Fasting is a spiritual practice that has been around for centuries and is still practiced in many religious traditions today. While it can take on different forms, fasting generally involves abstaining from food or drink for a certain period of time. The Bible contains a wealth of scriptures related to fasting and its purpose. In this article, we will explore the various bible verses about fasting and the significance they have. with this purpose in mind, here are the top 10 Bible verses about fasting.
What is Fasting
Fasting is a practice of abstinence from food or drink for a pre-determined period of time. It is a religious practice that requires the individual to abstain from food and drink for spiritual or physical reasons. The duration of fasting can vary depending on the purpose. Typically they are carried out over a period of 24 hours up to several weeks in length.
Fasting in the Bible
The Bible is full of references to fasting, a practice of abstaining from food or drink for a period of time in order to focus on prayer and spiritual contemplation. Fasting appears throughout both the Old and New Testaments. Several different types of fast are mentioned that vary in length and intensity. In some cases, fasting was part of an individual’s personal piety, while others were communal fasts.
Top 10 Bible Verses about Fasting
Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered, Psalms 35:13
“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:16-18
‘Why have we fasted, and you see it not? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?’ Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure, and oppress all your workers. Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to hit with a wicked fist. Fasting like yours this day will not make your voice to be heard on high. Is such the fast that I choose, a day for a person to humble himself? Is it to bow down his head like a reed, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and a day acceptable to the Lord? “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Isaiah 58:3-7
“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; Joel 2:12
When I wept and humbled my soul with fasting, it became my reproach. Psalm 69:10
That your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:18
I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks. Daniel 10:3
And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. Acts 14:23
Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 1 Corinthians 7:5
So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
Bible Verses about Fasting – Conclusion
Fasting has been an important practice for many different faith traditions for centuries. The Bible contains a wealth of verses about fasting that can provide insight and wisdom, no matter your spiritual background. Fasting can be a powerful tool to bring us closer to God. It allows us to draw nearer to Him through prayer and meditation. Whether you choose to fast for a particular cause or simply as a spiritual exercise, the Bible is filled with inspirational words about fasting that can motivate and encourage you on your journey.