Are you pursuing God through prayer when fasting? Fasting is about more than the food—or lack thereof! When we fast, it's vital to engage the Word of God, stay in an atmosphere of worship, and pray without ceasing.

Fasting increases our physical and spiritual hunger. When Jesus faced temptation after forty days of fasting, Jesus answered, "It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4)

Truly, fasting fuels our prayer life, and the fuel for prayer is God's Word. Read on for a brief explanation of fasting and 17 fasting prayers based on biblical truths.

Understanding Biblical Fasting

In the Word of God, we see many biblical accounts of fasting. This spiritual discipline is defined as abstaining from food for a period of time for the purpose of humbling oneself, repenting, and/or seeking the Lord.

Fasting is an ancient practice rooted in devotion, repentance, and deepening your connection with the Lord. Biblical fasting emphasizes surrendering physical comforts to focus on spiritual growth, self-reflection, and the pursuit of righteousness.

On the other hand, intermittent fasting for health purposes is a contemporary dietary approach aimed at optimizing physical well-being. Intermittent fasting (also known as IF or time-restricted eating) has the potential benefits of weight management, improved metabolic health, and enhanced longevity. While biblical fasting is driven by a spiritual calling, IF is grounded in scientific and health-related considerations.

Both approaches involve periods of abstaining from food and result in mental and physical health benefits. The major difference, however, is the driving motivation.

When we enter into prayer and fasting as a Christian discipline...

We are seeking God's mercy, righteousness, and insight
We are obedient to the fasting and prayer principles we see in God's Word
We keep our eyes on Jesus
We are led by the Holy Spirit

What Bible Verses Can You Pray While Fasting?

There are many Bible verses about fasting. You can read 55+ fasting scriptures in this post. For now, here are seven scriptures that highlight times of fasting for the purposes of seeking God, repentance, mourning, humbling, freedom, and protection.

Isaiah 58:6 - "Is this not the fast which I choose, To loosen the bonds of wickedness, To undo the bands of the yoke, And to let the oppressed go free And break every yoke?"
Matthew 6:16-18 - "But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by people, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you."
Joel 2:12 - "Yet even now," declares the LORD, "return to Me with all your heart, And with fasting, weeping, and mourning."
Psalm 35:13 - "But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled my soul with fasting, And my prayer kept returning to my bosom."
Acts 13:2-3 - "While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away."
Daniel 9:3 - "So I gave my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes."
Ezra 8:23 - "So we fasted and sought our God concerning this matter, and He listened to our entreaty."

Prayers to Prepare Your Heart for Fasting

Before you fast, you want to prepare yourself physically. This includes consulting your doctor, educating yourself on the process of fasting, and adjusting your diet in the days leading up to your fast. You also want to prepare spiritually, and here are some fasting prayers for preparation.

Prayer to Prepare for a Time of Fasting and Prayer

Heavenly Father, I humbly come before you and consecrate this time of fasting to you. I commit to fast from _______ (what you are fasting from) for _______ (length of time).

I lay all my fears and anxieties at your feet, trusting you to sustain me throughout my fast. I will live by the Word of God and declare that your unfailing love is priceless, and I take refuge in the shadow of your wings (Psalm 36:7).

My intentions and prayer requests for this fast are _______ (make a list). I submit these to you, along with the process of fasting, and have confidence, according to 1 John 5:14, that if I ask anything according to your will, you hear me.

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Gratitude While Fasting

Dear heavenly Father, I'm grateful for your goodness and mercy. I enter your gates with thanksgiving and your courts with praise; I give thanks to you and bless Your name (Psalm 100:4).

I draw closer to you in this time of fasting and prayer, and this intimacy is a blessing to me. I am thankful that I have a wide variety of tasty foods to eat, but I know that I will not suffer from turning away from them temporarily. On the contrary, I am strengthened in my inner being as I fast.

I also thank you for _______ (list what you are grateful for).

As Hebrews 12:28 says, "Since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let’s show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe." Amen

Surrender in Fasting and Prayer Time

Lord, I come to you with prayers and petitions. I submit these to you with full trust that you hear me, you have my best interests in mind, and your timing is perfect—you are not slow in keeping your promises (2 Peter 3:9).

I also recognize that fasting is not solely about my own desires but about seeking your will for my life and understanding your ways. My soul waits for spiritual renewal in your presence.

