Introduction 40 Bible Verses About Fasting
Fasting, a practice deeply woven into the fabric of religious and spiritual life, is vividly portrayed in the Bible through various narratives and teachings. The 40 bible verses about fasting selected here offer a diverse and rich exploration of this ancient discipline, shedding light on its profound spiritual implications, varied expressions, and the profound impact it can have on one’s faith and life.
These scriptures present fasting not just as an abstention from physical nourishment but as a holistic spiritual exercise that engages the body, mind, and soul. In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus Christ provides foundational guidance on fasting, emphasizing its nature as a private, intimate act between the individual and God: “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do… But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face.” This directive sets the tone for fasting as an act of humility and self-denial, where the focus shifts from the self to a deeper connection with the divine.
The bible verses about fasting delve into the multifaceted purposes of fasting, ranging from repentance and mourning to seeking divine guidance and intervention. For instance, Esther 4:16 demonstrates fasting as a communal act of solidarity and intercession, where Esther calls for a collective fast among her people for protection and deliverance. Similarly, Acts 13:2-3 shows how the early church engaged in fasting as part of their spiritual preparation and discernment for mission work.
These scriptures also provide spiritual insights and benefits associated with fasting. In Isaiah 58:6, fasting is portrayed as a powerful means to break the bonds of injustice and to set the oppressed free, linking personal spiritual discipline with social and ethical responsibilities. This connection highlights that true fasting transcends personal piety and involves tangible actions that reflect God’s heart for justice and mercy.
Yet, the Bible also presents warnings and misuses of fasting. Verses like Isaiah 58:4 and Luke 18:12 serve as stark reminders that fasting without sincere intention or coupled with hypocrisy is futile. They call for introspection and sincerity in fasting, emphasizing that its true value lies in the inward transformation it brings about, rather than outward religious observance.
Furthermore, the intertwining of fasting and prayer is a recurring theme in these verses. This combination is portrayed as a dynamic and powerful spiritual practice, as seen in Acts 13:3 and Daniel 9:3. In these instances, fasting and prayer are depicted as means of deepening one’s reliance on God, seeking divine wisdom, and opening oneself to spiritual revelations.
In summary, the collection of these 40 bible verses about fasting offers a comprehensive understanding of fasting as a multifaceted spiritual discipline. These verses invite believers to engage in fasting not as a ritualistic formality but as a transformative spiritual practice that deepens one’s faith, enhances personal growth, and aligns one with God’s purposes and desires.
Instructions and Examples of Fasting
This selection highlights biblical verses that offer guidance on the practice of fasting and present numerous instances where fasting played a crucial role in the lives of biblical characters. These verses illustrate how fasting is not just an act of abstaining from food but a profound spiritual discipline aimed at deepening one’s relationship with God. They provide insights into the various contexts in which fasting was observed, from times of personal crisis and national emergencies to moments of solemn religious observance. Through examples like Esther’s fast for the salvation of her people, and the early church fasting for divine direction in their mission, these scriptures underscore fasting as a powerful expression of faith, humility, and dependence on God.
Matthew 6:16-18
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, 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. NIV
In Other Words: When you fast, avoid appearing dismal like the pretenders, for they alter their faces to show their fasting to others. Truly, they have their full reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so it’s not evident to others you are fasting, but to your Father in secret; and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.
One-Line Summary: Fasting should be a private act of devotion, not for public admiration.
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 maids 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.
In Other Words: Gather all Jews in Susa and fast on my behalf. Do not eat or drink for three days, night and day. My maids and I will do the same. Afterward, I will approach the king, despite the law, and if I perish, I perish.
One-Line Summary: Esther calls for a fast among the Jews for protection and guidance.
Joel 2:12
Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.
In Other Words: Even now, says the Lord, return to me wholeheartedly, with fasting, crying, and grieving.
One-Line Summary: A call to return to God sincerely with fasting and repentance.
Acts 13:2-3
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.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
In Other Words: As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the task I’ve called them to.’ After fasting and praying, they laid hands on them and sent them away.
