10 Bible Verses About Fasting
Have you ever wondered why so many Christians give up their favorite foods during Lent each year? This age-old practice of fasting actually has deep roots in the Bible, going back to both the Old and New Testaments. From Moses spending 40 days without food on Mount Sinai to Jesus fasting in the desert (which actually inspired our modern Lenten tradition), the Bible is packed with powerful stories about people who fasted in order to grow closer to God.
In the midst of busy lives, fasting remains a powerful way to reset our spiritual compass and remind ourselves what truly matters–it's like hitting a pause button on life's distractions to focus on our relationship with God. We don't just remove food–sweets, treats, and meats–we add prayer and time spent with God.
Let's dive into some of the most meaningful Bible verses about fasting and see what they can teach us about this powerful spiritual practice that millions still follow today. Let us encourage you to click on the links to dive deeper into Scripture–discover why some fasted and how it helped them connect with God.
10 Bible Verses About Fasting
"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. But when you fast, put oil on 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 6:16-18
“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
"Even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning." -Joel 2:12
"So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer." -Ezra 8:23
"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
"So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes." -Daniel 9:3
"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.'” -Acts 13:2
"When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven." -Nehemiah 1:4
"Where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry." -Luke 4:2
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