As I fast, I anoint my head and wash my face so my fasting is not obvious to men but to you, and I know that You see me and will reward me (Matthew 6:16-18). I surrender my expectations to you, knowing that your heavenly reward may be of a different type or on a different timeline than what I have in mind. I trust you with my heart!

Worship in Prayer and Fasting

I declare that my fasting is a form of worship. Like Anna, the prophetess who worshiped night and day in the temple with fasting and prayers. She saw Jesus, thanked God for Him, and spoke about Him to all waiting for Jerusalem's redemption (Luke 2:36-38).

I lift up my head and fix my eyes on Jesus during this time of fasting, knowing He is the author and perfected of faith and sits at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2).

Almighty God, you are spirit, and as your worshiper, I choose to worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24). I thank you that fasting is a time of humbling that frees me to release my burdens and lift my eyes to you. I bless and worship your holy name!

Prayers When Hungry and Tempted

Hunger is an uncomfortable part of fasting. In most of the modern Western world, it's easy to eat constantly and never feel hungry. From snack machines to drive-throughs, food is never far!

From a physical standpoint, there are many reasons it's healthy for our body to have a break from eating. This can help us to be more aware of why we're eating and the food we choose.

Are we truly hungry? Are we eating out of boredom, anxiety, and cravings—or do we choose food to nourish our bodies?

Times of fasting can help you discern what drives you to eat, break unhealthy habits, get in touch with your own body, and cultivate the fruit of the Spirit we call self-control. Consider how the challenges of fasting ultimately draw you closer to Christ!

A Prayer When Hungry

Lord, when I am hungry, I will turn to you. I realize that these hunger pangs are temporary, but you have the spiritual food I truly need. As I feel the pangs of hunger, let them be a reminder of the hunger I should have for Your Word, Your presence, and Your will in my life. Fill me, Lord, with the sustenance that comes from Your truth, grace, and love.

As your Word says in John 6:27, I don't work for food that perishes but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give me. I don't live by bread alone, but every Word that comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).

Thank you for strengthening my body as I fast and for helping me understand the power of walking by the Spirit. In agreement with Psalm 34:8, I taste and see that you are good Lord, and I am blessed because I take refuge in you, the living God.

prayers when fasting to overcome temptation

A Prayer to Resist Temptation

As Scripture confirms in 1 Corinthians 10:13, No temptation has seized me except what is common to man, and God is faithful; He won't let me be tempted beyond what I can bear. But when I am tempted, He will also provide an escape so that I can stand up under it.

I recognize that the satisfaction I get from even the tastiest foods only lasts for a moment. As I fast, I declare that the joy of heaven far outweighs the temporary pleasure of earthly treats. I am not subject to the cravings of my flesh because I walk in the power of God's Spirit.

Because of God's mercy, I am not overcome by any temptation. The devil is the father of lies (John 8:44), but I walk in the truth and the light! (2 John 1:4) Because of the finished work of the cross, I have life in Christ. In Jesus' name, amen.

Pray for Strength When Fasting

Lord, as I feel the physical challenges of fasting, I am reminded that Your grace is sufficient for me because Your power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). I'm reminded to persevere through moments of hunger and challenge because I depend on your strength and power.

Fasting is powerful because it causes me to recognize my weaknesses, choose to be humble, and become more dependent on you. Lord, I surrender my pride and confidence in my own willpower. Instead, I trust that your grace is sufficient for me!

God, I praise you with the words of Psalm 28:7, "Blessed be the LORD, for He has heard my cry for mercy. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart rejoices, and I give thanks to Him with my song."

Fasting Prayers for Revelation and Breakthrough

Many in the church fast for revelation and direction, and this often happens in the new year. God will certainly answer us when we pray to Him with all our hearts.

We see an example among the church in Antioch in Acts 13:2-3, "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off."

Other times, believers may pray and fast for breakthroughs and deliverance in a specific situation in their lives. It could be related to sin, habitual patterns, or a need for discernment when they don't know what exactly is holding them back.

Here are some prayers that may be helpful in these situations.

Freedom and Healing Through Fasting

Spend some time with this prayer to allow the Lord to highlight any areas of sin in your life, or areas where you need healing.