One-Line Summary: The early church fasted and prayed before making important decisions.
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.
In Other Words: I turned to the Lord God, seeking him in prayer and supplication, with fasting, clothed in sackcloth and ash.
One-Line Summary: Daniel seeks God’s guidance and mercy through prayer and fasting.
Luke 2:37
…and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.
In Other Words: She was a widow until 84 years old, never leaving the temple, serving night and day with fasting and prayers.
One-Line Summary: A widow’s dedication to God through constant prayer and fasting.
Acts 14:23
Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.
In Other Words: Paul and Barnabas designated elders in every church, and with prayers and fasting, they entrusted them to the Lord in whom they believed.
One-Line Summary: Fasting was practiced in the early church during important appointments.
Ezra 8:21
There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions.
In Other Words: By the Ahava Canal, I declared a fast to humble ourselves before our God, seeking a safe journey for us, our children, and all our possessions.
One-Line Summary: Ezra proclaims a fast for a safe journey and God’s protection.
Jonah 3:5
The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.
In Other Words: The people of Nineveh believed God. They proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, wore sackcloth.
One-Line Summary: The people of Nineveh fast as a sign of their repentance.
2 Chronicles 20:3
Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.
In Other Words: Jehoshaphat was alarmed and decided to seek the Lord. He proclaimed a fast for all of Judah.
One-Line Summary: Jehoshaphat calls for a fast in Judah seeking God’s help in crisis.
Spiritual Insights and Benefits of Fasting
In this listing, the focus is on the deeper spiritual meanings and the transformative impact of fasting. The verses selected delve into how fasting can lead to personal growth, spiritual renewal, and a heightened sense of moral and ethical awareness. They suggest that through the discipline of fasting, individuals can gain a clearer understanding of God’s will, experience healing and liberation, and cultivate qualities like compassion and empathy. This section reveals the profound connection between fasting and inner spiritual life, showing that true fasting goes beyond physical deprivation and becomes a gateway to spiritual enlightenment and a closer communion with the divine.
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? NIV
In Other Words: Isn’t the fast I choose to break the chains of wrongdoing, to untie the burdens of oppression, to set the downtrodden free, and to break every yoke?
One-Line Summary: True fasting involves actions of justice and compassion.
Matthew 9:15
Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.
In Other Words: Jesus said, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.
One-Line Summary: Fasting will be appropriate when Jesus is no longer physically present.
Psalm 69:10
When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn.
In Other Words: I wept and fasted, and I endured ridicule.
One-Line Summary: Fasting can be a personal expression of grief or distress.
Isaiah 58:8
Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
In Other Words: Then your light will dawn like the morning, and your healing will spring up quickly. Your righteousness will go before you, and the Lord’s glory will be your rear guard.
One-Line Summary: Righteous fasting brings spiritual and possibly physical rejuvenation.
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.
In Other Words: Hearing these words, I sat down and wept. For some days, I mourned, fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven.
One-Line Summary: Nehemiah’s fasting is a part of his grieving and seeking God’s help.
Psalm 35:13
Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered…
In Other Words: But when they were ill, I wore sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. Though my prayers returned unanswered…
One-Line Summary: Fasting is portrayed as an act of humility and penitence.
Isaiah 58:3
‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?’ Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers.
In Other Words: We have fasted,’ they say, ‘but you haven’t seen it. We have humbled ourselves, and you haven’t noticed.’ Yet on your fasting days, you pursue your own interests and oppress your workers.
One-Line Summary: A critique of fasting without sincere heart change.
Zechariah 7:5
Ask all the people of the land and the priests, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for the past seventy years, was it really for me that you fasted?
In Other Words: Ask the people and priests, ‘During your fasts in the fifth and seventh months for seventy years, were you really fasting for me?’
One-Line Summary: Questions the motives behind fasting rituals.
Matthew 4:2
After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
In Other Words: After forty days and nights of fasting, he was hungry.
One-Line Summary: Jesus’ 40-day fast demonstrates his reliance on God.
Acts 9:9
For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.
