Pray And Fast For America Banner

The Importance of Fasting

The importance of fasting is seen in the number of positive references in the Old and New Testaments. There are over 30 positive examples, commands, and instructions in Scripture about fasting.

  • Judges 20:26--Israel fasted for victory in war. 

  • 1 Sam. 1:6-7--Hannah fasted for a son 

  • 1 Sam. 7:6--Israel fasted in repentance 

  • 1 Sam. 31:13--Men of Jabeshgilead fasted in mourning for Saul

  • 2 Sam. 1:12--David and his men fasted in mourning for Saul, Jonathan, and the fallen of Israel 

  • 2 Sam. 12--David fasted for mercy upon his child 

  • 1 Kings 21:27--Ahab fasted for mercy 

  • 2 Chron. 20:3--Jehoshaphat and Israel fasted for help and protection 

  • Ezra 8:21-23--Ezra and the people fasted for help and protection

  • Nehemiah 1:4--Nehemiah fasted in mourning and for help upon Jerusalem

  • Nehemiah 9:1,2--Israel fasting in mourning and repentance 

  • Esther 4:16--Esther and friends fasted for victory 

  • Esther 9:3--Fasting is mentioned as having had a role in the victory 

  • Psalm 35:13,14--Fasting in prayer and mourning 

  • Psalm 69: 10,11--Fasting in prayer and mourning 

  • Isaiah 58:6-8--The fast which pleases God 

  • Jeremiah 36:9--Israel fasted for mercy 

  • Joel 1:14; 2:12,15--God commanded fasting and repentance 

  • Jonah 3:5--The Ninevites fasted in repentance for mercy

  • Daniel 9:3--Daniel fasted for wisdom 

  • Matthew 4:2--Jesus fasted when tempted in the wilderness 

  • Matthew 6:17-18--Jesus promised that the Father would bless fasting 

  • Matthew 9:14-15--Jesus said his disciples would fast

  • Matthew 17:21--Fasting is necessary for overcoming some demonic strongholds 

  • Mark 9:29--Fasting is necessary for overcoming some demonic powers 

  • Luke 2:37--Fasting was part of Anna's service to God 

  • Acts 13:2--Fasting was part of the ministry of the workers at Antioch 

  • Acts 13:3--Ordination was accompanied by fasting 

  • Acts 14:23--Ordination was accompanied by fasting 

  • 1 Cor. 7:5--Fasting and prayer is the only proper reason for abstinence from the marital relationship 

  • 2 Cor. 6:5--Fasting was one way Paul approved himself as a minister of Jesus Christ 

  • 2 Cor. 11:27--Paul fasted often

Fasting is the Soul of Prayer

The Virtue of Fasting ~ Fr Ripperger

What is Intermittent Fasting?

"Everything You Need to Know About Intermittent Fasting"

View Infographic Here

Living the Message Episode 5: Fasting

These examples and instructions regarding fasting cannot be taken lightly.

We are told that the examples of Scripture are as important and binding as are its direct commands--1 Cor. 10:11; Rom. 15:4--and these verses speak specifically of the Old Testament examples. It should go without saying that the Lord Jesus Christ is our Pattern (1 Pet. 1:21). Christ's fasting during His temptation in the wilderness is our example, just as His prayers during the temptations in the garden are our examples. Also, we are told that the Apostle Paul is to be imitated--Phil. 3:17; 4:9. Paul put before us the example of frequent fasting (2 Cor. 11:27).

Designed & Powered by On Fire Media |