Prayers for Fasting
In the Bible, there are stories that show how fasting can lead to remarkable results. Characters such as Daniel, Moses, and Jesus used fasting to bring about powerful breakthroughs in their lives. Jesus himself advises us to set aside time for fasting, as mentioned in Matthew 6:17.
Through practicing and studying the Bible, we learn that fasting isn’t just about skipping meals; it’s about humbling ourselves before God. The Bible provides examples that explain the reasons and methods for fasting.
Here are four Prayers for Fasting that aim for significant spiritual breakthroughs. They focus on preparing to fast, gaining understanding, overcoming temptation, and receiving God’s mercy.
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Prepare Your Heart to Fast:
The Bible talks about how people fasted to get ready for the important tasks God had for them, like Moses when he was called to lead his people out of Egypt.
In Exodus 34:28, it tells us that Moses fasted for forty days and nights during a critical moment in his life when he received the Ten Commandments from God. He didn’t eat bread or drink water during that time.
In the New Testament, Luke 4:1 mentions that Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit when he went into the wilderness to face temptation. After fasting for forty days, Luke 4:14 notes that Jesus left the wilderness empowered by the Spirit.
Here’s a prayer to prepare your heart for fasting:
Dear Lord,
Your love for us is boundless and never fails.
You created us with care and have planned every day of our lives, writing them down before we were even born. Your thoughts about us are precious.
We honor You because we are made by You, created in Christ Jesus to perform the good deeds You have set before us.
Today, we kneel before You, humbling ourselves and surrendering to Your plan for our lives. With You, Father, we trust that goodness and mercy will be with us every day.
Help us focus on fulfilling Your purpose on Earth and value heavenly treasures over earthly ones.
Guide us on the right path, Lord. Direct our steps and accomplish Your plans through us. Make our feet quick to follow You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen. -
Seek God’s wisdom And knowledge
The Old Testament chronicles Daniel’s pursuit of understanding following a vision he received from God. Overwhelmed and exhausted by what he saw, Daniel lay prostrate for days, unable to grasp the vision’s meaning (Daniel 8:27). In his quest for clarity, Daniel earnestly sought God through prayer, fasting, and humble repentance, wearing sackcloth and ashes as he prayed (Daniel 9:3).
In response to Daniel’s dedication, God dispatched the angel Gabriel to provide Daniel with the needed insight and understanding. Gabriel’s message affirmed the importance of Daniel’s prayers: “As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Therefore, consider the word and understand the vision” (Daniel 9:22,23). This story illustrates that, like Daniel, we too can engage in fasting and prayer to gain understanding beyond our natural comprehension.
Prayers for Fasting And seeking God’s understanding and wisdom:
Dear Heavenly Father,
All praise, honor, and glory are Yours, our everlasting, invisible, only true and living God.
You are the revealer of all mysteries and the source of all wisdom and knowledge. Within You lie the secrets of the universe, yet You allow us to uncover the mysteries of Your kingdom. You expose the hidden depths of darkness and transform the deepest shadows into light.
Thank You for listening when we pray and for granting us understanding when we seek it from You. Thank you for sending Your word to guide us and for entrusting us with Your truth.
We glorify You for unveiling the true knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ Himself, in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden.
As You answered Daniel, Lord, we ask You to send Your word to grant us understanding.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
Pray to Overcome Temptation: We all encounter temptation in our lives. Even Jesus faced temptation in the wilderness, setting an example for us on how to confront it.
Matthew 4:1-2 recounts, “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry.”
Similar to how Satan tempted Eve in the garden with food (Genesis 3:1-3), he initially tempted Jesus with the same. “The tempter came to Him and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.’ Jesus answered, ‘It is written: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God'” (Matthew 4:3-4).
While Eve had access to all the trees in the garden except one, from which she was forbidden to eat (Genesis 3:2), she succumbed to temptation and disobeyed God’s command (Genesis 3:6).
Unlike Eve, who had an abundance of food, Jesus endured hunger in the wilderness. Yet, through fasting and adhering to God’s word, He resisted temptation and thwarted the schemes of the evil one.
Here is a prayer for strength and guidance in resisting temptation:
Prayers for Fasting for Resisting Temptation
Dear Father,
You are righteous, holy, and just—awesome and blameless in all Your ways. Lead us in the path of Your righteousness. Help us, Lord, to walk obediently, that we might live fully and prolong our days.
Strengthen us, Father, to fix our eyes on Jesus. May Your word equip us to emulate His resistance to temptation.
Deliver us from the schemes of the evil one, for You are adept at rescuing the godly. Help us find refuge under the shadow of Your wings.
