Complete Prayer And Fasting Guide (Printable)

Are you curious about what the Bible says about prayer and fasting?

Let’s take a look together. Grab my Prayer And Fasting Guide below!

How To Pray And Fast For Beginners

Prayer and fasting are wonderful ways to deepen your relationship with God.

Here’s a simple guide to help you get started, especially for Christian women who are new to this practice.

Remember, it’s not about perfection but about your heart’s intention to seek God.

Step 1: Understand the Purpose

• Prayer is talking to God, sharing your thoughts, concerns, and gratitude.
• Fasting is giving up something, like food or a hobby, to focus more on God. It’s a way to show God that He is more important than physical comfort.

Step 2: Choose What to Fast From

• Decide what you will fast from. It could be food, social media, TV, or anything that takes up a lot of your time.
• If you choose to fast from food, make sure it’s healthy for you. If you have health issues, consider fasting from something non-food related.

Step 3: Set Your Duration

• Start with a short period, like one meal or one day. You can gradually increase the time as you get more comfortable.

Step 4: Prepare Spiritually

• Read Bible verses to encourage and guide you. For example, Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
• Pray for strength and focus during your fast.

Step 5: Begin Your Fast

• Start your fast with a prayer, asking God to help you stay focused and to speak to you during this time.
• Read the Bible, spend time really soaking in God’s word, also pray often.
• Avoid distractions and spend extra time in prayer, Bible reading, and quiet reflection.

Step 6: Break Your Fast Carefully

• When your fasting period ends, thank God for His presence during the fast.
• If you fasted from food, eat something light and healthy to break your fast.

Step 7: Reflect on Your Experience

• Think about what you learned and how you felt during the fast.
• Keep a journal, grab mine below, writing down any insights or messages you felt God was giving you.

Tips for Success

• Stay hydrated with water, especially if you’re fasting from food.
• Join with a friend or a group for support and encouragement.
• Remember, it’s okay to struggle. Fasting is a discipline and it takes time to grow in it.

Remember This:

• Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
• Isaiah 58:6: This verse talks about the true purpose of fasting, which is to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free.

Fasting and prayer can be powerful ways to grow closer to God.

Take your time, be patient with yourself, and keep seeking God’s guidance. You’re on a beautiful journey of faith!

Grab my Prayer And Fasting Guide below.

What Is Fasting In The Bible

Fasting in the Bible is a spiritual discipline that involves abstaining from food, drink, or other pleasures for a set period of time to focus on prayer and seeking God’s will.

In the Bible, fasting is often associated with seeking guidance, repentance, and deepening one’s relationship with God.

Here’s a little more about what fasting means in a Biblical context:

1. A Time for Prayer and Seeking God: Fasting in the Bible is typically linked with intense prayer and seeking closeness to God. It’s seen as a way to humble oneself before God and to focus fully on Him, setting aside worldly distractions.
2. Examples of Fasting in the Bible:
   • Moses: He fasted for 40 days and nights on Mount Sinai when he received the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28).
   • David: He fasted and prayed for the healing of his child (2 Samuel 12:16-23).
   • Esther: She called for a three-day fast among the Jewish people for protection and guidance before she approached the king (Esther 4:16).
   • Jesus: He fasted for 40 days and nights in the wilderness, during which He was tempted (Matthew 4:1-2).
3. Types of Fasts:
   • Absolute Fast: Abstaining from both food and water (Ezra 10:6).
   • Partial Fast: Limiting certain foods or eating at certain times (Daniel 10:2-3).
   • Corporate Fast: A group or community fasting together for a common purpose (Ezra 8:21-23).
4. Spiritual Purpose:
   • Fasting is not just physical but deeply spiritual. It’s a way to humble oneself, repent, and seek God’s face and guidance.
   • It’s also seen as a way to express grief, as in the case of David, or to seek God’s intervention in difficult situations, as Esther did.
5. Not Just Physical Abstinence: In Isaiah 58:6-7, God speaks about the kind of fasting He chooses – it’s not just a physical act but also involves actions like loosening the chains of injustice, sharing food with the hungry, and providing shelter to the homeless.
6. Attitude in Fasting: The Bible emphasizes that fasting should be done with the right heart attitude, not as a public display of piety. Jesus taught that fasting should be done in a way that is not obvious to others (Matthew 6:16-18).