Lord, John 8:36 says that "if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." I want this freedom in my life! I pray for heavenly wisdom to discern anything that may be holding me back; whether it's my own choices, an attack of the enemy, or unforgiveness and bitterness in my heart.

I examine my heart and confess my personal sins. I repent, Lord, and turn to you for healing, closing every door, and healing every wound the enemy might try to use to his advantage. I forgive anyone who has wronged me, knowing that you have forgiven me of all my sins.

I declare Romans 12:21 over my life, that I will not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. My righteousness is in Christ. Thank you, Father, for the perfect gift of your Son Jesus Christ, who took away the sin of the world.

I am free because of who I am in Christ. I am a new creation. The old has passed away, and the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

fasting prayers for revelation and direction

Prayers When Fasting for Revelation and Direction

Lord, I long to know your will for my life; to understand my identity and purpose. I want to walk according to your ways and be led by your Truth.

Isaiah 30:21 says, "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'" Help me to hear this voice clearly.

I am specifically asking for revelation in these areas ________.

I recognize that sometimes you call me to wait and other times to go. Sometimes, to be silent and pray, and other times, to speak boldly. I pray for direction and peace. I recognize that I walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Help me increase my faith (Luke 17:5). In Jesus' name, amen.

A Prayer for Holy Spirit Guidance

Jesus, you said the Father would send us the Holy Spirit as our counselor, Advocate, and spirit of truth who would teach us all things. I want to be more sensitive to the Spirit's leading and understand this third person of the Trinity more intimately.

Ephesians 1:13 says that when I believed, I was marked with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. Help to live by the Spirit and follow his leading in every area of my life so that it overflows with the fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:16-25).

I thank you for the gifts of the Spirit, which are given as you determine for the common good and the building up of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:7,11). Thank you that I can walk in victory with the Holy Spirit as my helper, comforter, and teacher. In Jesus' name, amen.

Fasting for Personal and Corporate Needs

We fast and pray not only for our own needs but to intercede for others and build up the body of Christ. As you take time in your daily prayer life to strengthen yourself personally, overcome the evil one, and grow spiritually, remember others in your prayers as well.

Intercessory Prayer Time

Make a list of general intercessory prayer requests for our church and world (here is an example).
Make a list of people you are personally praying for.
Record Bible verses you can utilize in these prayers.
Record answered prayers and praise reports!

Prayer for Repentance

Consider reading aloud Daniel's prayer for his people recorded in Daniel 9:1-19. Here is an abbreviated prayer based on this Scripture.

Lord, you are great and awesome, yet we have sinned, done wrong, acted wickedly, and rebelled. We have turned away from your commandments and ignored your servants. Along with our leaders, we are covered with shame because we have sinned against You.

We know you are a God of compassion and forgiveness. We repent! We seek your favor by turning from our iniquities and turning our attention toward your truth. We pray that Your anger and wrath may turn away from us.

God, hear the petitions and prayers of your servants and cause your face to shine in the desolate sanctuary. We thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to take away the sins of the world, and we declare that our righteousness and life are in Him.

"O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For Your sake, O my God, do not delay, because Your city and Your people bear Your name.” (Daniel 9:19) In Jesus name, Amen.

Fasting Prayer for Government and Leaders

Look up your elected local, state, and federal officials using your address at: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials

Lord, regardless of my personal political beliefs, I pray for every one of my government leaders. I pray for "all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness" (1 Timothy 2:2)

I know that according to your Word, I must submit to all governing authorities because all authorities that exist have been appointed by God (Romans 13:1).

I pray that all these individuals would come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and they would be personally blessed because they know You. Lord, give all our leaders godly wisdom and discernment. Let your will be done on earth as it is heaven, according to your kingdom principles of justice and righteousness.

Fasting for Financial Provision

Gracious Father, I acknowledge Your sovereignty over every aspect of my life, including my finances. I claim this promise for myself and for those who are facing financial challenges: my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19)

I pray over anyone in debt, poverty, or lacking employment. I pray for Your divine intervention in their lives that You may open doors of opportunity, bring the right job opportunity, and grant them the means to meet their basic needs with divine wisdom and strategy.

As we seek Your guidance in managing our own finances, instill in us a heart of generosity and gratitude. Let us be wise stewards of the resources You entrusted us, recognizing that everything we have is ultimately Yours.

