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15 Inspiring Bible Verses for Fasting

Posted on by Brooke Obie


Fasting is the act of abstaining from something, sometimes a type of food or a personal pleasure, for a specific period of time. It has been used as a spiritual practice for centuries as a way to grieve, a way to show self discipline, and a way to draw closer to God. Fasting is found throughout the Bible and is still a popular practice during the Lent season. But why? Reading Bible verses for fasting can help us understand it in a deeper way.

If you’re considering a fast, check with your doctor before beginning to make sure it’s medically safe for you to do so.

An empty bowl on blue background showing bible verses for fasting

Types of Fasting

There are many spiritual benefits to fasting and many ways to do so. Instead of abstaining from food, perhaps you are considering a different kind of fast (don’t forget that Sundays don’t count during Lent). Some other types of fasting include:

READ MORE: What to Give Up for Lent: 15 Meaningful Suggestions

Stained glass image of Jesus praying for Bible verses for fasting

Fasting in the Bible

In the Bible, there are various references to people fasting. Scripture with Bible verses for fasting include:

  • Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness, which is why we fast for 40 days during Lent (Matthew 4:1-11)
  • The prophet Daniel fasted for 21 days, eating only fruits and vegetables and drinking only water (Daniel 10: 2-3)
  • In the Book of Luke, a prophetess named Anna stays in a temple while fasting and praying (Luke 2:36–38)
  • David and his men fast until evening after learning about Saul’s death (2 Samuel 1:12)

Whether you’re fasting as a personal spiritual exercise or as a community, and whether you’re limiting your food or your time online, the Bible offers many Lent verses and words of wisdom on fasting. Here are ten of our favorite Bible verses for fasting to motivate and inspire you to keep the faith during fasting.

15 Bible Verses for Fasting

Bible verses for fasting states You know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
  1. You know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. (James 1:3)
  2. And when you fast, do not look gloomy…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)Fasting Bible verses stating Nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will [be done].
  3. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will [be done]. (Mark 14:36)
  4. 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 58:6-7)
  5. So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer. (Ezra 8:23)
  6. Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:4)Bible verses about fasting states No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.
  7. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
  8. For because He himself has suffered when tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted. (Hebrews 2:18)Bible verses for fasting stating But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
  9. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16)
  10. At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him. (Mark 1:12-13)
  11. Pray that you may not enter into temptation. (Luke 22:40)
  12. “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” (Joel 2:12)Fasting Bible verses states Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat’ or ‘What shall we drink’ …your Heavenly Father knows what you need.
  13. Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ …your Heavenly Father knows what you need. (Matthew 6:31-32)
  14. I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. (John 6:35)
  15. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God… (Ephesians 6:10)

READ MORE ABOUT LENT AND FASTING:

10 Fast Facts About the Bible

Posted on by Editors of Guideposts

1. The Bible is inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21).

2. The Bible is made up of 66 different books that were written over 1,600 years (from approximately 1500 B.C. to A.D. 100) by more than 40 kings, prophets, leaders, and followers of Jesus. The Old Testament has 39 books (written from approximately 1500-400 B.C.). The New Testament has 27 books (written from approximately A.D. 45-100). The Hebrew Bible has the same text as the English Bible’s Old Testament, but divides and organizes it differently.

3. The Old Testament was written mainly in Hebrew, with some Aramaic. The New Testament was written in Greek.

4. The books of the Bible were collected and arranged and recognized as inspired sacred authority by councils of rabbis and councils of church leaders based on careful guidelines.

5. Before the printing press was invented, the Bible was copied by hand. The Bible was copied very accurately, in many cases by special scribes who developed intricate methods of counting words and letters to insure that no errors had been made.

6. The Bible was the first book ever printed on a printing press with movable type (Gutenberg Press, 1455, Latin Bible).

7. There is much evidence that the Bible we have today is remarkably true to the original writings. Of the thousands of copies made by hand before A.D. 1500, more than 5,900 Greek manuscripts from the New Testament alone still exist today. The text of the Bible is better preserved than the writings of Caesar, Plato, or Aristotle.

8. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls confirmed the astonishing reliability of some of the copies of the Old Testament made over the years. Although some spelling variations exist, no variation affects basic Bible doctrines.

9. As the Bible was carried to other countries, it was translated into the common language of the people by scholars who wanted others to know God’s Word. Today there are still 2,000 groups with no Bible in their own language.

10. By A.D. 200, the Bible was translated into seven languages; by A.D. 500, 13 languages; by A.D. 900, 17 languages; by A.D. 1400, 28 languages; by 1800, 57 languages; by 1900, 537 languages; by 1980, 1,100 languages. (Source: The World Christian Encyclopedia.)

10 Biblical Reasons to Thank God

Posted on by Elizabeth Peale Allen

Remember the Gospel story of Jesus healing the 10 lepers (Luke 17:11-19)? It’s a wonderful recounting of Jesus’ generous and healing spirit. Nonetheless, it’s a troubling story, because only one of the lepers came back to thank Jesus. How could only one return? How could the other nine dance off in joy, completely forgetting how—and by whom—they were healed?

As Christians, we’re called beyond simple thanks for the good things God has sent our way. We’re also to give thanks for what He has done for us…and for who He is.

Scripture gives us many examples of why we are to be thankful.

READ MORE: WHY GOD ALWAYS SEES YOUR WORTH

We are to be thankful for what God has given us:

1. His love that “endures forever” (Psalm 107:1).

2. His grace, freely “given you in Christ Jesus” (1 Corinthians 1:4).

3. Continuous victory “through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).

4. “Righteous laws” to guide us (Psalm 119:62).

5. Fellow believers to sustain and cheer us: “I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers” (Philemon 1:4).

We are to be thankful for what God has done:

6. He has “answered me…[and] become my salvation” (Psalm 118:21).

7. He has redeemed us. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

8. He has qualified us “to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light” (Colossians 1:12).

We are to be thankful for who God is:

9. “He is good” (1 Chronicles 16:34).

10. He is “faithful and just” (1 John 1:9).

If you’re like me, you are probably good at saying “thank you” for some of these things, and not as good at showing appreciation for others. Why not set aside some time to up your ‘gratitude quotient’? Select one item to add to your daily prayers each week—that’s what I’m doing.

Deepen your prayer life with Guideposts’ free inspirational ebooks.

Last week I focused on being thankful that God will always love me; I never have to worry about being abandoned or mistreated. This week I’m praising God for His laws and asking Him to help me apply them to my life.

The Apostle Paul encourages us to “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15). Amen!

READ MORE: LOOK FOR BEAUTY EVERY DAY

10 Bible Verses to Encourage a Military Loved One

Posted on by Edie Melson

In this blog, I focus a lot on the comfort that families can get from the Bible. Today I want to highlight some Bible verses that we can share with those who are serving in the military.

These are some of my favorites to include in letters and emails when I’m writing to someone on deployment. I often print a scripture out on a small card so they can easily be carried in a pocket.

10 Favorite Bible Verses to Comfort Those Serving in the Military

1) Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9, NIV)

2) When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me? (Psalm 56:3-4, NASB)

3) For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39, NASB)

Read More: 31 Days of Bible Verses for Those Who Serve

4) We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. Let Your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in You alone. (Psalm 33:20-22, NLT)

5) I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:12-13, NIV)

6) The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the One who saves me from violence. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and He saved me from my enemies.” (2 Samuel 22:2-4, NLT)

Read More: 31 Days of Bible Verses for Military Families

7) Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11, NASB)

8) So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you. (Deuteronomy 31:6, NLT)

9) And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8, NIV)

10) It will also come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear. (Isaiah 65:24, NASB)

10 Bible Verses to Commit to Memory

Posted on by Sabra Ciancanelli

Did you know that memorizing Scripture can be an important part of growing your faith? Storing God’s Word deep in your heart empowers you to face every situation with His wisdom, protection and guidance.