In Other Words: He was blind for three days and did not eat or drink anything.
One-Line Summary: Saul’s fast reflects his dramatic encounter with Christ and spiritual transformation.
Warnings and Misuses of Fasting
This set of verses serves as a critical reminder of the potential missteps and false perceptions associated with fasting. They caution against practices of fasting that are devoid of genuine spiritual intent and are merely performative. These scriptures challenge the believer to introspect and examine the true motivations behind fasting, emphasizing that it should not be a tool for gaining public admiration or a means to project a false image of piety. The verses also address issues like self-righteousness, ritualistic complacency, and neglect of fundamental moral duties, reminding us that fasting, devoid of love, compassion, and true repentance, loses its spiritual significance.
Isaiah 58:4
Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high.
In Other Words: Your fasting leads to quarrels and fights, and hitting each other viciously. You cannot fast as you do now and expect to be heard on high.
One-Line Summary: Fasting accompanied by conflict and strife is ineffective.
Zechariah 7:6
When you eat and when you drink, do you not eat for yourselves and drink for yourselves?
In Other Words: When you eat and drink, aren’t you just doing so for yourselves?
One-Line Summary: Challenges self-centered motives in fasting.
Luke 18:12
I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.
In Other Words: I fast twice weekly and give a tenth of all I acquire.
One-Line Summary: Warns against self-righteousness in religious practices like fasting.
Jeremiah 14:12
Although they fast, I will not listen to their cry; though they offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Instead, I will destroy them with the sword, famine and plague.
In Other Words: Even if they fast, I won’t hear their cries; even if they offer burnt and grain offerings, I won’t accept them. Instead, I will eliminate them by sword, famine, and plague.
One-Line Summary: God won’t respond to fasting if accompanied by disobedience.
Isaiah 58:5
Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?
In Other Words: Is such the fast I choose, a day for a person to humble themselves? Is it just bowing down the head like a reed, and lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is this what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?
One-Line Summary: Critiques superficial fasting rituals lacking genuine repentance.
Matthew 6:18
…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.
In Other Words: …so your fasting isn’t obvious to others, but to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
One-Line Summary: Emphasizes fasting in secrecy, focused on God, not human approval.
Isaiah 58:7
Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
In Other Words: Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not hide from your own kin?
One-Line Summary: True fasting involves acting justly and helping the needy.
Luke 5:33-35
They said to him, ‘John’s disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking.’ Jesus answered, ‘Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while he is with them?’
In Other Words: They said, ‘The disciples of John and of the Pharisees often fast and pray, but yours continue to eat and drink.’ Jesus replied, ‘Can you make the companions of the bridegroom fast while he is with them?’
One-Line Summary: Fasting is inappropriate when celebrating Christ’s presence.
Jeremiah 36:6
So you go to the house of the Lord on a day of fasting and read to the people from the scroll the words of the Lord that you wrote as I dictated. Read them to all the people of Judah who come in from their towns.
In Other Words: Therefore, go to the Lord’s house on a fasting day and read from the scroll the words of the Lord that you wrote at my dictation. Read them to all the people from Judah who come from their cities.
One-Line Summary: Instructions to proclaim God’s words during a communal fast.
Mark 2:18-20
Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus, ‘How is it that John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?’ Jesus answered, ‘How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them?’
In Other Words: John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. People asked Jesus, ‘Why do John’s disciples and those of the Pharisees fast, but yours do not?’ Jesus answered, ‘How can the companions of the bridegroom fast while he is with them?’
One-Line Summary: Fasting is not fitting during times of divine encounter and celebration.
Fasting and Prayer
Here, the verses highlight the symbiotic relationship between fasting and prayer, illustrating how these two practices often intertwine to create a powerful spiritual experience. This collection showcases instances where fasting amplifies the earnestness and intensity of prayer, making it a potent means of seeking God’s presence, guidance, and intervention. The verses demonstrate that fasting, when combined with prayer, can lead to a more disciplined spiritual life, a deeper understanding of God’s word, and a more profound experience of God’s power. This section invites believers to explore the combined practice of fasting and prayer as a way to enhance their spiritual journey and connect more deeply with the divine.
