This prayer is crafted to support and guide individuals throughout their fasting journey by providing them with words of encouragement, inspiration, and specific requests to bring before God. It addresses the various challenges and temptations that may arise during the fasting period and seeks divine intervention and grace to overcome
Fasting is a spiritual practice observed in many religious traditions around the world. It involves abstaining from food or other indulgences for a set period of time to draw closer to one’s faith and seek a deeper connection with the divine. While fasting itself is a significant part of this practice, prayer plays a crucial role in enhancing the spiritual experience during fasting. Believers often seek the best prayers to accompany their fasting, and in this article, we will explore some powerful prayers and Psalms to guide you in your fasting journey.
Use these prayers for fasting before, during, and at the end of a time of fasting.
Are you currently fasting or about to begin a fast and you want to seek God’s help? Use these prayers to guide your time of spiritual or physical discipline. Be sure to download our free PDF printable of fasting prayers, too.
What is Fasting? – Understanding Fasting
Fasting is choosing to do without something for a period of time.
The most common type of fasting is fasting from food, which can be done for many reasons and in various ways, including:
- Intermittent Fasting (IF) which means having periods of time during the day or week when you eat and times when you do not. A common pattern is to eat normally for 6 days and fast for 24 hours on one day of the week. Click here to read more about Intermittent Fasting.
- Time-restricted eating which is eating daily but only during a set window of hours, then fasting the other hours. One common pattern is 16:8 which means to fast for 16 hours and eat during 8 hours of each 24 hour period.
- Water fasting means drinking only water during the period of fasting, with no other liquids and no food. A total fast (not even liquids) is not recommended unless under the supervision of a doctor. Water fasting should not be done for more than 24 hours without medical supervision.
- Fasting for weight loss. Fasting is especially common with a ketogenic diet.
- Fasting for healing or cancer treatment. Research is showing positive health benefits to fasting that may aid in relieving symptoms and promoting healing for different diseases and even cancer.
- Fasting for medical procedures. Often, medical procedures and surgeries require that you fast beforehand. Use these prayers during that time.
- Daniel Fast – Based on a book by Rick Warren, this is not a true fast but a vegan, whole food eating plan based on biblical principles. While not a strict fast, any eating method where you give up certain foods or types of foods is challenging. Use the prayers below as you begin a new eating style that requires discipline.
Fasting from items other than food is not as common but is practiced as well, including:
- Fasting for spiritual reasons, such as during Lent, commonly practiced in the Catholic church and by other Christians. These fasts can be from food, certain types of food, or non-food items. (Here is a list of 50 possible items to fast from during Lent.)
- Fasting for a time of prayer and spiritual breakthrough. When you are in need of God’s help with a specific problem, fasting for a time of prayer can provide direction.
Click here for Christian quotes on fasting to read more about what spiritual leaders and prachers teach about fasting.
Fasting Prayers
No matter your type of fast or the reasons behind it, each of these prayers will be helpful for you for fasting.
1. Prayer Before a Fast Begins (A Pre-Fast Prayer)
Lord, as I begin this time of fasting, fill me with your strength. Help me to use this as a time of growth, renewal, and healing. Calm my anxiety about what I might be giving up or times of discomfort that I might face.
Provide me with assurance that You will strengthen me during the difficult times and meet me for sweet moments of spiritual growth and surrender.
Help me focus not on what is being taken away, but what I’m gaining as I use this as a spiritual discipline. With you leading, Holy Spirit, I am ready.
I dedicate this fast to You, Lord, and to Your glory.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
2. Prayer During Fasting (I am Grateful for this Fast.)
Lord, I am in the middle of a fast.
There have been moments that were easier than I expected. My desires weren’t as strong as I thought they would be. Temptations that I was dreading…weren’t so bad.
Other times, I’ve been caught off guard by moments that I thought would be no problem, and instead they have proved incredibly difficult.
Right now, I still have a ways to go and end feels far off. Give me the supernatural strength to keep going by Your power, Lord. Grow me in the fruits of spirit that I need to endure this, like patience, peace, and self-control.
In Your holy name I make these requests, Amen.
3. Prayer for Self-Control During a Fast (Lord, give me self-control to fast.)
Lord, one of the fruits of the spirit is self-control. I know I can’t develop this myself but I pray that by the power of the Holy Spirit you would develop self-control in me (Galatians 5:22-23).
I especially need self-control today as I engage in this fast. I feel like temptation is on every side. In the moment, the pull is so strong and it feels like the decision is instant.