These 10 verses are a great starting point to begin committing Bible verses to memory. Biblehub.com is a helpful resource to review and compare translations and find the version that speaks to you. As you read these verses take time with each passage, repeat it, think about it, pray it. Soon, you’ll find these verses come to mind when you need them, offering the guidance or inspiration you need at that moment.

1. I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 (ESV)

2. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

3. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

4. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)

5. A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34 (NIV)

6. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 (ESB)

7. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 (KJV)

8. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)

9. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV)

10. Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 (NIV)

10 Bible Verses for the New Year

Posted on by Jessica Toomer

Have you got a list of positive habits to start in the New Year? Or are you approaching the year with a mix of hope and worry? Whether you need encouragement or some practical advice, these Bible verses offer just what you need to start the New Year off right.

READ MORE: 6 Ways to Build Up Your Prayer Life By Habit Stacking

A One-Word Christmas Prayer for Inner Peace

Posted on by Bob Hostetler

The sounds of Christmas are ringing bells, joyful carols, and ho-ho-hoing Santas. But another, softer, sound can become a one-word prayer, an ushering in of inner calm and “peace on earth” for you this season.

It may have been one of the first sounds the infant Jesus heard from Mary or Joseph on that Christmas night as they “wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger” (Luke 2:7 NIV). After all, how many mothers in every language, land, and time have soothed their baby’s cries with a low and comforting one-word prayer of “shhhh”?

The Lord’s First Hours

How often did the Lord’s parents cradle Him with a long, soft “shhhh” in the first hours of His life? As they showed Him off to the visiting shepherds? When they trekked into Jerusalem eight days later to present their child in the Temple and name Him as they’d been instructed? Did Simeon pacify Jesus’ cries with that single syllable of a one-word prayer? Did Anna?

Shop Guideposts: Pray a Word a Day

We can’t know, of course, but it’s easy to imagine. And it’s easy to turn it into a simple one-word prayer especially when stress mounts. It can be a balm amid all the tumult. Or a prayer to God, a plea for the tranquility of Christ to rule in your heart (see Colossians 3:15). It can even be a gentle stop sign of sorts, a spiritual hand to hold up against the noise, a way of saying, “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39 KJV).

‘Shhhh’ Throughout Your Day

Try quietly uttering this one-word prayer as you enter God’s house for worship. When you lay your head on your pillow after a long, hard day. As you let the phone call go to voicemail because you…just…can’t.

You may even try using this prayer during your daily routine, as you walk the dog or drop into your favorite chair and open your Bible. Let it subdue your racing mind, steady your breathing, slow your heartbeat. Offer it to all the distractions that tend to crowd out the beauty of the season and the presence of the Lord. Shhhh.

An Advent Practice: Pray Your Way to the Manger

Posted on by Bob Hostetler

In my hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, there is a church atop a hill called Mt. Adams. For more than 160 years, Good Friday worshipers have slowly ascended 85 steps from the neighborhood below to the church’s front doors, pausing to kneel and pray on each step. It’s a practice they’ve repeated year after year, decade after decade, step after step, as a way of kneeling their way to the cross of Jesus. But here’s a way to make that an Advent practice.

For centuries, followers of Jesus have “knelt” and prayed their way to the manger in the week before Christmas. They do it by means of a series of songs, or chants, called “The O Antiphons or Great Advent Antiphons.

Many Christians know them as a part of vespers or evensong services on each of the last seven days of Advent. Others have encountered them (though they may not have known the connection to the ancient antiphons) as the verses of the Advent hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”

So, what if during these final days leading up to Christmas, you incorporated this as a new Advent practice? And you “knelt” your way to Christmas Eve by singing or praying a different verse of that hymn? The following could serve as a helpful guide:

December 17 (“O Wisdom”)

O come, O Wisdom from on high,
who ordered all things mightily;
to us the path of knowledge show
and teach us in its ways to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

December 18 (“O Adonai”)

O come, O come, great Lord of might,
who to your tribes on Sinai’s height
in ancient times did give the law
in cloud and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

December 19 (“O Root of Jesse”)

