Powerful Bible Verses About Fasting
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In this post, we will discover Bible verses about fasting. These scriptures will help you study the topic of fasting. So, grab your Bible and get ready to learn
I was going through my prayer posts and realized I didnt have any posts on the topic of fasting. So, with that realization, I have decided to write two new articles. You of course have landed on one of them! The other one is called 7 Spiritual Fasting Benefits. I encourage you to check it out once you finish with this one.
Fasting is a key component in many stories throughout the Biblewould Esther had the favor she needed if she didnt call people to fast and pray?? What about the prophet Daniel when he fasted?? or what about when Jesus said, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.
Fasting is a POWERFUL spiritual act that can bring transformation, and change to us as individuals and situations around us.
As for the scriptures about fasting below, I encourage you to look them up and read them within context. This will give you a better understanding.
Importance Of Fasting For Your Spiritual Life
Lets take a look at the spiritual benefits of fasting and prayer, and how they can help you stay in the zone with God.
In , Jesus explains that we need to be continually in prayer and fasting in order to be in the zone with him and be able to push back the demons from our lives and stay firm in our faith.
In this passage, Jesus has just returned from the mountaintop where he met with Elijah and Moses and was transfigured. He finds the other disciples in an argument with local religious leaders.
The disciples had tried, unsuccessfully, to drive out the demon who possessed a young boy. They had done such acts before, but were unable to drive this one out. The disciples seemed stymied by their lack of power and the people seemed to be questioning.
Jesus rebukes the group for their lack of faith. The boys father exclaims one of my favorite statements, I do believe help me overcome my unbelief! Then, Jesus drives out the demon and heals the boy.
Health Reasons To Fast
God created man and God knows what is good for us in all ways, including our physical health. With the vast amount of physical benefits that fasting offers us, it is no wonder why the Lord commanded His people to fast. It is actually extremely healthy to abstain from food. However, we cannot overlook the sensitivity to preexisting physical and health conditions, such as low blood sugar and eating disorders. Please do what is right for you given your preexisting health conditions.
For most, fasting is a great health benefit. From brain enhancement to stronger immune systems, and even higher metabolisms with a slower aging process. And we cant forget that it actually detoxes the body. This is all done when we fast.
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Spiritual Fasting Causes Us To Rely On God
Food is one of the basic needs of life. Physical hunger is not a pleasant experience. It can actually be a difficult trial to endure, but Gods grace rises up in our lives during hard times.
When we fast, it forces us to seek God and lean into Him for help and comfort. God meets us powerfully during times we are desperate for Him. Fasting shows God that our hunger for Him surpassed our hunger for anything else.
You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water .
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well .
Top 10 Benefits Of Fasting With Prayer
Fasting is one of the most important disciplines in the Christian faith. It is indeed an open secret because Jesus Himself after being baptized at the Jordan River by John the Baptist and after the dramatic announcement from Heaven by the Holy Spirit that He pleased God, the next thing He did prior to starting His earthly ministry was to engage a 40 day and night period of fasting in the wilderness.
The enemy of our souls does everything in his power to hinder our understanding and the practice of fasting with prayer. If you are probably wondering why this should be the case you already figured it out right? satan knows that we will have spiritual power if we engage the discipline as a congruent part of our spiritual walk. If we are to be successful in the practice of faith and we call ourselves followers of Jesus we must engage the spiritual discipline of fasting in some form and measure. After Jesus returned to heaven, the early church continued fasting with prayer as a habitual practice.
While I am sure that many more benefits exist for fasting with prayer, here are the top 10 benefits from the scriptures. The references have been provided so please proceed with an open bible app or paper bible to glean from the scriptures for yourself. It can only be exciting
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Biblical Purposes For Fasting
Throughout the Bible we most often find Gods people turn to fasting as the natural, inevitable response to a grievous sacred moment in life, such as death, sin and tragedy. But other times a fast is not a spontaneous reaction and we have time to prepare to respond both physically and spiritually.