Acts 13:3
So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
In Other Words: So, after fasting and praying, they laid hands on them and dispatched them.
One-Line Summary: Demonstrates the practice of fasting and prayer in early church missions.
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.
In Other Words: I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.
One-Line Summary: Daniel’s earnest prayer accompanied by fasting for understanding and mercy.
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.
In Other Words: On hearing these words, I sat down and wept. For several days, I mourned, fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven.
One-Line Summary: Nehemiah combines fasting with prayer in a time of distress.
Luke 2:37
…and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.
In Other Words: She remained a widow at the age of eighty-four, never leaving the temple, serving night and day with fasting and prayer.
One-Line Summary: Depicts continual prayer and fasting as acts of worship.
Ezra 8:23
So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.
In Other Words: So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.
One-Line Summary: Shows the power of collective fasting and prayer in seeking God’s favor.
Joel 2:12
Even now, declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
In Other Words: The Lord says, ‘Return to me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.’
One-Line Summary: Urges heartfelt return to God with fasting and mourning.
Acts 14:23
Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.
In Other Words: After appointing elders for them in each church, with prayer and fasting, they entrusted them to the Lord in whom they had placed their faith.
One-Line Summary: Leaders are committed to God through fasting and prayer.
Daniel 10:3
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.
In Other Words: I ate no rich food, nor meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself until the full three weeks were over.
One-Line Summary: A period of fasting as part of Daniel’s deep spiritual seeking.
Mark 9:29
He replied, ‘This kind can come out only by prayer.’
In Other Words: He said, ‘This kind can come out only by prayer.’
One-Line Summary: Implies some spiritual battles require prayer and possibly fasting.
Acts 10:30
Cornelius answered: ‘Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me.’
In Other Words: Cornelius said, ‘Four days ago, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour; suddenly a man in bright clothing stood before me.’
One-Line Summary: Cornelius’s vision occurs during a time of prayer and fasting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this exploration of the 50 bible verses about fasting has traversed a vast landscape of spiritual insights, practical guidance, and profound implications of fasting in the life of a believer. Through these scriptures, we see fasting not just as a mere ritual, but as a transformative journey that touches every aspect of our spiritual life.
The bible verses about fasting, such as Psalm 35:13, “Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting,” illustrate the personal and introspective nature of fasting, as it intertwines with sorrow, empathy, and penitence. Fasting is shown to be a conduit for expressing deep emotions and a means to cultivate a spirit of humility.
Moreover, in verses like Ezra 8:21 – “There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions” – we witness fasting as an expression of communal faith and dependence on divine providence. These bible verses about fasting reveal that in moments of uncertainty and need, fasting becomes a collective act of seeking God’s guidance and protection.
Throughout these scriptures, fasting emerges as a multifaceted discipline, deeply embedded in the fabric of spiritual life. From the individual’s quest for personal purification and closeness to God to the community’s collective seeking of divine favor and intervention, fasting is portrayed as a powerful spiritual tool.
In essence, these 50 bible verses about fasting invite us to reexamine our approach to this ancient practice. They encourage us to embrace fasting not just as a religious obligation but as an opportunity for spiritual renewal, ethical reflection, and deeper communion with God. By engaging with these scriptures, believers are called to rediscover fasting as a path to genuine spiritual growth, greater moral clarity, and an enriched relationship with the Divine.
5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Fasting Bible Verses
How Should Christians Approach Fasting?
According to the Bible, fasting should be approached with a humble and sincere heart. Matthew 6:16-18 advises against fasting for show: “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do… But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face.” The focus is on fasting as a personal, spiritual discipline, done for God and not for human approval.
Are There Warnings Against Improper Fasting in the Bible?
Yes, the Bible warns against improper motives and practices in fasting. Isaiah 58:4 criticizes fasting that leads to strife and conflict: “Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists.” Similarly, Luke 18:12 indicates the danger of self-righteousness in fasting: “I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.”