It’s more than just abstaining from food; it’s about focusing on God and acting in ways that align with His will.

What is fasting? Biblical Fasting is not just skipping a meal and calling it done.

Fasting and prayer is depriving yourself of something and spending extra time focused on God and His will for your life and over the situation that hangs heavy on your heart.

Scripture includes dozens of references to fasting. The most famous, of course, is Jesus’ 40-day fast in the wilderness.

Fasting is more than just denying yourself food and drink, though. Biblical fasting is primarily a discipline of the mind and heart.

It’s a way to empty yourself of yourself and open yourself to God.

When you practice prayer and fasting, you’re forgetting about yourself for a time to focus on God and His work.

You’re making an active decision to push your worries, concerns, and distractions aside to seek His face.

What Is The Purpose of Fasting and Praying in the Bible

Fasting is essentially giving up food or something else you really enjoy for a period of time in order to focus your thoughts on God and His will for your life or for a certain situation.

While fasting, many people read the Bible, pray, or worship. Fasting is found throughout the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, over fifty times!

Prayer and fasting is an opportunity for us to be closer to God.

Many people feel like they are too busy to take time out of their day to pray, but it’s important to remember that we are only on this Earth for a short time, and it’s important to make sure we have a strong relationship with God.

For more details, check out the Bible passage from Matthew 6:16-18.

Grab my Prayer And Fasting Guide below.

Types Of Fasting In The Bible

In the Bible, there are various types of fasting, each serving different purposes and carried out in different ways. Here are some of the main types of fasting mentioned in the Scriptures:

1. Absolute Fast: This is the most intense form of fasting, where one abstains from both food and water. This type of fast is rare and usually short-term due to its intensity. For instance, Moses fasted in this manner for 40 days and 40 nights when he was with God on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:28).
2. Normal Fast: This involves abstaining from all food but not from water. Jesus’ 40-day fast in the wilderness is an example of a normal fast (Matthew 4:1-2). This is the most common type of fasting mentioned in the Bible.
3. Partial Fast: Also known as a Daniel fast, based on Daniel’s fasting experience (Daniel 10:2-3), this type of fast involves limiting certain types of food or eating habits. Daniel abstained from “choice food” like meat and wine, and likely ate simple, plant-based food.
4. Corporate Fast: This is a group fast undertaken by a community or group of believers with a common purpose. An example is found in the book of Esther, where Esther asked all the Jews in Susa to fast with her for three days and nights before she approached the king (Esther 4:16).
5. Private Fast: This is a personal fast between an individual and God. Jesus taught that fasting should be a private discipline, not done for showing off one’s spirituality (Matthew 6:17-18).
6. Regular or Occasional Fasts: Some fasts in the Bible occurred at regular intervals, like the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) for the Israelites, during which they would afflict their souls with a fast (Leviticus 16:29-31). Others were occasional, called in response to specific events or crises.
7. Supernatural Fast: These are extraordinary fasts that extend beyond normal human capacity and are sustained by God’s power. An example is Elijah’s 40-day fast while fleeing from Jezebel (1 Kings 19:8).

Lengths Of Different Fasts

Here are a few different types of fasting in the Bible…

-One day or part of a day (Judges 20:26; 1 Samuel 7:6; 2 Samuel 1:12; 3:35; Nehemiah 9:1; Jeremiah 36:6)

-A one-night fast (Daniel 6:18–24)

-Three-day fasts (Esther 4:16; Acts 9:9)

-Seven-day fasts (1 Samuel 31:13; 2 Samuel 12:16–23)

-A fourteen-day fast (Acts 27:33–34)

-A twenty-one day fast (Daniel 10:3–13)

-Forty-day fasts (Deuteronomy 9:9; 1 Kings 19:8; Matthew 4:2) and

-Fasts of unspecified lengths (Matthew 9:14; Luke 2:37; Acts 13:2; 14:23).”