Fasting is not an end unto itself, but a means of focusing our minds and bodies for a spiritual reason. Whenever you fast, do so for a reason that is mentioned or modeled in the Bible. Here are ten primary purposes for fasting mentioned in Scripture:¹
Scriptures About The Benefits Of Prayer And Fasting
Prayer and fasting can result in many benefits as seen in the scriptures below.
So He said to them, This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting. Mark 9:29
This scripture is evidence that there are some strongholds that cannot be loosened without the combination of prayer and fasting.
So we fasted and petitioned our God for this, and He answered our prayer. Ezra 8:23
In this verse, we can see clearly that a benefit of prayer and fasting is answered prayer.
But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:17-18
This verse in Matthew is given by Jesus Himself, who says that God rewards those who fast in the correct manner.
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Spiritual Fasting Renews Our Appreciation For God And His Blessings
We tend to forget how blessed we are. What once used to satisfy us now isnt enough.
More food, more clothes, more television, more trips. Whatever it is, we can forget how much God has given us, and our unquenchable desires become stronger than our love for God.
When we take Gods blessings for granted, we take Him for granted. But God wants our hearts to be turned toward Him. He wants us to appreciate all that He has done in our lives.
When we fast, we force our hearts to turn to God and our appreciation for Gods presence in our lives will grow.
That is why the Lord says, Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning .
Beneficial Results Of Spiritual Fasting
Lets look at some Bible verses that reveal some of the benefits of fasting and prayer:
- Protection: Esther 4:16 Ezra 8:21-23 2 Chronicles 20:1-25
- Health: Isaiah 58:8
Fasting not only gives spiritual benefits but physical ones as well:
Fasting cleanses the body from built-up chemicals, metals, and other toxins. When you fast, your cells, tissues, and organs dump out the accumulated waste products of cellular metabolism as well as chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides, and solvents. Fasting revitalizes you in every way: mentally, physically, and spiritually. It also allows the overburdened liver to catch up on its detoxification work. Don Colbert, MD
Remember, when you fast spiritually, the time you would usually spend eating is spent with the Lord instead. Write down your questions, any struggles you may be facing during the fast, and what God is showing you in your journal. Go back later in the fast and read what you wrote. Often you will gain more revelation or see the answers to your questions as God completes the work He is doing. I have a product below that can help you with all of this.
Whatever the purpose of your fast, it will strengthen your walk with God. Fasting will cause you to thrive spiritually.
What is your experience with fasting?
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What Is Biblical Fasting And Prayers
Fasting and prayers in the Scripture is a deliberate abstinence from food, liquid and every other thing that offers you pleasure, for spiritual purposes .
The most result oriented fasting and prayers are the ones informed by the Spirit of God- this is when the Holy Spirit calls and inspires you to a fast.
You can be sure that the Spirit has something in mind that makes Him call you to a fast.
Now note, fasting is not just abstinence from food and sometimes water for spiritual purposes, it is also a denial of pleasures for a time for the same spiritual purpose too.
That is to say, the Holy Spirit can have you fast sex , TV, shows, internet anything that gratifies the flesh.
All these put together make up biblical fasting.
That said.
What Does The Bible Say About Prayer And Fasting
Fasting was a fairly common part of life during Bible times. Found in both the Old and New Testaments, common reasons for fasting included mourning, seeking spiritual revelation, seeking Gods favor, increased sensitivity to Gods voice, an indication of humility, and needing breakthrough or answered prayer for some circumstance of life. The Bible contains direction and many examples to learn from when it comes to prayer and fasting.
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Prayer For Fasting And Petition
Lord, please forgive us for craving food more than you. Forgive us for craving anything more than you. Lord redirect our hunger. Be our God. Open our eyes to the benefits of fasting. Open our hearts to you like never before. Give us the desire to turn to you with all our hearts, with all our souls, with all our strength. May we no longer live by bread alone but by every word that comes from your mouth Oh LORD. Teach us to fast so that we might hold fast to you. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Things To Avoid When Fasting And Praying
Let me offer a word of caution when asking, Is fasting healthy?
Fasting is a Spiritual discipline that is hard to cultivate. I highly advise working up to bigger fasts by fasting part of a day for a while. As you become accustomed to the effects of fasting you can fast a day, a few days, or more. Dont worry about what to do when you are fasting. Plan on praying and let God lead you.
