What does the Bible say about prayer and fasting?

Definition and Overview

Prayer is the act of communicating with God, involving both speaking and listening. Fasting is abstaining from food (and sometimes drink or other daily activities) for a specific period as an act of devotion and humility before God. Scripture frequently intertwines prayer and fasting to emphasize earnest seeking of divine intervention, guidance, and transformation.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, prayer and fasting often occurred when God’s people were in distress or seeking His favor. The practice appears in times of crisis (Judges 20:26), during national repentance (1 Samuel 7:6), and when seeking clarity from God (Daniel 9:3). Moses exemplified this combination during his forty-day sojourn on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:28).

The prophet Joel called the nation to repentance with both prayer and fasting, saying, “Blow the trumpet in Zion, consecrate a fast, proclaim a sacred assembly” (Joel 2:15). The Dead Sea Scrolls also reflect that the ancient Jewish community practiced communal fasts in times of corporate reflection and repentance.

New Testament Teachings

Jesus highlighted fasting and prayer as integral to spiritual discipline. In the Sermon on the Mount, He taught, “When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites… But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face” (Matthew 6:16–17). Immediately preceding this, Jesus provided a model for prayer: “Pray then like this: ‘Our Father in heaven…’” (Matthew 6:9), underscoring both practices as part of a vibrant faith walk.

In Acts 13:2–3, the early believers “were worshiping the Lord and fasting,” then prayed and laid hands on Barnabas and Saul. This explicit mention of combining prayer and fasting demonstrates that the early church viewed these disciplines as vital for spiritual discernment.

Purposes of Prayer

1. Fellowship with God – Scripture describes believers as children of God who can approach Him boldly: “Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16).

2. Seeking Divine Guidance – Biblical figures such as David and Daniel sought God’s direction when making major decisions or interpreting visions (Psalm 25:4–5; Daniel 9:20–23).

3. Interceding for Others – Believers are commanded to pray for leaders and all people (1 Timothy 2:1–2). Abraham’s intercession for Sodom (Genesis 18:22–33) serves as a prime example of intercessory prayer.

4. Thanksgiving and Praise – Countless psalms reflect God’s people offering thanks (Psalm 100:4). Even Jesus models thanksgiving before feeding the multitude (John 6:11).

Purposes of Fasting

1. Humility and Repentance – Fasting in Scripture often accompanies sorrow for sins or national emergencies (Nehemiah 1:4).

2. Earnest Petition – Fasting reveals seriousness before God, especially when seeking urgent intervention (Esther 4:16).

3. Spiritual Focus – By abstaining from physical nourishment or distractions, believers focus more fully on prayer and the presence of God (Matthew 4:2).

4. Reliance on God – When one fasts, it tangibly expresses dependence on God’s provision and protection rather than on worldly means (Ezra 8:21–23).

The Connection Between Prayer and Fasting

Scripture presents fasting and prayer as complementary. In Mark 9:29, Jesus notes that certain spiritual battles “cannot come out except by prayer” (some manuscripts read “prayer and fasting,” reflecting the early church’s emphasis on the joined practice). When believers combine fasting with prayer, they demonstrate deep reliance on God, heightening spiritual sensitivity and fostering a clear awareness of His will.

Biblical Examples

• Moses (Exodus 34:28): Forty days of fasting while receiving the Law, coupled with direct communion with God.

• King David (2 Samuel 12:16–23): Fasting and praying for the life of his child, illustrating urgent petition.

• Esther and Mordecai (Esther 4:16): Called a fast to intercede for God’s deliverance of the Jews.

• Daniel (Daniel 9:3; 10:2–3): Sought God’s revelation and clarity through fasting and prayer. Early manuscripts and external findings (including portions of the Dead Sea Scrolls) align with these recorded accounts, reinforcing the consistent practice of prayer and fasting in Judaism.

• Jesus (Matthew 4:2): Fasted forty days in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry, demonstrating both reliance on God and preparation for spiritual conflict.

• The Early Church (Acts 13:2–3): Fasted and prayed to seek the Holy Spirit’s direction in missionary sending.

Practical Application

1. Heart Attitude: Both prayer and fasting focus on devotion, intimacy, and humility before God (Psalm 51:17).

2. Spiritual Warfare: Combating temptation and seeking deliverance is often aided by consistent prayer and fasting (Ephesians 6:12–18).

3. Regular Discipline: Just as one prays consistently, practicing periodic fasts can refresh one’s spiritual perspective.

4. Incorporation with Worship: Passionate worship, combined with prayer and occasional fasting, fosters a deeper relationship with God (Acts 13:2).

5. Corporate and Individual: While individuals are called to personal prayer and fasting, Scripture also depicts corporate times of fasting (Joel 2:15).

6. A Balanced Perspective: Fasting is not meant to earn God’s favor, but to align oneself with His will. Isaiah 58:6–7 rebukes empty ritual and emphasizes that the fast pleasing to God is one motivated by compassion and justice.

Conclusion

Prayer and fasting stand as foundational disciplines in Scripture, functioning together to enhance communion with God, display ethical humility, and reveal a heart deeply reliant on the Lord. From the accounts of the Old Testament patriarchs and prophets to the teachings of Jesus and the practices of the early church, the consistent record—corroborated by manuscript evidence and historical writings—demonstrates that these intertwined acts have been indispensable throughout redemptive history. Whether in times of personal crisis, corporate repentance, or regular devotion, the Bible presents prayer and fasting as life-giving channels through which believers align their hearts with God’s purpose and experience His transformative power.