The Bible does not command Christians to fast. At the same time, the Bible presents fasting as something good, profitable, and beneficial. The book of Acts records believers fasting before they made important decisions (Acts 13:2; Acts 14:23). Fasting and prayer are often linked together (Luke 2:37).
Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food. Instead, the purpose of fasting should be to take your eyes off the things of this world to focus completely on God.
1. Fasting helps us break the power of our flesh in our lives and feed our spirit instead through prayer and reading God’s Word.
2. Fasting is not about getting from God but rather getting to God.
There are different types of fasting, but the most accurate fast biblically is abstaining from food for a pre-determined amount of time. We recommend prayerfully considering which of the following practices is best for you!
Complete fast — refraining from eating and only drinking liquids for particular days or even an extended period of time.
Liquid fast — Consuming only liquids for a specific period of time.
Partial fast — Abstaining from specific kinds of food. For example: Daniel Fast.
TV/Social Media — Choosing to abstain from certain technologies for a specific period of time.
(DISCLAIMER: If you have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before embarking on a food or beverage fast of any length of time. This applies to those who, for example, have diabetes, take medications, or are pregnant.)
If you would like more information and help on fasting, read these articles:
“He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” John 3:30 NLT
Praying God’s will, ways, and values above my own.
“I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be afraid.” John 14:27 NLT
Praying for God’s peace to reign in the hearts of those who call Jesus Lord. He overcame the world!
“17 But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children 18 of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments!” Psalm 103:17-18 NLT
Praying for the Lordship of Jesus over all of my household.
“6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
Praying for an increase in trusting God and drawing my sense of security from Him.
“For the Son of man came to seek and save those who are lost.” Luke 19:10 NLT
Praying for God’s will to be manifested in saving the lost who are close to me and far from Jesus.
“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by Godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4 NLT
Praying for the hearts of decision-makers in government to be guided by the Lord.
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
Praying for a willingness in my heart to be obedient to the voice of the Holy Spirit, who saved me not just FROM sin but FOR a life of righteousness and freedom in Jesus.
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:6 NIV
Praying for physical & emotional healing.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5 ESV
Praying for divine wisdom for the family of God and my life.
“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 NLT
Praying for discernment and understanding of the reality of the spiritual world and for power to overcome our true enemies.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14 NIV
Praying for unity in my life and among believers worldwide.
“Upright citizens are good for a city and make it prosper, but the talk of the wicked tears it apart.” Proverbs 11:11 NLT
Praying to recognize and stand against strongholds over the people of our city
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24–25 ESV
Praying that we grow as a church family in the power and authority of the Spirit for the mission He has for us.
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 ESV
Praying for the Lord to lead us to a life that is not self-indulgent but rather a life of purpose and sacrifice for His kingdom and glory.
“The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” 2 Timothy 4:18 ESV
Praying for the Lord to go before us and protect our families, businesses, and health.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or in vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:3-4 NIV
Praying to develop genuine and sacrificial love among God’s people.
“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NLT
Praying for opportunities, promotions, and divine provision for God’s people.
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29 ESV
Praying to develop and give the same grace and mercy as we have been given.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13 ESV
Praying to live a hopeful life through the power of the Holy Spirit.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 ESV
Praying for strength to live a life of faith, not being moved by the world and its fears, ideas, and standards.
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:6-7 ESV
- Praying for boldness to preach the Gospel to the world and serve one another with gifts in the church.
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