How to Fast and Pray

The mention of prayer and fasting is found throughout the Old and the New Testaments. In Psalm 35:13, David wrote: Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. Jesus said in Matthew 6:16-18, When you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Fasting is abstaining from something, usually food, either entirely or partially for a period of time. We do this to focus on something more important. In the spiritual context, fasting is used to humble ourselves before God. Fasting draws us into closer intimacy with Him. 

One can set apart a day to do without food, and only drink water or water and juice. Or you can set aside one meal to do without food. Spend that mealtime in prayer.  Read God’s word and listen to Him speak to you through His word.

If you have a medical condition that prohibits skipping a meal (e.g., diabetes), consider fasting an activity or access to an item commonly used. For example, instead of playing golf, spend that time focused on your relationship with God. Or limit access to television, movies or gaming to focus on your spiritual life.

Make your commitment and pray about how much time you will spend fasting and praying. Then determine how much time each day that you will devote to prayer and reading the Bible. Prepare yourself spiritually by confessing every sin that is called to your remembrance, seek forgiveness from others, and refuse to obey your worldly nature. Begin your time of fasting and praying with an expectant heart. (Hebrews 11:6)