What does the Bible say about Prayer & Fasting?
In Scripture, prayer and fasting are often mentioned in the same breath. Fasting isn't a separate religious chore; it is a physical way to intensify our spiritual conversation with God. Here is what the Bible teaches about why we combine them:
1. The Posture of Prayer: Secret Devotion
The Bible warns us that prayer and fasting are not "spiritual trophies" to be displayed. They are intimate conversations between a child and their Father.
Matthew 6:16-18 (NIV) "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do... but when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others... but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
The power of your prayer is not found in who sees you doing it, but in the sincerity of your heart before God.
2. The Timing of Prayer: Longing for the King
Fasting is often a physical expression of our spiritual longing for Jesus to be present in our lives and in our world.
Matthew 9:14-15 (NIV) “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” 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.”
We fast because we hunger for more of Jesus. It is a way of saying, "The world is not as it should be, and I need more of Your Presence."
3. The Heart of Prayer: Humility over Performance
The Bible teaches that religious activity (like fasting or tithing) means nothing if the heart is filled with pride.
Luke 18:9-14 (NIV) The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people... I fast twice a week...’ But the tax collector... beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God.
Fasting is a tool for humility, not a source of pride. We don't fast to show God how good we are; we fast to show God how much we need Him.
4. The Community of Prayer:
Collective Repentance
While fasting is personal, the Bible also shows the power of a church family seeking God together to bring healing to their community.
Nehemiah 9:1-3 (NIV) The Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth... They stood in their places and confessed their sins... They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the Lord.
Like Nehemiah’s wall-builders, when we pray and fast as a church family (Current), we are aligning ourselves with God’s Word and asking Him to rebuild what is broken.
Bible Duos: Fasting & Prayer in Action
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Esther & Her People: Fasted for 3 days before approaching the King, resulting in the deliverance of an entire nation.
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The Church at Antioch: Fasted and prayed before sending out Paul and Barnabas, launching the first great missionary journey.
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Daniel: Fasted for 21 days while seeking understanding, and God sent an angel to deliver the answer to his prayer.