Fasting and prayer are powerful spiritual practices that help us draw closer to God, seek direction, and find breakthrough in difficult times. During these moments of humility and dependence, the Bible becomes a source of life, hope, and clarity.
Whether you’re fasting for healing, guidance, or simply to reconnect with God’s presence, Scripture offers the encouragement you need to stay strong, focused, and faithful.
Below are 35 Bible verses to read while fasting and praying that will speak to your heart, renew your strength, and deepen your faith.
35 Bible Verses to Read While Fasting and Praying
1. Matthew 6:16-18
When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do… But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen.
Explanation: Jesus teaches us to fast with humility, focusing on our relationship with God, not seeking attention from others.
2. Isaiah 58:6
Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
Explanation: God desires a fast that leads to action and justice, not just a ritual. True fasting brings freedom and change.
3. Joel 2:12
Even now, declares the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.
Explanation: Fasting is a way to turn back to God with sincerity and a soft heart.
4. Ezra 8:23
So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.
Explanation: This verse shows the power of fasting in seeking God’s help and the faithfulness of His response.
5. Psalm 35:13
Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting.
Explanation: Fasting is a way to humble ourselves before God, especially in times of deep concern or intercession.
6. Daniel 9:3
So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.
Explanation: Daniel sought God with seriousness and sincerity, using fasting to express his devotion and repentance.
7. Nehemiah 1:4
For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.
Explanation: Fasting was part of Nehemiah’s response to heartbreaking news. It helped him focus and seek God’s guidance.
8. Matthew 4:2
After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
Explanation: Jesus Himself fasted before beginning His ministry, showing us the importance of spiritual preparation.
9. Acts 13:2-3
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul…”
Explanation: Fasting helps us tune in to the voice of the Holy Spirit and receive direction.
10. Acts 14:23
Paul and Barnabas appointed elders… with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord.
Explanation: Major decisions in the early church were bathed in prayer and fasting, highlighting its importance.
11. Esther 4:16
Go, gather together all the Jews… Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do.
Explanation: Esther turned to fasting in a moment of fear and uncertainty, seeking divine intervention.
12. Jonah 3:5
The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.
Explanation: The city of Nineveh responded to God’s warning with fasting and repentance, and God showed mercy.
13. Psalm 69:10
When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn.
Explanation: Fasting can be misunderstood by others, but it’s a deeply personal and spiritual act of faith.
14. 2 Chronicles 20:3
Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.
Explanation: Fasting was used to unite people in seeking God during crisis. It brought clarity and peace.
15. Jeremiah 29:13
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Explanation: Fasting helps align our hearts to truly seek God with focus and sincerity.
16. Mark 9:29
This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting.
Explanation: Some spiritual breakthroughs require deeper commitment. Fasting intensifies our prayer life.
17. Luke 2:37
She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.
Explanation: Anna’s life shows the power of consistent fasting and prayer as worship and devotion.
18. Joel 1:14
Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders… and cry out to the Lord.
Explanation: Fasting is often used in times of national or communal repentance, drawing people closer to God.
19. Psalm 109:24
My knees give way from fasting; my body is thin and gaunt.
Explanation: Fasting requires sacrifice, but it also reflects a heart desperate for God’s presence.
20. Isaiah 58:9
Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
Explanation: When we fast in the right spirit, God hears and responds to our cries.
21. Zechariah 7:5
Was it really for me that you fasted?
Explanation: God wants our fasting to be genuine—not just a tradition, but a heartfelt act of worship.
22. Matthew 9:15
The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.
Explanation: Jesus predicted that His followers would fast as a way of longing for His presence.
23. Romans 12:1
Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.
Explanation: Fasting is one way to offer ourselves to God, showing our surrender and worship.
24. James 4:8
Come near to God and he will come near to you.
Explanation: Fasting is a powerful tool to draw closer to God, and He promises to respond.
25. 1 Samuel 7:6
On that day they fasted and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the Lord.”
Explanation: Fasting often goes hand in hand with confession and returning to God.
26. Daniel 10:3
I ate no choice food… until the three weeks were over.
Explanation: Daniel fasted for understanding, showing us how fasting can open the door to divine insight.
27. Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation… present your requests to God.
Explanation: Fasting helps us release anxiety and lean on God through prayer.
28. Galatians 5:16
Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
Explanation: Fasting helps break worldly habits and teaches us to walk in the Spirit.
29. Lamentations 3:25
The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him.
Explanation: Fasting is a form of seeking, and those who do are promised God’s goodness.
30. Colossians 3:2
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Explanation: Fasting shifts our focus from the physical to the spiritual.
31. 1 Corinthians 9:27
I discipline my body and keep it under control.
Explanation: Fasting teaches us self-discipline and helps strengthen our spiritual walk.
32. Hosea 10:12
It is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.
Explanation: Fasting is a time to seek God passionately and expect His presence.
33. Psalm 63:1
You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you.
Explanation: Fasting expresses a deep hunger for God, much more than for food.
34. Hebrews 11:6
He rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Explanation: Fasting is a form of earnest seeking—and God rewards those who do.
35. Revelation 3:20
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.
Explanation: During fasting and prayer, we open the door of our hearts to fully welcome God in.
Conclusion
Fasting and prayer invite us into a deeper connection with God—one that goes beyond the surface and reaches into the heart. These 35 Bible verses to read while fasting and praying offer strength, focus, and encouragement when you need it most.
Whether you’re seeking healing, clarity, repentance, or a closer walk with God, His Word provides the peace and power you need.
What verse speaks to you during your fast? Have you experienced a breakthrough or comfort through Scripture while fasting? Share your story or favorite verse in the comments below. Let’s grow together as we seek God wholeheartedly.