Fasting and prayer are powerful spiritual disciplines that draw us closer to God. Whether you’re seeking clarity, breakthrough, healing, or simply a deeper relationship with the Lord, fasting paire
d with prayer opens the door to transformation. During these sacred times, Scripture provides strength, encouragement, and guidance.
In this blog, we will walk through 35 carefully selected Bible verses to read while fasting and praying. Each verse is followed by a simple, clear explanation to help you understand its meaning and apply it to your fasting journey.
35 Bible Verses to Read While Fasting and Praying
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:
Fasting is a private matter between you and God, not for public display or recognition.
2. 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:
Fasting is a heartfelt return to God, showing true repentance and longing for His presence.
3. 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 leads to freedom, justice, and compassion for others.
4. Ezra 8:23
So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.
Explanation:
When we fast sincerely, God hears and answers our prayers.
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 humbles the soul, allowing deeper, heartfelt prayer.
6. Acts 13:2
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.
Explanation:
Fasting creates space to hear God’s voice clearly regarding His calling.
7. 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 bad news with fasting and prayer, seeking God’s intervention.
8. 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:
Fasting demonstrates a deep, desperate seeking of God’s will and mercy.
9. 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:
Fasting can be a communal act of repentance and transformation.
10. Matthew 17:21
Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
Explanation:
Some spiritual battles require both prayer and fasting for breakthrough.
11. Psalm 69:10
When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach.
Explanation:
Fasting can be a form of self-discipline that brings humility.
12. 2 Chronicles 20:3
And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
Explanation:
In times of fear, fasting refocuses us on God’s power and deliverance.
13. Luke 4:2
Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing.
Explanation:
Jesus fasted for strength to resist temptation and prepare for His ministry.
14. 1 Samuel 7:6
And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the Lord, and fasted on that day.
Explanation:
Fasting can symbolize surrender and cleansing before God.
15. 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.
Explanation:
Fasting can prepare us for critical, life-changing moments.
16. 2 Samuel 12:16
David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.
Explanation:
Fasting often accompanies urgent prayers for mercy and healing.
17. Acts 14:23
And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord.
Explanation:
Fasting seeks God’s guidance in major decisions.
18. Isaiah 58:9
Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am.
Explanation:
God promises to hear our prayers, especially when combined with sincere fasting.
19. Matthew 5:6
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Explanation:
Those who deeply seek God through fasting will be satisfied.
20. James 4:8
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.
Explanation:
Fasting draws us closer to God, and He promises to meet us there.
21. Psalm 42:1
As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
Explanation:
Fasting expresses deep longing for the presence of God.
22. Jeremiah 29:13
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Explanation:
Wholehearted pursuit through fasting and prayer leads to encountering God.
23. Philippians 4:6
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Explanation:
Even in fasting, we should present our needs to God with gratitude.
24. Psalm 25:4-5
Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.
Explanation:
Fasting creates an openness for God to guide us in His truth.
25. Romans 12:1
Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Explanation:
Fasting is one way to offer our whole selves to God.
26. Deuteronomy 8:3
…man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live.
Explanation:
Fasting reminds us that spiritual nourishment is even more essential than physical food.
27. John 6:35
And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger.
Explanation:
Jesus Himself satisfies the deepest hunger of our souls.
28. Psalm 63:1
O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee.
Explanation:
Fasting symbolizes the thirst and hunger for more of God.
29. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing.
Explanation:
Fasting strengthens our commitment to constant prayer.
30. Galatians 5:24
And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Explanation:
Fasting helps crucify selfish desires and aligns us with the Spirit.
31. Isaiah 26:9
With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early.
Explanation:
Persistent seeking through fasting reflects deep spiritual hunger.
32. Psalm 86:11
Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.
Explanation:
Fasting opens our hearts to God’s teaching and truth.
33. Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him.
Explanation:
Fasting builds faith, as we rely on God’s provision and answers.
34. James 1:5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.
Explanation:
Fasting is a powerful time to seek God’s wisdom for life’s challenges.
35. Psalm 37:7
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him.
Explanation:
During fasting, we practice patience, trust, and resting in God’s timing.
Conclusion
Fasting and prayer are beautiful acts of devotion that bring spiritual breakthrough, clarity, and intimacy with God. These Bible verses to read while fasting and praying offer encouragement, hope, and direction for your spiritual journey.
Remember, it’s not just about refraining from food — it’s about feasting on God’s Word and drawing closer to His heart.
Which verse inspired you most during your fast?
Share your experiences, favorite verses, or thoughts in the comments below — let’s encourage each other in faith!