11 Essential Bible Verses to Know Before You Start a Fast

If you’ve been thinking about starting a spiritual fast, you may be asking yourself questions like: “How do I even begin?” or “What does the Bible say about fasting?”

Whether you’re looking for a fasting Bible study, want to learn how to fast and pray effectively, or need a clear prayer and fasting guide, Scripture is the best place to start.

For those exploring fasting and prayer for beginners or seeking to understand biblical fasting, these verses will give you a strong foundation.

Think of them as an anchor for your heart and a roadmap for your journey.

If you’ve been wondering how to fast for beginners, these passages can guide you step by step as you grow in intimacy with the Lord.

11 Bible Verses to Ground Your Fast

1. Matthew 6:16–18

“When you fast, do not look sombre 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.”

Reflection: Jesus reminds us that fasting is between us and God, not for show. Keep your fast private and let your heart be centred on Him.

2. Joel 2:12

“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

Reflection: Fasting is an act of returning wholeheartedly to God. It is about repentance and a softened heart that longs for Him.

3. Ezra 8:23

“So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.”

Reflection: Fasting and prayer together invite God’s guidance and provision. When you humble yourself, God hears.

4. Nehemiah 1:4

“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.”

Reflection: Nehemiah shows us that fasting is a way to bring grief, burdens, and petitions before God.

5. 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?”

Reflection: True fasting goes beyond abstaining from food — it reflects God’s heart for justice, freedom, and mercy.

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.”

Reflection: Daniel shows us fasting as a powerful way of intercession, filled with humility and urgency.

7. Acts 13:2

“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’”

Reflection: Fasting opens your heart to hear God’s direction more clearly. It creates space for the Spirit to speak.

8. Psalm 35:13

“Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered…”

Reflection: Fasting is an expression of humility before God — choosing to depend on Him fully, even when answers aren’t immediate.

9. Luke 4:2

“Where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.”

Reflection: Even Jesus fasted. His fast prepared Him for spiritual battle and strengthened Him for ministry.

10. Matthew 17:21

“But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

Reflection: Some spiritual breakthroughs come only through fasting combined with prayer — it deepens your authority and reliance on God.

11. Esther 4:16

“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”

Reflection: Fasting is also about bold faith — trusting God completely in desperate situations.

How to Use These Verses in Your Fast

• Begin your fast by reading one verse each day, meditating on what God is saying.

  
  

• Use the verse as a prayer point, turning Scripture into your conversation with God.

  
  

• Keep these verses nearby to encourage you when fasting feels challenging.

A Gentle Next Step

If you’re ready to deepen your journey, I’ve created a resource just for you: “Fasting as a Beginner.” This easy-to-follow ebook is a prayer and fasting guide designed for those just starting out with spiritual fasting for beginners. It will give you practical steps, prayers, and encouragement so you can step into fasting with confidence.

👉 Click here to learn more about Fasting as a Beginner

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for inviting us into deeper fellowship with You through fasting and prayer.

As I prepare my heart, give me strength to humble myself, wisdom to seek You first, and faith to trust in Your Word.

May this fast draw me closer to You and bring glory to Your name.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.