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Books on fasting and prayer can help us greatly in our life as we learn how to pray in a new way.
Fasting may be one of the most neglected spiritual disciplines in our lives as believers but once you know and experience the power of fasting and prayer, your life will never be the same again.
Ultimately as Christians, we want to have an intimate relationship with God, and worshiping, studying the Bible, praying, and fasting help us do that.
The Lord wants us to recognize the value of fasting and how it awakens and revives us while empowering us to grow spiritually. You can fast and pray for a financial breakthrough, your marriage, relationships, your purpose and direction in life, or even the church and world events.
While we know the importance of fasting and prayer this is not an easy practice and we need all the help we can get. That’s where these 10 best books on fasting and prayer come in.
You’ll understand why we should fast according to God’s word, get practical advice on how to fast, and be inspired and encouraged on this transformational journey.
What is Fasting?
Fasting means abstaining from something for a period of time. This may be solid food, water, social media, or secular music. Biblical fasts specifically focus on going without food and water.
However, not eating or drinking for medical reasons, weight loss, or because you don’t have food or water is not biblical fasting.
Fasting accompanies praying and shows total dependence on God. If you’re planning to fast for the first time, you may be surprised that your mind will be consumed with that one thing you can’t have.
So, you need to fill that time with learning and meditating on God’s word. You’ll experience a spiritual attack and feel hungry and weak. That’s when you need to call on the holy spirit in prayer to strengthen you so you can experience successful fasting.
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ has some guidelines on how we should fast.
“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair[a] and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
God is not impressed with public fasts. He doesn’t want us to do it for people’s admiration. As far as possible, no one should know that you’re fasting. The God you’re connecting with in private will reward you publicly and he assures us of that.
We see the power of fasting with some Biblical examples.
Acts 13:2 ESV
“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.”
Esther 4:16 ESV
“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.”
God moves, speaks and we hear his voice when we fast and pray. Even God’s people saw his hand when they fasted with Esther and this changed the course of history.
The Benefits of Fasting with Prayer
The practice of fasting has many benefits. When we’re fasting and praying according to the Bible, we experience spiritual breakthroughs and even fresh purpose and direction.
We’re able to defeat the devil and pull down strongholds as it’s the key that unlocks the power of God.
There is greater spiritual power for the Christan who desires to get closer to God and commits to the journey. It shows that you hunger and thirst for more of God and you’ll find your satisfaction in him.
When we practice biblical fasting, we see God’s face as we devote ourselves to Him and show dependence on him.
The truth is food will continue to be an idol if we don’t learn to bring it under the lordship of Jesus Christ.
But he answered, “It is written,
“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Matthew 4:4 ESV
10 Best Books on Fasting and Prayer
This great list has some excellent resources that will inspire you to start thinking, prioritizing, and practicing this spiritual discipline.
One piece of advice when you read these best books on fasting and prayer, is to put them into practice. Start fasting as you’re reading and you’ll see the book’s impact and power.
You’ll experience the blessing awaiting those believers who will pray and fast according to God’s will. Your faith will be strengthened and your life will never be the same again.
Now for the amazing list of books!
Fasting, Opening the door to a deeper, more intimate, more powerful relationship with God
Packed with insightful information about the benefits of fasting, Fasting, Opening the door to a deeper, more intimate, more powerful relationship with God by Jentezen Franklin is a New York Times Bestseller is an easy read and a must-have in your collection of Christian fasting books. The author does a great job of laying out the Biblical reasons why fasting is one of the most practical tools for spiritual growth.
If this is your first fast you’ll be inspired by the testimonies of those who’ve practiced biblical fasting and experienced spiritual breakthrough. You will savor every moment of this book as Jentezen Franklin encourages Christians to embrace a lifestyle of fasting.
Shaping History Through Prayer and Fasting by Derek Prince
In this inspiring book, Derek Prince encourages us as Christians to consider fasting and the gift of prayer as spiritual disciplines that can shape the world. We are called for such a time as this to make a difference in our society even without a position, power, or money.
The book details the foundations of prayer and fasting, and their influence through the course of history in America. The fantastic author takes us through his transformational journey and personal spiritual experience.
The Biblical examples of fasting and how it led to deliverance and change are sure to strengthen your faith in God. This book will help us as Christian trust in God’s work in our personal lives.
A Hunger for God (Redesign): Desiring God through Fasting and Prayer by John Piper
This profound book helps us understand that our spirits truly long and crave God. The spiritual discipline of fasting increases our appetite for God as John Piper says in this great read, “between the dangers of self-denial and self-indulgence is this path of pleasant pain called fasting.”
This practical book will show you that fasting and praying get to God’s heart and call him to move in your life, your family, your community, and the world at large. It will awaken and revive your spiritual life through the theology and purpose of biblical fasting.
Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough: A Practical Guide to Nine Biblical Fasts by Dr. Elmer Towns
In this enlightening book, Dr. Elmer Towns breaks down the biblical reasons for fasting using facts and scriptures. You don’t have to read the entire book in one go but rather start with understanding different types of fasts in the Bible in a bible study manner.
The book goes into detail about the 9 fasts in the Bible such as the Elijah fast, Esther, Ezra fast, Daniel fast, and the disciples fast.
Atomic power with God through Fasting and Prayer by Franklin Hall
You’ll love this detailed and life-transforming book which is a 2016 reprint of the book which was first published in 1950. It’s still as relevant today as it was then. You’ll get insight and guidance about living a life of surrendering to the Lord through spiritual fasting and praying.
Franklin Hall does a splendid job of breaking down the dos and don’ts of fasting as well as basic steps of how to begin and break a fast effectively. With powerful testimonies from those who’ve fasted and seen results, this is one of the best available books on the topic of fasting.
7 Basic Steps to Successful fasting and prayer by Dr. Bill Bright
This excellent book provides simple basic steps for beginning and ending your fast, suggests a practical plan for prayer, and offers an easy-to-follow daily nutritional schedule.
While it can be read in an hour, there’s so much spiritual wisdom packed in the book and you can carry it in your pocket or handbag and refer to it over and over again.
Dr. Bill Bright provides insight into purposeful and meaningful fasting while educating the reader about physical preparation for fasting by reducing eating so as not to hurt your body, and how to resume eating after your fast.
Because it’s short, you can study it in small groups and together learn the practice of fasting. It’s a great guide to successful fasting.
Intercessor by Norman Grubb
We learn about the real-life experiences of Rees Howells in this amazing and life-changing prayer book. This is one of those great books which provides a personal experience about how the Holy Spirit can have an impact on those who surrender to his leading.
Even in a difficult situation such as World War II, we learn from Rees’s exemplary life about the power of giving up your comfort zone and being a true intercessor who changes events and nations.
You’ll never look at this war the same again as you’re encouraged by how God performed miracles, and intervened in it.
This truth-filled, heart-warming, and compelling story is a must-read for Christians who want to be inspired in their faith and experience spiritual renewal. You’ll surely be inspired to pray differently and effectively.
A Complete Guide to Biblical Fasting by Ted Shuttlesworth Jr.
This classic book about the power of biblical fasting is well-written and profound. The author breaks down the benefits of fasting spiritually, mentally, and physically. You’ll learn how fasting and prayer are powerful tools that provoke God’s interaction in our lives today.
Ted shares his testimony and how he overcame physical temptations. He manages to answer every single question you’ve had about fasting making this one of the best books to add to your spiritual collection.
A Wife’s 40-Day Fasting and Prayer Journal by Kaylene Yoder
Any wife who wants to take praying for her husband to the next level and needs a structured prayer plan should get this refreshing book. This is one of the best available books which is designed to bring wives to the feet of Jesus through prayer and other spiritual disciplines.
The holy spirit-filled devotional readings, heartfelt prayers to pray over your husband, scripture writing, prayer journaling prompts, and fasting options at the end of each chapter will help you place your marriage in the hands of the One who designed it.
Each day will equip you with practical wisdom, open communication with the Father, and encourage greater faith, dependency, and growth in Him. The scripture is insightful and writing out the verses that accompany each prayer is also great for storing them in your memory.
This prayer tool encourages us to pray for our marriages and families daily. Not only can you use the book to intercede for your husband but for your father, brother, and even church leaders too.
Fervent by Priscilla Shirer
Inspired by the film War Room comes this excellent resource and prayer guide from a New York Times bestselling author. It’s one of my absolute favorite books on prayer and it’s a good idea to study this practical and purposeful prayer book as a small group and benefit from God’s word together.
Whether you need to have a more effective and consistent prayer life, a revival in your prayer life or to be properly equipped for the spiritual battles we face as believers, this is a perfect read.
You’ll learn spiritual practices such as claiming the promises of God in your life, forgiveness, maintaining peace, rest, and contentment.
Priscilla lays out the facts about our enemy and how to use the hidden power of prayer to strike back. She goes on to address the 10 areas in a woman’s life which affect us most such as refocusing their identity, dealing with relentless regrets, navigating impossible schedules, weathering their worst fears, and more.
Fasting and praying effectively may seem like a drastic change in your life if you’ve never done it but God will give you the strength and wisdom to complete it.
Knowing why we pray and fast, how to do it, and when is not enough. To be an effective Christian, you need to put the knowledge in these 10 best books on fasting and prayer into daily practice.
A life of consistent fasting helps you trust in God and develop a closer relationship with him. Never underestimate the power of prayer and put it on the back burner. God moves and speaks when we do his will.
