Fasting and prayer

Fasting is associated with prayer.
Luke 2:37, Acts 13:1-4, 14:23

When we pray and fast, it is to be done unto God.
Matt 6:5-8, 16-18

There is a time for fasting - this is when the bridegroom has been taken away for a time.
Mark 2:18-20, Matt 9:14,15


Types of fasting

absolute - abstaining from food and water Ex 34:28, Acts 9:9

normal - abstaining from all food, but not water Matt 4:2

partial - restriction from certain foods, food types, or meal times Dan 10:2-3


There are private fasts and public fasts.

private - Matt 4:2, Luke 2:37

public - Jer 36:4-6 regular fast day

2 Chron 20:3, Joel 2:15-16 special fast called in time of distress to hear God's will


Fasting must be done with right motives, not out of selfish gain.

Zech 7:4-13, Is 58:1-4, Acts 13:1-4, 14:23


Results and purposes of fasting

• to humble our souls Is 58:5, Ps 69:9-10

• to be heard on high 2 Chron 20:3, Is 58:4

• to advert judgement Jonah 3:5,10

• to free captives Is 58:6, 49:24-25

• to humble our souls Is 58:5, Ps 69:9-10

• to receive revelation or insight into certain matters Acts 13:1-4, 14:23

• to get our flesh in line with God's will, take dominion over our body 1 Cor 9:27, Rom 13:14

• to walk in power to do signs and wonders Matt 17:14-21


God's chosen fast - Is 58:5-14

• to loosen the bonds of wickedness

• to undo the bands of the yokes

• to let the oppressed go free

• to divide bread with the hungry

• to bring the homeless poor into the house

• to cover the naked

these are both spiritually and physically


God wants to heal our land - 2 Chron 7:13-14