Spiritual fasting is not about the body. Yes, there are physical benefits of fasting and prayer over time, but there is also a danger. It is easy to turn a time of fasting into a diet. Resist the urge.
The more healthy benefits of fasting and prayer will be seen in Spiritual satisfaction and nearness to God rather than weight loss.
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Inspiring Bible Verses For Fasting
Here are ten of our favorite Bible verses to motivate and inspire you to keep the faith during fasting.
There are many spiritual benefits to fasting and many ways to do so. In the Bible, the prophet Daniel fasted for 21 days, eating only fruits and vegetables and drinking only water. Jesus fasted for 40 days in a period we call Lent. If youre considering a fast, check with your doctor before beginning to make sure its medically safe for you to do so. Perhaps you are considering a different kind of fast. Some people choose to give up technology or a social media platform for a period of time. Whether youre fasting as a personal spiritual exercise or as a community, and whether youre limiting your food or your time on Facebook, the Bible offers many words of wisdom on fasting. Here are ten of our favorite Bible verses to motivate and inspire you to keep the faith during fasting.
Fasting Subdues Your Flesh
The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41
Sometimes our natural circumstances can dominate our thoughts. You know, those up-in-your-face details you cant seem to get past? You want to operate in faith, you want to stand on the Word, but the facts are so blaring, the truth in Gods Word has inadvertently taken the back seat. So, how do you get God back in the drivers seat?
You have to clear away your flesh. You see, if we let it, our flesh will hijack our spiritual life, dominate our thinking and ultimately determine our outcomeunless we stop it. Sometimes, increasing our prayer time and doubling up on the Word of God will take care of it. But, if you need to hear divine direction from the Lord, fasting subdues your flesh and opens your spiritual ears to receive it.
Maybe youve been stuck in the same place, feeling like you havent received a manifestation of Gods promises, or perhaps you are seeking instruction from the Lord regarding a particular situation. Biblical fasting may pave the way for you to hear what God has been saying to you all along.
Whatever the purpose, fasting isnt just about abstaining from foodit is the act of separating yourself exclusively to God. It is the deliberate pushing of everything asidesubduing the fleshand giving Him your full attention. This allows your spirit man to dominate, and your spiritual ears will be wide open.
Watch Kenneth Copeland share the key to answered prayer in this video:
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Spiritual Fasting Helps Us Be Filled With The Fruits Of The Spirit
When we fast, we can become irritable and negative because our flesh is not happy. However, God calls us to bear the Fruits of the Spirit.
Fasting forces us to bypass the emotions of our flesh and reach for divine emotions given to us through Jesus Christ.
When we feel irritable, we can grow our capacity under stress and choose to show goodness, gentleness, and self-control instead.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law .
Related: What Are The Fruits of the Holy Spirit?
When Should You Fast
A common question many have when it comes to fasting is: When should you fast? In Isaiah 58, God explains some of the reasons for biblical fasting, and others are modeled throughout the Bible, as well. Some of these include:
Ultimately, you should be led by the Spirit before entering into a fast, and you should always have a purpose for doing so. If the Holy Spirit has been pressing on you to fastdo it!
There are many rewards for spiritual fasting, but they are private rewards between you and God. Being spiritually proud of the fact that you are fasting will destroy everything you are trying to accomplish.
In fact, in Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus says, When you fast, dont make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
As you study the Bible, you will discover three specific rewards of fasting: Fasting subdues your flesh, fasting brings revelation, and fasting leads to deliverance. Learn more about each reward below.
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Spiritual Fasting Benefit #2 Increases The Power Of Our Prayers
Our prayers have power because we pray the will of God into the situation. However, there are times that we need to couple prayer with fasting so that we can see great miracles and breakthroughs.
There is a man who had a demon-possessed child and Jesus disciples could not cast out the demon. When Jesus cast it out, His disciples asked Him why they were unable to do it. He told them that the kind of demon they were dealing with could only come out by prayer and fasting.
So He said to them, This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting. Mark 9:29
When you have been praying over a situation for a long time, fast about it so that you can see a miraculous breakthrough.