We celebrate Your faithfulness, Lord, in providing an escape from every temptation.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Even the gravest sinners can stir God’s compassion through the act of humbling themselves by fasting.
Another profound example is the city of Nineveh. Instructed by God, Jonah, overcoming his initial reluctance, warned Nineveh of divine judgment due to their wickedness. The entire city, from the most influential to the least, believed God’s warning, fasted and donned sackcloth in repentance (Jonah 3:4-5). Observing their sincere repentance, God relented and spared them from the promised destruction (Jonah 3:10).
A prayer of fasting for compassion:
Dear Father,
You are a God of boundless compassion and flawless justice.
We approach You in humility, recognizing our missteps and the justice they warrant, yet we seek Your mercy. We repent for the times our hearts have wandered, led astray by our desires and the world, turning from Your paths and transgressing against You alone.
Though we are undeserving and our actions warrant discipline, You offer forgiveness and mercy to those who humble themselves before You. Where there is justification for judgment, You extend mercy.
Forgive and show us compassion, Lord. Soften our hearts to be sensitive to Your will, seeking Your presence earnestly in our lives.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Prayers for Fasting to Seek God’s Compassion: The Bible records instances where God responded to fasting by showing compassion instead of administering judgment. A notable example is King Ahab, described as exceedingly wicked, influenced by his wife Jezebel and turning to idolatry, much like the Amorites whom God displaced from Israel (1 Kings 21:25-26). However, when Prophet Elijah conveyed God’s impending wrath to Ahab, the king demonstrated repentance by tearing his clothes, wearing sackcloth, and fasting (1 Kings 21:27). Moved by Ahab’s humility, God chose not to bring the forewarned disaster upon him (1 Kings 21:28).
Even the gravest sinners can stir God’s compassion through the act of humbling themselves by fasting.
Another profound example is the city of Nineveh. Instructed by God, Jonah, overcoming his initial reluctance, warned Nineveh of divine judgment due to their wickedness. The entire city, from the most influential to the least, believed God’s warning, fasted, and donned sackcloth in repentance (Jonah 3:4-5). Observing their sincere repentance, God relented and spared them from the promised destruction (Jonah 3:10).
A prayer of fasting for compassion: Dear Father,
You are a God of boundless compassion and flawless justice.
We approach You in humility, recognizing our missteps and the justice they warrant, yet we seek Your mercy. We repent for the times our hearts have wandered, led astray by our desires and the world, turning from Your paths and transgressing against You alone.
Though we are undeserving and our actions warrant discipline, You offer forgiveness and mercy to those who humble themselves before You. Where there is justification for judgment, You extend mercy.
Forgive and show us compassion, Lord. Soften our hearts to be sensitive to Your will, seeking Your presence earnestly in our lives.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Prayers for Fasting
“Prayers for Fasting” play a pivotal role in the spiritual discipline of fasting, often aimed at achieving significant breakthroughs. Here’s an expanded insight focusing on the use of “Prayers for Fasting”:
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Initiation: “Prayers for Fasting” typically begin the fasting period, setting the spiritual intentions and dedicating the fast to a specific purpose.
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Daily Invocation: During the fasting period, “Prayers for Fasting” are frequently recited to reaffirm commitment and seek strength to continue despite physical hunger.
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Guidance and Wisdom: “Prayers for Fasting” often ask for divine guidance and wisdom, helping individuals make enlightened decisions and gain insights that are not clouded by everyday distractions.
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Spiritual Cleansing: “Prayers for Fasting” can focus on personal repentance and spiritual cleansing, aiming to purify the heart and mind from negative thoughts and feelings.
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Intercession: Many use “Prayers for Fasting” to intercede on behalf of others, praying for healing, support, or divine intervention in critical life situations.
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Renewal of Faith: “Prayers for Fasting” help strengthen one’s faith, reaffirming beliefs and reinvigorating the individual’s spiritual journey.
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Protection: “Prayers for Fasting” often seek protection against evil and harm, looking for a shield in both the spiritual and physical realms.
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Thanksgiving: At the conclusion of a fasting period, “Prayers for Fasting” are used to express gratitude for the strength given during the fast and any insights or breakthroughs received.
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Reflection and Closure: “Prayers for Fasting” provide a moment of reflection on the lessons learned and the spiritual growth experienced, often marking the transition back to regular eating and daily routines.
“Prayers for Fasting” serve as a powerful tool to navigate the challenges of fasting, enhancing the spiritual experience and connection with the divine. They are integral in helping practitioners maintain their focus and purpose throughout the fasting period.
SEE MORE: 10 Prayers for Healing a Friend and Family Member