Each of these fasting types serves a unique purpose in the spiritual life of believers.

They are chosen based on individual needs, circumstances, and guidance from the Holy Spirit.

The Bible shows that fasting, in its various forms, is a powerful spiritual discipline for drawing closer to God, seeking His guidance, and dedicating oneself to prayer and meditation on God’s Word.

Grab my Prayer And Fasting Guide below.

What Did Jesus say About Fasting

Jesus’ teachings on fasting, primarily found in the New Testament, emphasize the importance of the intention behind fasting rather than the act itself. Here are the key points of what Jesus said about fasting:

1. Fasting Should Be Done in Secret: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught that fasting should be a private matter between the individual and God. He said, “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, 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; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:16-18)
2. The Purpose of Fasting: Jesus implied that the purpose of fasting is not to show off one’s piety but to deepen one’s relationship with God. It’s a spiritual discipline meant to help believers focus on prayer and seeking God’s will.
3. Jesus Practiced Fasting: Jesus himself fasted for 40 days and nights in the wilderness before beginning his public ministry (Matthew 4:1-2). This shows the importance he placed on fasting as a preparation for ministry and as a way to resist temptation.
4. Fasting Is Not Compulsory but Voluntary: Jesus did not command his followers to fast, but he assumed that they would. He said, “When you fast,” not “If you fast,” indicating that fasting was expected to be a part of his followers’ spiritual practice.
5. Fasting Accompanied by Righteousness: In the Gospels, Jesus often criticized the religious leaders of his time for their external shows of piety without genuine heartfelt devotion. He stressed that fasting, like all forms of worship, should stem from a sincere heart.

Fasting is a personal, private discipline meant to deepen one’s relationship with God, not a public display of religiosity.

It’s about humbling oneself before God, seeking His guidance, and focusing on spiritual growth.

How Do I Start Fasting And Praying

When we are wanting to know how to how to fast and pray here are a few things to consider:

• Brain Dump – Get a notebook or journal and write out your thoughts. Get it all out. Decide from there what you want to fast for, what you want to fast from, how long you plan to fast and what activity you will do to replace what you are fasting from.

• Start Off Small – Start with fasting one item or one meal. Do that for a few weeks and then perhaps move up to two items or two meals. Then perhaps move up to fasting a whole day. This decision is between you and God. Just be honest with yourself on what you should do.

• Plan out what you’ll be doing while you are fasting. – Spend time praying. Reading the Bible. Scripture Writing. Working through a bible study or devotional. Each fast should have a specific spiritual purpose. Identify what that is and design a focus to replace the time you would have spent eating. Without a purpose and plan, it’s not Christian fasting; it’s just going hungry. Pre-planning is super important for your fasting and praying time to go as smoothly as possible.

• Be nice to others. – Fasting doesn’t give you an all-access pass to be grumpy with those around you. Read that again.

• Try different kinds of fasting. – You do not always have to fast a meal. I am diabetic and fasting all day would not be wise for my health. Try fasting something that is really important to you. Social media? TV? Sweets? Shopping? Amazon? Starbucks? Also, try fasting with your spouse, friends, and/or church. Ask God for help by linking arms with other believers to fast together.

“Fasting should really be made to include abstinence from anything which is legitimate in and of itself for the sake of some special spiritual purpose.”

Martyn Lloyd-Jones

• Let your hunger remind you of your why. – When you feel your stomach complain to you that it still hasn’t been fed or you start to feel to deep need to check social media use that feeling to remind you of your why. Why are you fating!?! Use that to trigger you to pray for the purpose of your fast. When we fast, the aches in our stomachs and pains in our gut are reminders that Jesus is the true food, not our daily bread, and that Jesus is the true drink, not our typical beverages. 

