12 Scriptures to Meditate on While Fasting
- Leanne | My Godly Flourish
- 7 days ago
- 5 min read
Ready to begin your spiritual fast with focus and clarity?
Before you start, take a moment to prepare your heart — and your plan.
Starting a fast without clear direction can leave you feeling uncertain or overwhelmed. You may wonder:
What is fasting in the Bible?
How do I fast and pray with purpose?
Where do I begin if I’m fasting for the first time?
If those questions sound familiar, you’re not alone. This Christian fasting guide is designed to help you take your first step with confidence.
To make your journey easier, I have created a FREE How to Start a Fast Checklist — a printable step-by-step guide to help you prepare spiritually and practically before, during, and after your fast.
👉 Grab your Free Checklist Here and begin your fast with purpose and peace.
Once your plan is in place, these 12 Bible verses on fasting will help you stay grounded in Scripture as you seek God’s heart.
Whether you’re fasting as a beginner, joining a church-wide fast, or seeking personal breakthrough, these fasting Bible verses will guide your spirit every step of the way.
12 Scriptures to Meditate On While Fasting
1. Matthew 9:14–15
“Then John’s disciples came and asked him, ‘How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?’ Jesus answered, ‘The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.’”
Reflection: Fasting is a response to longing for Jesus. It’s not about ritual—it’s about relationship. We fast because our hearts desire His presence more than anything else.
2. 2 Chronicles 20:3–4
“Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord.”
Reflection: Fasting unites God’s people in prayer. When we face fear or uncertainty, fasting reminds us to seek God’s help together.
3. Jonah 3:5
“The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.”
Reflection: Even an entire city responded to God through fasting and repentance. True fasting turns hearts away from sin and back to God’s mercy.
4. Psalm 109:24
“My knees are weak through fasting, and my flesh is feeble from lack of fatness."
Reflection: Fasting humbles the flesh and strengthens the spirit. When our bodies feel weak, our dependence on God grows stronger.
5. Luke 2:37
“[Anna] never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.”
Reflection: Anna’s lifelong devotion shows that fasting can be an act of worship. It creates space to dwell in God’s presence and listen for His voice.
6. 1 Samuel 7:6
“When they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the Lord. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, ‘We have sinned against the Lord.’”
Reflection: Fasting often includes confession. As we fast and pray, we invite God to purify our hearts and restore our relationship with Him.
7. Ezra 8:23
“So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.”
Reflection: Fasting and prayer invite God’s intervention. When you humble yourself, He responds with direction, protection, and favour.
8. Matthew 4:2
“After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.”
Reflection: Jesus Himself fasted before beginning His ministry. His fast prepared Him for spiritual battle — and it can do the same for us.
9. Acts 14:23
“Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord.”
Reflection: Fasting helps clarify God’s will. When you need wisdom or direction, fasting quiets distractions so you can hear Him clearly.
10. Daniel 10:2–3
“At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.”
Reflection: Daniel’s partial fast reveals that fasting isn’t only about food—it’s about setting something aside to focus fully on God.
11. Acts 27:33–34
“And day was about to to dawn, Paul implored them all to take food, saying, "Today is the fourteenth day you have waited and continued without food, and eaten nothing. Therefore I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you."
Reflection: Fasting has its seasons. There’s a time to fast and a time to be strengthened for the next part of your journey. Let the Spirit lead both.
12. Isaiah 58:8–9
“Then your light will break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard."
Reflection: This is God’s promise to those who fast with sincerity. When we fast His way — with compassion and obedience — His healing, favour, and guidance follow.
How to Use These Bible Verses During Your Fast
Whether you are learning how to fast for God beginners or looking for deeper intimacy through fasting and prayer, Scripture is your anchor.
Here’s how to use these verses effectively:
Meditate daily: Read one verse each day, reflecting on what God is revealing to your heart.
Pray the Word: Turn each verse into a personal prayer. Let God’s truth shape your conversation with Him.
Journal your insights: Write down what the Holy Spirit teaches you during your fast.
Stay connected: Share your journey with a trusted friend or small group for encouragement and accountability.
These Bible verses to read when fasting will remind you that your hunger has purpose — it’s drawing you closer to the One who truly satisfies.
Your Next Step: Experience Day 1 of 21 Days of Fasting & Prayer
Ready to deepen your fasting journey?
Join us for a Free Preview of Day 1 from the 21 Days of Fasting & Prayer for Spiritual Breakthrough program — a guided experience designed to help you fast and pray with confidence, purpose, and power.
This free preview will give you:
A guided prayer, worship and reflection session
Access to Fasting Bible Study Devotional - Day 1
👉 Click here to access your Free Preview of Day 1 and start your fast the right way — grounded in God’s Word and guided by His Spirit.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for inviting me into deeper fellowship through fasting and prayer.
As I set aside this time to seek You, strengthen my spirit, purify my motives, and draw me closer to Your heart.
Help me to stay focused, faithful, and filled with Your peace.
May this fast bring glory to Your name and breakthrough in my life.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.