Lord, we pray for wisdom to make sound financial decisions, for diligence in our work, and for discernment to distinguish needs from wants. May Your grace abound in our lives, and may we be a source of blessing to others in need. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Fasting for Health and Healing

Lord, in this time of fasting, I pray for health and healing in my body and mind. "You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalm 139:13-14)

You are the ultimate healer, and I trust You and your Word. In the spirit of self-discipline and reliance on Your divine wisdom, I surrender my physical needs and desires to Your care.

Lord, I also lift up those who are grappling with health challenges. Your compassion knows no bounds. Extend Your healing hand to those in need, providing comfort, strength, and restoration.

10 Bible Verses to Pray for Health and Healing

Isaiah 53:5 - "But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging, we are healed."
Jeremiah 30:17 - "For I will restore health to you, And your wounds I will heal, Declares the Lord, Because they have called you an outcast, saying: ‘It is Zion, for whom no one cares!’"
Psalm 103:2-3 - "Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases."
Exodus 15:26 - "And He said, 'If you will give earnest heed to the voice of the Lord your God, and do what is right in His sight, and give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians; for I, the Lord, am your healer.'"
Matthew 10:8 - "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give."
James 5:14-15 - "Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him."
Psalm 147:3 - "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
Matthew 4:23-24 - "Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people. The news about Him spread throughout all Syria, and they brought to Him all who were ill, those suffering with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics; and He healed them."
1 Peter 2:24 - "And He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds, you were healed."
Mark 5:34 - "And He said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be healed of your affliction.'"

Fasting and Prayer for Family

Heavenly Father, I come before you, lifting up my family in prayer, seeking Your divine intervention in our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. As Your Word assures in 3 John 1:2, "Beloved, I pray that in all respects, you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers."

I earnestly pray for the salvation of each family member, especially ______, knowing that salvation is a gift from You. Acts 16:31 reminds us, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." May the love and grace of Christ fill our lives, drawing each member closer to You.

I bring the broken relationships within our family, praying for restoration and healing. In the spirit of reconciliation, let us be quick to forgive wholeheartedly and love one another with supernatural grace.

Lastly, Lord, I pray for our family legacy that it may be grounded in Your Word. Proverbs 22:6 implores, "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it." May our family be a testament to Your enduring love, and may our legacy be one that glorifies Your name. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Pray for the Church

I pray for my local church community and lift up our church leaders, both local and those overseeing other church bodies. Grant them Your wisdom, discernment, and strength to lead with grace, truth, and love.

In accordance with 1 Timothy 2:1-2, I pray for all those in authority, asking for Your guidance in their shepherding roles.

Lord, as part of this body of believers, I desire unity within our local church and across the entire body of Christ. May the ties that bind us be strengthened by Your love and purpose, fulfilling the call in Ephesians 4:3 to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

Break down any barriers that hinder our collective witness and empower us to stand together in faith, hope, and love.

I also lift up our shared mission, praying for the growth and flourishing of Your Church. Help us actively participate in spreading the message of salvation and embodying the love of Christ. May we shine as beacons of hope and light in a dark world. Amen.

God's Will Be Done

In conclusion, prayers when fasting will take the experience from being physically beneficial to being spiritually transformative. As you lean into God's mercy and grace, you will find sweet moments when fasting beyond what you anticipated!

You can be fearless as you fast. When the evil one came against Jesus after He fasted for forty days, He emerged victorious. Jesus answered every accusation with the Word of God.

Remember that God is not slow in keeping His promises, as some understand slowness (2 Peter 3:9). As we fast, we increase in self-control and learn to submit our own desires to His will and be led by God in all we do.

Types of Fasts

A quick note on types of fasting you may participate in:

Total fast or complete fast: Fasting from all food and drinking water only.
Liquid fast: Fasting from all solid food and only consuming liquids.
Partial fast: Abstaining from certain foods or eating only certain times and numbers of meals per day.

Read more about common types of Fasts in the Bible and what Scripture says about fasting.

17 Uplifting Prayers When Fasting Based on the Bible

In this article:

Understanding Biblical Fasting

When we enter into prayer and fasting as a Christian discipline...

What Bible Verses Can You Pray While Fasting?

Prayers to Prepare Your Heart for Fasting

Prayer to Prepare for a Time of Fasting and Prayer