Bible Verses To Read When Fasting

5 Bible Verses For Prayer And Fasting. Read, write and hold these fasting Scriptures close to you heart while you do your next fast.

Allow these scriptures for fasting to help encourage you on your next fast.

because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

James1:3

This verse is such a great reminder. Hard times are meant to strengthen us in our relationship with God, wisdom, and grow as a person.

No one likes to go through a hard time, but if we allow them they can make us a better person.

He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

Mark 14:36

We fast for change and/or breakthrough, but let this verse be a reminder to us all that at the end of the day it is God’s will that will be done and our goal should always be to have a heart and focus on following His will for our lives.

No, this is the kind of fast I want: I want you to remove the sinful chains,
to tear away the ropes of the burdensome yoke, to set free the oppressed,
and to break every burdensome yoke. I want you to share your food with the hungry
and to provide shelter for homeless, oppressed people. When you see someone naked, clothe them!
Don’t turn your back on your own flesh and blood.

Isaiah 58:6-7

A come to Jesus talk if you will.  The prophet notes that the people of Israel are complaining that even though they fast and sacrifice and obey all the rules of pleasing God, their condition does not improve.

The response of the Lord—again through the prophet—is basically that they are hypocrites. They are religiously observant, but only in hopes of selfish and material gain. 

Let us use this verse as a reminder of our heart and motives for every fast and prayer we give to God.

Yet even now,” the LORD says, “return to me with all your heart – with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Tear your hearts, not just your garments!” Return to the LORD your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to anger and boundless in loyal love – often relenting from calamitous punishment.

Joel 2:12-13

Why should we turn to God with fasting, weeping, and mourning?

To change our lives! To align our heart and thoughts with His. We repent and learn to walk with Him.

The purpose of fasting is to deny the flesh, not just of food, but of all the cravings of the flesh.

 Finally, be strengthened in the Lord and in the strength of his power.  Clothe yourselves with the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. or our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. For this reason, take up the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand your ground on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand. Stand firm therefore, by fastening  the belt of truth around your waist, by putting on the breastplate of righteousness, by fitting your feet with the preparation that comes from the good news of peace, and in all of this, by taking up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God). With every prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and to this end be alert, with all perseverance and petitions for all the saints.

Ephesians 6:10-18

Praying the Armor of God while you fast is such a great thing to do. These passages tell us how to fight spiritual battles.

Like putting on armor for a battle, we too have armor to put on in spiritual battles. Learn these and pray these bible verses for fasting over yourself often.

Fasting Verses In The Bible

Use these printable cards of different quotes and bible verses to encourage you while you are fasting and praying.

These are perfect for looking for information on fasting and prayer for beginners. Click add to cart.

Fasting Scriptures for your prayer and fasting guide.

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Prayer And Fasting Guide Journal

Journaling is widely suggested as a tool to help us process through things we need to heal from and work through.

Dive deep into fasting and praying by using my Fasting And Praying Guide Journal.

Let it help guide you and focus you during your next fast. Or if you’re a beginner to fasting and praying this is perfect to get you started!

How to fast and pray for beginners: this 24 page printable prayer and fasting guide journal has pages for your journaling, prayers, scripture writing, brain dump, reflections and much more.

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Would God Be Mad If I Broke My Fast Early

No, God would not be mad if you broke your fast early.

God understands our limitations and looks at the intention of our heart more than our actions.

The important thing is your sincere desire to seek Him and grow in your faith.

Use my Prayer And Fasting Guide above!

Join my online women’s Bible study and cultivate meaningful Christian friendships while growing in your faith. Our study resources are designed to guide you in your spiritual renewal and help you deepen your relationship with God. Participate from the comfort of your own home at a time that works for you. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect with other women and experience spiritual growth!

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