Prayer for Fasting

Prayer For Fasting

A few years ago, I found myself at a crossroads, both spiritually and personally. The weight of life’s challenges pressed heavily upon my shoulders. Life was so hard.

Seeking clarity and a deeper connection to God, I embarked on a journey of fasting and prayer. Though I anticipated hunger pangs and moments of weakness, I was unprepared for the profound insights and revelations that awaited me.

This prayer for fasting wasn’t just a plea—it became a portal to a deeper understanding of God’s will and my place within His grand tapestry.

In this article, I hope to share the essence of this transformative experience and guide others on their own path of spiritual discovery.

Read the prayer for fasting below.

Prayer For Fasting

Dear Heavenly Father,

In this sacred moment, as I choose to abstain from food, I draw closer to You, seeking Your guidance, strength, and wisdom. I am reminded of how Jesus fasted in the wilderness, leaning on Your word for sustenance and strength. Just as He overcame temptations, I too desire to grow stronger in my faith and resist the world’s distractions.

Lord, as I fast, please guide my thoughts towards You. May this act of sacrifice remind me of the greater sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross. I desire to empty myself, not just of food but of worldly desires, to be filled with Your Spirit.

I pray for my sisters in Christ who are also on this journey of fasting. Strengthen them, Lord, and allow them to feel Your presence in every hungry moment, reminding them that our ultimate nourishment comes from You and Your Word.

Protect my body during this time, Lord. May I be attentive to its needs, but always with a heart set on You. Help me to understand the deeper truths You wish to reveal to me during this period.

May this fast not just be a ritual, but a genuine time of reflection, growth, and communion with You. Help me to emerge from it with a renewed spirit, deeper understanding, and a heart filled with gratitude.

In Jesus’ name, I pray.

Amen.

Related: Complete Guide To Prayer And Fasting

15 Prayer Points For Fasting

Here are 15 prayer points tailored for those observing a period of fasting:

1. Deepening Faith: Father, as I fast, may my faith grow stronger, trusting You more in every season of life.
2. Clarity: Lord, clear my mind and heart of distractions, allowing me to focus entirely on Your presence and purpose.
3. Spiritual Renewal: Refresh and renew my spirit, O God. Let this period of fasting revitalize my relationship with You.
4. Protection: As I weaken physically, Lord, be my strength. Guard me against the snares of the enemy.
5. Wisdom: Father, as I seek You diligently, impart Your divine wisdom unto me. Guide my actions and decisions according to Your will.
6. Release from Bondage: Lord, break any chains of addiction, guilt, or pain holding me back. Set me free through the power of Your love.
7. Intercession for Loved Ones: I lift up my friends and family, asking for Your blessings, guidance, and protection upon them.
8. Healing: Father, I seek healing—be it emotional, physical, or spiritual. Touch every part of me and make me whole.
9. Gratitude: Fill my heart with gratitude, Lord. May I always remember and cherish the blessings You’ve poured into my life.
10. Guidance in Service: Show me how I can serve You and those around me better. Let my actions reflect Your love and kindness.
11. Spiritual Armor: Equip me, O God, with the armor of God, that I may stand strong against the wiles of the devil.
12. Humility: Keep my heart humble, Lord. Let me always remember that all strength and wisdom come from You.
13. Provision: Father, provide for my needs and the needs of my loved ones. Open doors of opportunity and provision in unexpected places.
14. Forgiveness: As I seek Your face, remind me of any unresolved issues or unforgiveness in my heart. Help me to forgive as You have forgiven me.
15. Endurance: Grant me the perseverance to complete this fast with unwavering faith, and may its fruits be evident in my life.

May these prayer points guide and inspire those fasting to draw nearer to God and experience His transformative power.

Related: 12 Bible Verses For Fasting For A Breakthrough

What Is A Good Scripture For Fasting

Here’s a list of 10 scriptural passages related to fasting, paired with a brief explanation of why each is beneficial to meditate upon while fasting:

*Matthew 6:16-18“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. 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.”

Why: This scripture reminds us to fast with a pure heart and not for show. It emphasizes the personal, intimate connection between the faster and God, which is a fundamental reason many choose to fast.

*Isaiah 58:6-8“Is this not the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”

Why: This scripture redefines what true fasting means – it’s not just about abstaining from food but acting in justice and love, a great reflection for our intentions during fasting.

*Joel 2:12“Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.”Why: This verse emphasizes repentance and the heartfelt return to God, reminding us of the spiritual depth and renewal fasting can bring.

*Mark 9:29“And he said to them, ‘This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting.’”

Why: It signifies the power of fasting combined with prayer, emphasizing that there are certain spiritual battles where fasting becomes essential.

*Esther 4:16“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.”

Why: This verse shows fasting as a collective act of solidarity and petition to God in times of dire need.

*Nehemiah 1:4“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.”

Why: Nehemiah’s response is one of deep emotion and commitment, illustrating fasting as a way to deeply commune with God in times of distress.

*Daniel 9:3“Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.”

Why: This scripture underscores fasting as a means of sincere petition and seeking mercy from God, a theme many can resonate with during their fast.

*Acts 13:2-3“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.’ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.”

Why: This passage illustrates the role of fasting in discerning God’s will and being open to His direction – a great reminder for those seeking guidance.

*Ezra 8:23“So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.”

Why: This verse reassures us of God’s attentiveness to our prayers and fasting, reinforcing our hope and faith.

*Psalm 35:13

“But I, when they were sick— I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting; I prayed with head bowed on my chest.”

Why: This Psalm showcases fasting as an act of deep empathy and intercession for others, reminding us that fasting can also be a selfless act.

By meditating on these verses during fasting, one can gain insight, motivation, and a deeper understanding of the spiritual significance and transformative power of fasting.

