Fasting is more than just a physical discipline—it’s a spiritual practice deeply rooted in the Bible. From the Old Testament prophets to Jesus Himself, fasting has always been a way to seek God’s presence, humble ourselves, and strengthen our faith.
In moments of desperation, decision-making, or devotion, God’s people have turned to fasting as a holy weapon. Whether you’re preparing for a breakthrough or simply longing to grow closer to God, these powerful Bible verses about fasting will guide you, inspire you, and deepen your spiritual journey.
Let these Scriptures remind you that when we fast with a sincere heart, Heaven listens and responds.
Strengthening Your Spirit Through Biblical Fasting
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?
Joel 2:12
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
Matthew 6:16-18
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, 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.
Ezra 8:23
So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.
Psalm 35:13
Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered,
Nehemiah 1:4
When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.
Daniel 9:3
So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.
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.”
Luke 2:37
And then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.
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.”
2 Chronicles 20:3
Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.
Jonah 3:5
The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.
Matthew 4:2
After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
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.
Leviticus 23:27
The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. Hold a sacred assembly and deny yourselves, and present a food offering to the Lord.
Conclusion
Fasting is a sacred invitation to draw near to God and align your heart with His will. These 15 Bible verses clearly show that fasting is not just about abstaining from food—it’s about seeking God with a passionate and surrendered heart.
As you reflect on these Scriptures, may your faith be renewed, your prayers become more fervent, and your relationship with God grow stronger than ever.
Let this be a reminder that true power comes when we humble ourselves before the Lord, trusting Him fully through prayer and fasting. God sees, God hears, and God answers.