3 Powerful Prayers For Fasting: The Ultimate Guide To Purposeful Fast

/ Prayers / By Prayer Warriors

Prayer and fasting are potent spiritual disciplines ingrained in Christian tradition.

They help create a space for reflection, repentance, and renewal, guiding us on a journey of spiritual growth and transformation.

As you embark on this journey, it’s natural to ask yourself,

“How should I pray when fasting?”

“What scripture should I read while fasting?”

Or

“What prayers to say while fasting?”

Well, this guide will:

Explore the different prayers for fasting (sometimes called prayers for Lent),
Delve into the extraordinary prayer and fasting benefits,
Tell you the things to avoid when fasting, and
Provide a curated scriptural selection to enrich your fasting experience.

May it lead you to deeper intimacy with God, enriching your spiritual life, igniting breakthroughs, and illuminating your path with grace and truth.

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The Best Prayers for Fasting: How to Pray Before, During & After Fasting

1. Opening Prayer for Fasting (Prayer Before Fasting)

Dear Lord,

As I begin this time of fasting, my heart turns toward You. I want to draw closer to You, to know You better, to understand Your ways and Your will for my life.

Please guide me and fill me with Your Spirit.

Help me to see clearly, Lord.

Are there areas in my life in which I’ve drifted from You?

Are there things I’ve put before You?

Have I allowed my own desires to replace Your perfect plan?

Please reveal any idols I may have hidden away in my heart that pull me away from You.

I want to surrender everything to You, Lord. Show me how to live a life that glorifies and honors You.

Guide me through today and the coming days, dear Father.

Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and grant me the wisdom to discern Your voice amidst the noise and distractions.

May this time of fasting bring me closer to You and allow Your light to illuminate the path ahead.

In Jesus’ Mighty Name, I pray,

Amen.

2. Prayer During Fasting (Day Prayer)

O, Lord,

I feel the pangs of hunger, the weakness in my body. Yet, these discomforts only strengthen my resolve.

While my flesh may grow faint, my spirit is being renewed by Your presence. I find my true sustenance in You alone.

As I fight the urge to indulge, open my eyes to the suffering of others.

Let my hunger be a reminder of those who go without, not by choice, but by circumstance.

May my sacrifice become a silent prayer for the hungry, the thirsty, and the downtrodden.

Quiet my complaining thoughts and fill my mind with peace and calm.

Let this fast deepen my understanding and draw me closer to the heart of who You are.

Guide me, Lord, towards your word. Let it be the sustenance that nourishes my soul.

As I delve deeper into your scriptures, reveal your hidden truths, and fill me with your wisdom.

Help me find solace in your promises and strength in your love.

I surrender this discomfort, Lord, and offer it as a humble offering, a token of my devotion.

May it be a testament to my desire to draw closer to you, to experience your presence more deeply.

In Jesus’ Holy Name, I pray,

Amen.

3. Prayer for Breaking a Fast (Prayer After Fasting)

O, Gracious Father,

As I break this fast, I offer my deepest gratitude for Your unfailing presence throughout this period.

You have met me in the depths of my soul with Your grace and renewed my strength.

Your faithfulness has sustained me, and Your love has guided me every step of the way.

However, I know that the true test lies beyond this moment.

Help me, dear God, to retain all the lessons I’ve learned and carry them into my everyday life.

May they continue to shape and mold me into Your likeness.

May the transformation sparked within me continue to unfold, allowing me to carry Your presence and reflect Your love in everything I do.

May the spirit of continuous communion with You, established during this moment, become the cornerstone of my existence.

Fill me with fervent hunger and thirst for Your righteousness.

Draw me closer to Your side each day, dear Father, and allow me to experience the joy and fullness that comes with living in Your presence.

This, I pray in Jesus’ Mighty Name,

Amen.

Through prayer and fasting, Christians exercise their faith and reliance on God.

By denying themselves physical comforts, they learn to depend on God’s strength and provision.

8 Prayer and Fasting Benefits

While many religions and spiritual paths find value in various practices, prayers for fasting hold particular importance within Christianity. Here are some of the benefits:

1. Deepening spiritual connection

Prayers for fasting allow Christians to draw closer to God and experience a deeper spiritual connection. They provide an opportunity for introspection, repentance, and surrendering to God’s will.

2. Strengthening faith

Through prayer and fasting, Christians exercise their faith and reliance on God. By denying themselves physical comforts, they learn to depend on God’s strength and provision.

3. Discerning God's will

Prayer and fasting can help Christians seek clarity and discern God’s will for their lives.

It allows them to silence distractions and tune into God’s voice more clearly.

4. Seeking guidance and wisdom

During times of prayer and fasting, Christians can seek God’s guidance and wisdom for important decisions, challenges, or uncertainties they may be facing.

5. Overcoming spiritual obstacles

Prayers for fasting can be powerful tools for breaking curses. They help Christians break free from spiritual bondage and experience victory in areas of their lives where they may be struggling.

6. Growing in self-discipline

Fasting requires self-discipline and self-control, which are valuable qualities for spiritual growth and maturity.

It teaches Christians to master their physical desires and prioritize their spiritual well-being.

7. Developing empathy and compassion

Fasting can foster empathy and compassion for those who are less fortunate.

It reminds Christians of the importance of caring for others and sharing their blessings with those in need.

8. Renewing physical health

While the primary focus of fasting is spiritual, it can also have physical benefits such as detoxification, improved digestion, and increased energy levels.

However, it’s essential to approach fasting with proper guidance and moderation.