O come, O Branch of Jesse’s stem,
unto your own and rescue them!
From depths of hell your people save,
and give them victory o’er the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

December 20 (“O Key of David”)

O come, O Key of David, come
and open wide our heavenly home.
Make safe for us the heavenward road
and bar the way to death’s abode.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

December 21 (“O Dayspring”)

O come, O Bright and Morning Star,
and bring us comfort from afar!
Dispel the shadows of the night
and turn our darkness into light.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

December 22 (“O King of Nations”)

O come, O King of nations, bind
in one the hearts of all mankind.
Bid all our sad divisions cease
and be yourself our King of Peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

December 23 (“O Emmanuel”)

O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

By singing or speaking these lines with your family and friends—and with worshiping Christians around the world—we can, in this Advent practice, kneel together and pray our way to the manger this Christmas.

A Morning Prayer for New Mothers

Posted on by The Editors

New mothers are often so exhausted that they can barely keep their eyes open, let alone find time to pray. But prayer is essential for both the mother and child. If you’re a new mother, this morning prayer will help renew your strength and give you the energy you need to care for your little one.

Dear Lord,

I am so tired. I feel like I can barely keep my eyes open, let alone take care of a new baby. But I know that You are with me and will give me the strength I need.

Help me to be patient when my baby is fussy and crying, and everything seems to be going wrong. Help me to cherish this time, even though if I’m sometimes exhausted.

I know being a mother is one of the most important jobs in the world. Help me to do it well and with love.

Amen.

A Christmas Prayer for Those Who Are Lonely and Forgotten

Posted on by Bob Hostetler

It’s always a good time to remember people who feel forgotten and neglected. But a Christmas prayer for the lonely is especially important during a season of gatherings and get-togethers.

The Lonely and Overlooked in the Bible

The Christmas story in Matthew’s and Luke’s Gospels suggests that God pays special attention to lonely and overlooked people. Here are some examples:

  • Though Mary and Joseph probably called on family upon their arrival in Bethlehem, apparently no one saved a place for them.
  • Until the angel’s announcement, the night-shift shepherds (who occupied one of the lowest social and economic statuses at the time) had to work while others visited and celebrated.
  • When the shepherds arrived at the place of Jesus’ birth, they “found Mary and Joseph, and the baby” (Luke 2:16 NIV)—apparently without family or friends present to celebrate with them.
  • After the birth of Jesus, His parents took Him to the Jerusalem Temple. There they encountered aged Simeon and the widow, Anna, two people who had long outlived friends and loved ones.
  • Later, a courtly caravan of travelers who had traveled long and far from home found the holy family and brought gifts to Jesus.
  • Still later, Joseph—having been warned in a dream—packed up his young family and took to the road. They then became refugees in a foreign land as they waited for circumstances in their homeland to change.

A Christmas Prayer for Today’s Lonely and Overlooked

We might say the key participants in the first Christmas were The Forgotten. The Lower Class. The Lonely. The Overlooked. The Wayfarers. The Refugees. So, what better time of year to pray for their present-day equivalent than during this special season, with a short litany like the following:

Lord God, in this special season, I come to You on behalf of those whose holidays are mournful reminders of loss or lack in their lives.

I pray for those who, perhaps like Mary and Joseph upon their arrival in Bethlehem, feel forgotten or excluded over the holidays.

I pray for those who, perhaps like the shepherds, are required to work while others sleep or celebrate.

I pray for those who, perhaps like Simeon and Anna, have outlived many friends and loved ones.

I pray for those who, like the magi, are traveling or far from home over the holidays.

I pray for those who, like the holy family who escaped to Egypt, are refugees in foreign lands.

I pray also for prisoners, patients, or invalids, along with those who are stranded or sidelined during this blessed season.

I cry out to You who “is close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18 NIV). I ask You to be close to and shower Your favor on all of the above, in the name of Jesus, Your beloved and only-begotten Son, amen.

May God bless you richly as you offer a Christmas prayer for the needs of others. Remember those who experience loneliness and sorrow while others are celebrating with family and friends.