Looking to deepen your understanding of fasting as a spiritual discipline? This article explores twelve powerful Bible verses about fasting, including passages from Matthew, Isaiah, and Acts.
Fasting is a way to humble oneself before God, seek His guidance, and draw closer to Him.
The Bible emphasizes the importance of fasting with a pure heart and motives, not for personal gain or recognition.
Read on to discover key Bible chapters that provide guidance on how to fast in a way that is pleasing to God and emphasizes the spiritual benefits of fasting.
Bible verses about fasting
Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about fasting:
1. “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.” – Matthew 6:16
2. “But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;” – Matthew 6:17
3. “And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.” – Matthew 4:2
4. “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?” – Isaiah 58:6
5. “And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.” – Mark 9:29
6. “And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.” – Acts 14:23
7. “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.” – Psalm 35:13
8. “And in those days, when ye shall have prayed and fasted, and anointed yourselves, and have ministered unto the Lord, ye shall then fast and pray for the wickedness of the people; and the Lord will hear your prayers, and ye shall not enter into temptation.” – 3 Nephi 13:21
9. “And he said unto them, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” – Zechariah 4:6
10. “And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” – Acts 13:3
11. “And when they had fasted and prayed, and given thanks, he brake it, and gave to them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.” – Luke 22:19
12. “And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.” – Mark 9:29
What does the Bible say about fasting?
The Bible speaks about fasting as a spiritual discipline that involves abstaining from food or other worldly pleasures for a period of time to focus on prayer, repentance, and seeking God’s will.
Fasting is not meant to be a show of self-righteousness, but rather a humble act of submission to God.
The Bible also emphasizes the importance of fasting with a pure heart and motives, and not for personal gain or to impress others.
Fasting can lead to spiritual growth, greater intimacy with God, and a deeper understanding of His will.
What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about fasting?
1) Matthew 6:16-18 – This chapter talks about how to fast in secret and not to show off to others. It emphasizes the importance of humility and sincerity in fasting.
2) Isaiah 58 – This chapter talks about the true meaning of fasting and how it should be accompanied by acts of justice and compassion towards others. It emphasizes that fasting should not be done for personal gain or recognition, but as a way to draw closer to God and serve others.
3) Joel 2 – This chapter talks about a call to repentance and fasting in times of crisis or distress. It emphasizes the power of fasting as a way to humble oneself before God and seek His guidance and help.
4) Ezra 8:21-23 – This chapter talks about a group of people who fasted and prayed for protection and guidance on a journey. It emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s guidance and protection through fasting and prayer.
All of these chapters are relevant to fasting because they provide guidance on how to fast in a way that is pleasing to God and emphasizes the spiritual benefits of fasting. They also emphasize the importance of humility, sincerity, and seeking God’s guidance and help through fasting.
Ideas and concepts related to fasting that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.
1. Humility: Fasting is often associated with humility in the Bible. When we fast, we acknowledge our dependence on God and our need for His help. Fasting helps us to humble ourselves before God and seek His guidance and wisdom.
2. Repentance: Fasting is also associated with repentance in the Bible. Fasting can be a way to express sorrow for our sins and seek forgiveness from God. It is a way to turn away from our sinful ways and turn towards God.
3. Spiritual Discipline: Fasting is a spiritual discipline that helps us to grow in our relationship with God. It requires self-control and discipline to abstain from food or other things for a period of time. This discipline can help us to develop a stronger faith and a deeper understanding of God’s will for our lives.
4. Prayer: Fasting is often accompanied by prayer in the Bible. When we fast, we are encouraged to spend more time in prayer and meditation on God’s word. Fasting can help us to focus our minds and hearts on God and seek His will for our lives.
5. Sacrifice: Fasting involves sacrifice, as we give up something that we desire in order to seek God’s will. In the Bible, fasting is often associated with sacrifice, as it requires us to give up something that is important to us in order to seek God’s guidance and direction.