7 Things to Avoid When Fasting and Praying

When fasting, it’s essential to keep away from certain behaviors and habits to ensure a meaningful and effective spiritual experience.

Some things to avoid include:

1. Overeating before and after fasting

Before: This can negate the benefits of fasting and put unnecessary strain on your body when you transition to not eating. Consume smaller, healthier meals in the days leading up to the fast.

After: Reintroduce food gradually, starting with easily digestible options like fruits and vegetables. Avoid heavy meals and sugary foods, which can lead to digestive discomfort.

2. Engaging in negative or sinful behaviors

Prayers for fasting are not substitutes for ethical conduct. While abstaining from food, be mindful of your actions, words, and thoughts.

Avoid gossip, anger, and other harmful behavior that contradicts the spiritual essence of fasting.

3. Being legalistic or judgmental

The purpose of fasting is introspection and spiritual growth, not self-righteousness.

Don’t compare your experience to others or judge those who choose not to fast. Focus on your own journey and intentions.

4. Neglecting prayer and meditation

Fasting is often practiced alongside increased prayer and meditation.

Neglecting this aspect diminishes the spiritual purpose of the fast. Dedicate time to reflection, gratitude, and connecting with God.

5. Neglecting physical health

Listen to your body. If you experience any discomfort or health concerns during the fast, consult a healthcare professional and break the fast if necessary.

Prioritize healthy sleep and moderate physical activity during this time.

6. Focusing solely on outward appearances

Fasting is not about outward displays of piety or impressing others.

The focus should be on internal transformation and strengthening your connection with God.

Avoid seeking social approval or validation through fasting.

7. Losing sight of the purpose

Remember the WHY behind your fast. Is it for spiritual growth, seeking answers, or expressing gratitude?

Reconnect with your initial intention throughout the prayer and fasting period.

6 Important Scriptures on Fasting and Praying KJV

The following scriptures serve as a guide for Christians seeking to deepen their relationship with God through prayer and fasting.

1. Matthew 6:16-18

“When ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.”

Why it’s helpful: This passage reminds Christians that outward displays of piety aren’t the point of fasting. True fasting is about a sincere heart seeking God.
Meaning: Don’t make a show of your fasting. Focus on your internal devotion to God, and He will see it.

2. 2 Chronicles 7:14

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

Why it’s helpful: This verse connects humility and seeking God’s forgiveness with healing.
Meaning: When God’s people humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from wicked ways, He will heal the land. Fasting can be a way to express humility and repentance.

3. Isaiah 58:6-7

“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?”

Why it’s helpful: This passage clarifies what true fasting is about – helping others and living justly.
Meaning: Fasting isn’t just about denying yourself food. It’s about using that time and saved resources to help the oppressed and act with justice.

4. Joel 2:12

“Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “Return to Me with all your heart, And with fasting, weeping, and mourning;”

Why it’s helpful: This verse emphasizes the importance of sincere repentance and seeking God with all your heart.
Meaning: Even outward signs of mourning (like fasting) aren’t enough. True repentance requires a complete turning away from sin and a seeking of God’s forgiveness.

5. Ezra 8:23

“So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.”

Why it’s helpful: This verse shows how fasting can be a sign of dependence on God, especially in difficult times.
Meaning: Ezra and the Israelites fasted because they felt vulnerable on their journey. Fasting can express dependence on God for protection and guidance.

6. Acts 13:2-3

As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

Why it’s helpful: This passage highlights the role of fasting in discerning God’s will.
Meaning: The Holy Spirit directed the church at Antioch to set apart Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for ministry through prayer and fasting. It shows that through fasting, we can become more receptive to God’s leading.

Prayers for Fasting - Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does God say to do when fasting?

In Matthew 6:16-18 (NIV), Jesus instructs believers:

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on 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; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

2. What prayers to say during fasting?

Prayers for fasting can vary depending on personal intentions, but believers often pray for guidance, strength, repentance, spiritual growth, and for specific needs or concerns they may have. Some may also use prayers of thanksgiving and praise to God.

Example of a prayer to say during fasting:

Dear God, as I embark on this fasting journey, I come before you with a humble heart. Please grant me strength to endure, wisdom to discern your will, and guidance in all my ways. May this time of fasting draw me closer to you, deepen my faith, and purify my spirit. I lift up to you my concerns and needs, trusting in your provision and grace. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to seek you earnestly through fasting and prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

3. How do you pray when fasting and praying?

When saying prayers for fasting, it’s important to approach the moment with humility, sincerity, and faith. Pour out your heart to God, confessing sins, seeking His will, and expressing gratitude. It’s essential to pray with an open heart, listening for God’s voice and being receptive to His guidance.

Here’s a short example of how you can pray during fasting:

Lord, I come before you with humility and sincerity as I fast and pray. Please forgive me for my shortcomings and guide me according to your will. I seek your presence and ask for your strength to sustain me during this time. Thank you for your love and grace. Amen.

4. What is the first prayer before fasting?

Prayers for fasting can vary depending on individual preferences and traditions. Some believers may choose to start with a prayer of dedication, surrendering the fast to God and asking for His strength and guidance throughout the fasting period. Others may begin with a prayer of repentance or thanksgiving. The key is to approach fasting humbly, seeking God’s presence and direction.

Here’s a short example of a prayer before fasting:

Dear God, as I begin this fast, I surrender myself to you completely. Please strengthen me and guide me through this journey. Help me to draw closer to you and to grow in faith during this time. Thank you for your grace and mercy. Amen.

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