fasting aligns us with God’s will, equips us to resist the enemy, and prepares us for the work He has called us to do.

Conclusion

Fasting and prayer are powerful tools that deepen your relationship with God, align your heart with His will, and open the door to His guidance and blessings. Whether you’re seeking direction, breakthrough, or simply a closer walk with the Lord, fasting is a meaningful way to focus on Him and tune out the distractions of the world.

If you’re feeling called to fast, remember that it’s not about perfection but about pursuing God with humility and sincerity.

Start small, prepare your heart, and trust God to meet you in this sacred time. Be encouraged by the examples of biblical fasting, from Esther’s courage to Daniel’s discipline, Elijah’s renewal, and Jesus’ victory.

God honors those who seek Him with their whole hearts. As you step into this journey of fasting and prayer, lean on His strength, meditate on His Word, and listen for His voice.

Trust that He will reveal His will and draw you closer than ever before. You are not alone in this journey—God is with you every step of the way.

Fasting and Prayer: A Biblical Guide to Seeking God’s Will