Related: 9 Powerful Prayer Points For Fasting And Prayer

How Do You Pray When You Fast For God

Here’s a list to guide you in prayer during a fast:

1. Begin with Praise: Start by praising and worshiping God for His love, mercy, and the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ.
2. Seek Repentance: Ask God to search your heart. Repent for any sins, known or unknown, and ask for His cleansing and forgiveness.
3. State Your Purpose: Clearly express to God the reason you’re fasting, whether it’s for guidance, healing, breakthrough, or any other reason.
4. Pray for Spiritual Sensitivity: Ask the Holy Spirit to make you sensitive and open to His leading during your fast.
5. Ask for Strength: Pray for physical and spiritual strength to endure and remain focused during the fasting period.
6. Intercede for Others: Bring the needs of others before God, whether they’re friends, family, or even nations. Fasting can be a powerful time of intercession.
7. Seek His Will: Ask God to reveal His will and plans for your life, especially if you’re fasting for guidance.
8. Listen: Spend moments in silence, allowing God to speak to you. This is a vital part of two-way communication.
9. Thank Him for His Provision: Thank God for providing daily, both in terms of your physical needs and your spiritual sustenance.
10. Pray for Breakthroughs: Whether it’s a breakthrough in a relationship, at work, or in a personal challenge, present your needs to Him.
11. Pray for Protection: Ask God to shield you from any spiritual attacks or distractions during your fast.
12. Read Scripture: While this isn’t a prayer per se, reading scripture aloud can be a form of prayer. Select verses or chapters that align with the purpose of your fast.
13. Commit the Results to God: Even if you don’t see immediate results from your fast, trust that God is at work. Commit the outcome to Him.
14. End with Praise: As you conclude your prayer, praise God again, reaffirming your love and commitment to Him, regardless of the results of your fast.

Remember, while this list provides a guideline, prayer is a personal conversation with God. Always approach Him with an open heart and let the Holy Spirit guide you.

Related: 7 Day Fasting And Praying Guide

What To Avoid When Fasting And Praying

When engaging in fasting and prayer from a biblical perspective, here’s a list of things you should avoid:

1. Prideful Display: Don’t boast or make a show of your fasting. Jesus advised in Matthew 6:16-18 to keep fasting a private matter between you and God.
2. Neglecting Hygiene: Avoid drawing attention to your fast by looking disheveled. Maintain your regular hygiene practices.
3. Expecting Instant Results: While God hears our prayers, He answers in His own time and way. Avoid becoming impatient or discouraged if things don’t change immediately.
4. Judging Others: Don’t judge or look down on others who aren’t fasting or who might be fasting differently than you are.
5. Neglecting Daily Responsibilities: Even though you’re fasting, continue with your daily tasks and responsibilities. Don’t use fasting as an excuse to neglect duties.
6. Being Rigid: If you’re new to fasting or have health concerns, be flexible in your approach. It’s the heart’s intention that matters most, not the specific method or duration.
7. Fasting Without Prayer: Fasting and prayer go hand in hand. Avoid fasting without taking time to pray and seek God’s face.
8. Ignoring Medical Advice: If you have medical conditions or take medication, consult with a doctor before starting a fast. Don’t disregard medical advice for spiritual practices.
9. Over-exerting Yourself: While fasting, your body may be in a more vulnerable state. Avoid rigorous activities or anything that might drain your energy excessively.
10. Breaking Fast Improperly: When ending a prolonged fast, avoid consuming heavy or rich foods immediately. Start with light, easily digestible foods.
11. Neglecting Spirituality: Avoid approaching fasting as just a physical activity. It’s a spiritual discipline meant to bring you closer to God.
12. Misusing Scripture: Don’t twist or misinterpret scripture to fit personal preferences about fasting. Seek a clear understanding of biblical teachings.

Remember, fasting and prayer are meant to be times of drawing closer to God, self-examination, and spiritual growth. The heart’s intention is crucial, so focus on the spiritual journey rather than just the physical act.

Which Fast Pleases God

The idea of what fast pleases God is most prominently addressed in the book of Isaiah, specifically in Isaiah 58.

According to this passage, a fast that is pleasing to God goes beyond mere abstention from food. 

Here are the key points from Isaiah 58 that highlight the kind of fast that God desires:

1. Release those Wrongly Bound: The fast that pleases God involves acts of justice, such as freeing those who are wrongly imprisoned or oppressed.
2. Lighten Burdens: It’s about removing chains of oppression, or any kind of burden you might place on another person unjustly.
3. Feed the Hungry: Instead of merely abstaining from food yourself, God desires that you share your food with those in need.
4. Shelter the Homeless: Providing a place for those without a home is another act that characterizes a God-pleasing fast.
5. Clothe the Naked: Actively seeking to provide for those without adequate clothing and not ignoring their needs.
6. Do Not Hide from Relatives in Need: Ensuring that we aren’t neglecting our family members or those close to us who might be in need.
7. Avoid Quarreling and Strife: A true fast involves keeping peace, avoiding fights, and not participating in contentious behavior.
8. Inner Humility: God desires a genuine humility of heart, not just an outward show of humility.

The essence of this biblical teaching is that the fast God values most is not just about personal denial or ritualistic observance.

Instead, it involves meaningful actions that show love, justice, and compassion towards others. 

It underscores the importance of both internal (heart and motives) and external (actions and behaviors) aspects of fasting.

It’s crucial to approach fasting with a sincere heart, seeking to draw closer to God and aiming to reflect His love and justice in the world.

As you contemplate your next spiritual journey with fasting and prayer, ask yourself: How can my fast not only draw me closer to God but also become a beacon of His love and justice to those around me?