Is Fasting Always Associated With Food?
While fasting is commonly associated with abstaining from food, its biblical context often extends beyond mere dietary restrictions. It’s more about a spiritual discipline that involves self-denial and a focus on prayer and spiritual matters, as seen in Acts 14:23: “Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.”
Can Fasting Lead to Spiritual Insights or Benefits?
Yes, the Bible suggests that fasting can lead to spiritual insights and benefits. Isaiah 58:8 says, “Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.” This implies that fasting, conducted rightly, can bring spiritual enlightenment and divine favor.
Does Fasting Have to Be a Public Act?
Biblical teachings suggest that fasting is ideally a private matter between an individual and God. Matthew 6:18 states, “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.” This highlights the importance of sincerity and humility in fasting.
How Is Fasting Related to Prayer in the Bible?
Fasting is often paired with prayer in the Bible, suggesting a synergistic relationship between the two. Acts 13:3 illustrates this: “So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” This combination is seen as a way to enhance spiritual focus and seek God’s guidance more earnestly.
What Does the Bible Say About Fasting?
The Bible presents fasting as a significant spiritual discipline, woven into the fabric of faith. Throughout its pages, fasting is portrayed as a voluntary act of humility and devotion, not as a mere ritual but as a heartfelt expression of seeking God. Scriptures like Matthew 6:16-18 emphasize fasting in secrecy and sincerity, rather than for public admiration. It is often associated with prayer, repentance, and seeking divine guidance, as seen in the experiences of biblical figures like Esther and Daniel.
Fasting serves multiple purposes in the Bible: it is a means of humbling oneself before God, as in Ezra 8:21; it enhances spiritual awareness and closeness to God, and it’s often linked with intercession and communal repentance, as in the case of Nineveh in the book of Jonah. Moreover, Isaiah 58 highlights fasting’s deeper significance, linking it with justice and compassion, suggesting that true fasting goes beyond physical abstinence to include actions that reflect God’s love and righteousness. In summary, the Bible views fasting as a multidimensional practice integral to a believer’s spiritual life, growth, and expression of faith.
A Prayer Inspired by Fasting Bible Verses
In the light of the wisdom and guidance offered by the bible verses about fasting, let us approach God with a heart of humility and sincerity. This prayer is inspired by the biblical teachings on fasting, reflecting the desire for spiritual growth, deeper communion with God, and a commitment to living out the principles of faith, love, and justice as shown in the scriptures.
Our Prayer Inspired by Our Selection of Bible Verses About Fasting
Heavenly Father,
In the quiet of this moment, we come before You, drawing on the deep well of wisdom found in Your Word about fasting. We remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 6, seeking to fast not for outward appearances, but with a heart fully turned towards You, in secrecy and humility.
Lord, as we embark on this journey of fasting, we embrace the discipline not just as an act of self-denial, but as an opportunity to deepen our connection with You. In the stillness of our fast, let us hear Your voice more clearly, as we seek to align our hearts and minds with Your will, just as Daniel sought understanding and mercy through his prayers and fasting.
Grant us, O God, the strength to carry out this fast with the same spirit of commitment and devotion as Esther, who fasted for the protection and deliverance of her people. May our fasting also be a time to reflect on Your call for justice and compassion, as proclaimed in Isaiah 58. Let this be a time when we not only abstain from physical nourishment but also break the chains of injustice and extend Your love to those in need.
As we fast and pray, like the early church in Acts 13, we seek Your guidance and direction. In these moments of intentional nearness to You, may our spiritual insight be sharpened, and our resolve to follow Your path be strengthened.
Finally, Lord, in our moments of hunger and physical weakness, remind us of the true sustenance that comes from You alone. May this fast be a vivid demonstration of our reliance on Your strength and grace, knowing that our physical needs are secondary to the spiritual nourishment You provide.
In all this, we give You thanks and praise, for You are our guide and sustainer, our source of all wisdom and strength. We commit this time of fasting into Your loving hands, seeking to grow closer to You and to live out the truths of Your Word in our daily lives.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.