Prayer and Fasting

Introduction

Prayer and fasting are often linked together throughout Scripture. Fasting does not replace prayer, nor is it intended to force God’s hand. Rather, fasting helps believers focus on God, humble themselves before Him, and seek His will with greater attention and sincerity.

---

1. The Combination of Prayer and Fasting

Mark 9:29

“And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.”

Prayer and fasting are powerful spiritual disciplines that are frequently found together in Scripture.

What Is Fasting?

Fasting is:

• Voluntary abstinence
• Choosing to refrain from food for a period of time
• Setting aside natural appetites to focus more fully on God

The Hebrew concept of fasting carries the idea of covering one’s mouth, signifying abstinence from food while seeking God.

---

2. Examples of Fasting in Scripture

The Bible records many different purposes for prayer and fasting.

Prayer and Fasting for Protection

Ezra 8:21-23

Ezra proclaimed a fast and sought God’s protection for the journey ahead.

Prayer and Fasting During Restoration

Nehemiah 1:4

Nehemiah fasted and prayed over the condition of Jerusalem and its need for restoration.

Prayer and Fasting for Guidance and Deliverance

Esther 4:16

Esther called for a fast before approaching the king on behalf of her people.

Prayer and Fasting for Healing and Humility

Psalm 35:13

David humbled himself with fasting while praying for others.

Prayer and Fasting for the Fulfillment of God’s Promise

Daniel 9:2-3

Daniel sought God through prayer and fasting concerning the promised restoration of Jerusalem.

Prayer and Fasting as a Lifestyle

Luke 2:36-38

Anna faithfully served God with prayer and fasting for many years.

Prayer and Fasting for Direction

Acts 13:2-3

The early church fasted and prayed before sending Paul and Barnabas into ministry.

Prayer and Fasting for Leadership Decisions

Acts 14:23

Prayer and fasting accompanied the appointment of elders in the churches.

---

3. What Fasting Is Not

Many misunderstand the purpose of fasting.

Fasting is not:

• Twisting God’s arm to make Him act
• Manipulating God
• A hunger strike against heaven
• Merely a diet plan

God responds to faith, obedience, and relationship, not religious performance.

---

4. What Fasting Is

Biblical fasting is:

• Bringing the flesh into submission
• Focusing on spiritual realities instead of natural desires
• Seeking the Father’s will instead of our own
• Feeding upon God’s Word rather than physical food
• Setting aside dedicated time to seek God through prayer and Scripture

Fasting creates space to devote greater attention to God and His purposes.

---

5. Jesus’ Example of Fasting

Matthew 4:1-4

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

After fasting for forty days, Jesus responded to temptation with God’s Word.

This teaches us that spiritual nourishment is more important than physical satisfaction.

Key Lesson

During a fast, our focus should not simply be on what we are giving up, but on what we are pursuing:

• God’s presence
• God’s Word
• God’s will

---

6. The Father’s Will Above All Else

John 4:34

“My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.”

Jesus found satisfaction in accomplishing the Father’s will.

Likewise, fasting helps shift our attention from personal desires to God’s purposes.

---

7. God’s Chosen Fast

Isaiah 58:1-14

Isaiah teaches that true fasting is more than abstaining from food. God desires hearts that reflect His compassion and righteousness.

Characteristics of God’s Chosen Fast

• To loose the bonds of wickedness
• To undo heavy burdens
• To let the oppressed go free
• To break every yoke
• To share bread with the hungry
• To help the poor
• To clothe the naked
• To care for those in need

True fasting produces both spiritual devotion and practical obedience.

---

8. The Focus of Biblical Fasting

Fasting should focus on:

• God’s plan
• God’s will
• God’s purpose

Fasting should not become an obsession with:

• Problems
• Fear
• Circumstances
• Self

The goal of fasting is to draw nearer to God and align ourselves with His desires.

---

9. Fasting With the Right Attitude

Matthew 6:16-18

“Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance…”

Jesus taught that fasting should be done sincerely before God, not for public recognition.

When We Fast

We should:

• Seek God privately
• Maintain a humble attitude
• Avoid drawing attention to ourselves
• Desire God’s approval rather than man’s praise

The Father sees what is done in secret and rewards faithful obedience.

---

Conclusion

Prayer and fasting are biblical disciplines that help believers draw closer to God, seek His direction, and align themselves with His will. Throughout Scripture, God’s people fasted when seeking protection, guidance, restoration, healing, leadership, and the fulfillment of His promises.

Biblical fasting is not about manipulating God or focusing on our problems. It is about humbling ourselves, feeding upon God’s Word, submitting to His will, and pursuing His purposes. When practiced with the right heart, prayer and fasting become powerful tools for spiritual growth and deeper fellowship with the Lord.