“But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” – Matthew 6:17-18
Bible Verses About Fasting In New Testament
The Purpose of Fasting
Fasting isn’t just about abstaining from food; it carries a deep spiritual significance. In our Christian lives, we fast to seek closeness with God, engage in prayer, and focus on spiritual growth. By denying ourselves, we create space for God to fill us with His presence, guidance, and strength. Through fasting, we can reflect on our relationship with God and express our dependence on Him. It’s a powerful way to align our hearts with His will and intentions for our lives.
Matthew 4:2
“After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.” – Matthew 4:2
Acts 13:2
“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.'” – Acts 13:2
Matthew 6:16
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” – Matthew 6:16
Luke 2:37
“And then was a widow of about four score and four years, who departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.” – Luke 2:37
Acts 14:23
“Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.” – Acts 14:23
The Spiritual Discipline of Fasting
Fasting strengthens our spiritual discipline. We find that, through this practice, we can overcome distractions in our lives and turn our hearts towards God. We become more in tune with His voice and purpose for us. As we fast, we strengthen our spiritual muscles and commit ourselves more wholly to seeking God and His presence. This discipline cultivates a deeper relationship where we learn trust, submission, and focus on what truly matters.
Matthew 6:9
“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.'” – Matthew 6:9
Luke 5:35
“But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast.” – Luke 5:35
Acts 13:3
“So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” – Acts 13:3
1 Corinthians 7:5
“Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” – 1 Corinthians 7:5
Matthew 17:21
“But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” – Matthew 17:21
Fasting for Guidance
When we are faced with decisions in life, fasting serves as a means to gain clarity and divine wisdom. The practice of fasting opens our hearts and minds to hear God’s voice. Through this act, we express our need for His direction and wisdom in every situation we face. We come to the Father, humbly asking for His guidance in our choices and surrendering our will to His.
Acts 1:24
“Then they prayed, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen.'” – Acts 1:24
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” – James 1:5
1 Samuel 7:6
“When they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the Lord. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, ‘We have sinned against the Lord.’ And Samuel was leader of Israel at Mizpah.” – 1 Samuel 7:6
Esther 4:16
“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” – Esther 4:16
Acts 10:30
“Cornelius answered: ‘Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me.'” – Acts 10:30
Fasting and Prayer
Fasting is often paired with prayer in our walk with Christ. While fasting draws us closer to God, it is through prayer that we communicate with Him. Our prayers during fasting should be focused and intentional, allowing us to genuinely seek our relationship with God. By integrating fasting with prayer, we effectively nourish our souls and deepen our faith, creating a powerful combination that opens doors to God’s presence and understanding.
Mark 9:29
“He replied, ‘This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting.'” – Mark 9:29
Matthew 26:41
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Matthew 26:41
Colossians 4:2
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” – Colossians 4:2
Luke 21:36
“Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” – Luke 21:36
Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6
The Benefits of Fasting
Fasting is an agent of spiritual renewal and restoration. Through it, we experience breakthroughs in our spiritual lives. We learn self-discipline, humility, and dependence on God. Fasting can provide us with clarity in our spiritual beliefs, leading us to rejuvenation and revitalization. God promises that through fasting, the rewards come not just in the form of blessings but in deeper intimacy with our Father.
Isaiah 58:6
“Is not this 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?” – Isaiah 58:6
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33
1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
Psalm 35:13
“Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered.” – Psalm 35:13
Matthew 9:15
“Jesus answered, ‘How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.'” – Matthew 9:15
The Heart Attitude in Fasting
As we participate in fasting, it is crucial that we maintain a proper heart attitude. Fasting is not a mere ritual; it is an act that should arise from our sincere desire to draw closer to God. We need to examine our motives and ensure that our fasting is not just for show but to demonstrate our true devotion to Him. A humble and sincere heart during fasting leads to true spiritual growth and connection with our Creator.
Isaiah 58:5
“Is it such a fast that I have chosen, a day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?” – Isaiah 58:5
Matthew 6:19
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.” – Matthew 6:19
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
Psalm 51:17
“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” – Psalm 51:17
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the verses about fasting in the New Testament, we find a practice that invites us into a deeper relationship with God. Fasting is more than just abstaining from food; it’s a commitment to seek God’s presence. We can find guidance, strength, and renewal through fasting, whether we need direction in our lives or simply want to grow in faith.
Our hearts and attitudes matter as we take part in fasting. It’s a beautiful opportunity to humble ourselves and draw closer to God, seeking His will above our desires. This practice leads us to transformative experiences and invigorating times of prayer that enrich our spiritual walk.
As we continue our journey, let us earnestly consider exploring further topics, such as Bible Verses About Fasting or Bible Verses About Repentance and Salvation. There is so much more to discover in our faith journey, which can guide us in our walks with Christ.