In this article, we will explain to you what does the Bible say about fasting and prayer and also share some of the most important KJV Bible verses related to fasting and prayer.
What Does The Bible Say About Fasting And Prayer?
Fasting and prayer are two spiritual disciplines that are commonly mentioned in the Bible. These practices are often intertwined, as fasting is often seen as a way to enhance the effectiveness of prayer. In the Bible, fasting is typically associated with mourning, repentance, seeking God’s guidance, and seeking deliverance from difficult circumstances.
One of the most famous passages in the Bible about fasting and prayer is found in the book of Matthew, where Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of these practices. In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus says, “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.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of fasting as a personal and private act of devotion to God. It also highlights the importance of sincerity and humility in our spiritual practices.
In addition to fasting, the Bible also speaks about the importance of prayer. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, the apostle Paul encourages believers to “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This passage highlights the importance of developing a habit of prayer in our daily lives, and the significance of maintaining a spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving.
Overall, the Bible teaches that fasting and prayer are important spiritual disciplines that can help us draw closer to God, seek His guidance, and experience His presence in our lives. By engaging in these practices with sincerity, humility, and faith, we can deepen our relationship with God and experience the transformative power of His grace and love.
KJV Bible Verses on fasting and prayer
Here are the top 10 KJV Bible Verses on fasting and prayer:
1. Matthew 6:16-18 – “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.”
2. Matthew 17:21 – “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”
3. Acts 13:2-3 – “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”
4. Isaiah 58:6 – “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?”
5. Joel 2:12 – “Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:”
6. Psalm 35:13 – “But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.”
7. Ezra 8:23 – “So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.”
8. Luke 18:12 – “I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.”
9. 1 Corinthians 7:5 – “Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.”
10. Joel 1:14 – “Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the Lord your God, and cry unto the Lord.”