When I am tempted, please show me the way out that you promise in the Bible. I am clinging to that promise right now (1 Corinthians 10:13).
I want to follow through on my intentions and most of all, Father, I want to bring You glory and honor. If it be Your will, grant me the strength to not eat or engage in the activity I am fasting from. I know I can do all things through You who give me strength (Philippians 4:13).
(For more support during your fast, read these Bible verses about temptation.)
4. Prayer for Breaking a Fast (Wisdom to End a Fast)
God, the time of my fast is coming to an end.
Thank you for giving me the strength to carry this out. I have grown in strength and in my relationship with You. I know I could never have done this by my own power.
As this time of restraint finishes, lead me in my next steps. Help me move slowly and gently back into a regular pattern of behavior. Help me not to go crazy with pent-up desire but instead, move with grace and intention.
I trust Your guidance, Lord.
In Jesus name I ask this, Amen.
5. Thanksgiving Prayer After Fasting (A Prayer for When the Fast is Done)
Lord, thank you for the lessons you taught me during fasting. Thank you for the ways you grew me in fruits of the spirit like patience and self-control. I know I could not have accomplished this by my own power, but only because of Your work in me.
Guide me as I move forward. If Your desire is for me is to fast again, show me that clearly. Help me not forget this time of fasting, but instead to use these lessons in my daily life. Above all, help me honor and serve You with the choices I make. I love you, Lord.
Amen.
The Importance of Prayer During Fasting
Prayer is the backbone of fasting for many individuals. It serves as a means of communication with the divine, a way to seek guidance, strength, and understanding during the challenging period of abstaining from food. The right prayers can provide focus, support, and a sense of purpose, making the fasting experience more profound and spiritually enriching.
Which Psalm is for Fasting?
The Book of Psalms in the Bible contains a wealth of spiritual and devotional material that can be particularly helpful during fasting. One of the Psalms that is often used in conjunction with fasting is Psalm 42. This Psalm expresses a deep longing for God and can be recited or meditated upon to strengthen your connection to the divine during your fast. It includes verses like, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God,” which beautifully encapsulates the thirst for spiritual nourishment that fasting aims to fulfill.
Another relevant Psalm is Psalm 27, which emphasizes seeking the Lord’s presence during times of trouble. Fasting can be seen as a time of spiritual struggle, and Psalm 27 provides comfort and guidance for those seeking God’s protection and guidance.
What Are Powerful Prayer Points During Fasting?
Powerful prayer points during fasting can help individuals focus their intentions and align their hearts with their faith. Some essential prayer points during fasting include:
- Surrender and Submission: Begin your fast with a prayer of surrender, acknowledging your dependence on a higher power. This prayer point allows you to release control and place your trust in God.
- Strength and Endurance: Fasting can be physically and mentally challenging. Pray for the strength and endurance to persevere through the fast without giving in to temptation.
- Spiritual Growth: Seek spiritual growth and enlightenment during your fast. Pray for a deeper understanding of your faith and a stronger connection with the divine.
- Wisdom and Guidance: Ask for wisdom and guidance in making important life decisions. Fasting can be a time of clarity, and prayer points focused on these aspects can be particularly powerful.
- Forgiveness and Repentance: Use your fast as an opportunity for self-reflection and seeking forgiveness for your sins. Pray for a clean heart and a renewed spirit.
What Are the Three Powerful Prayers?
While there are countless prayers that can be meaningful during fasting, here are three powerful prayers to consider:
- The Lord’s Prayer: This is a timeless and universal prayer that covers various aspects of our spiritual and physical needs. It includes a request for daily bread, which can be particularly meaningful during a fast when you’re abstaining from food.
- The Serenity Prayer: Widely known in recovery circles, the Serenity Prayer is a valuable prayer that can bring comfort and peace during fasting. It asks for the serenity to accept the things you cannot change, the courage to change the things you can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
- The Prayer of Jabez: Based on the prayer of Jabez found in the Bible (1 Chronicles 4:10), this prayer asks for God’s blessings, guidance, and expansion of one’s territory. It’s a powerful prayer for those seeking spiritual growth and transformation during their fast.
In conclusion, fasting is a powerful spiritual practice, and prayer is an integral part of the experience. By incorporating relevant Psalms and powerful prayer points, you can enhance the depth and meaning of your fast. These three powerful prayers can be your guiding light, providing focus and inspiration as you seek a closer connection with the divine.