26 Fasting Scriptures for Breakthrough (Plus Printable)
Are you in desperate need of God’s deliverance in some area of your life or a loved one’s life? So am I. Do you want to experience breakthrough in your prayer life?
Have you considered fasting? I don’t do it on a regular basis (because God doesn’t command that for us today), but I can say from experience that it is helpful.
Fasting is a time of self-denial which helps us to cultivate a deeper intimacy with God, the lover of our soul. Fasting is not primarily about denying our need for food, but rather, drawing closer to God for Him to meet our needs in new ways. It’s about refining our desires so they are aligned more fully with God’s perfect will…so that our hearts are more fully surrendered to His will than ever before.
Here are 26 fasting scriptures for breakthrough that will encourage you as you deny yourself and seek God through fasting and prayer.
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Benefits of Fasting
God uses fasting as a tool to accomplish His purposes. He knows our capacity for self-denial and discipline is limited, but He wants us to trust Him more fully in all things. When we fast, God honors our submission and extends His hand to us in a unique way through the power of prayer.
(Matthew 6:18) 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.
When we fast, God rewards us…openly! In answer to our prayers!
Fasting Scriptures for Breakthrough
It’s not that fasting alone will bring about our breakthrough. Fasting doesn’t trick, or manipulate, God into answering our prayers. Fasting does not guarantee that we will receive what we want from God. (David fasted and prayed for the life of his son. But God had another plan. 2 Samuel 12:16-23)
But rather, fasting enhances our prayers and intensifies them, opening doors that might otherwise be closed to us. Some things only come by prayer and fasting.
Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
Matthew 17:21
Sometimes prayer alone is not enough.
Prayer and Fasting Scriptures for Breakthrough
Prayer and fasting go hand in hand when we would seek God for help in dire circumstances. God desires to deliver His children from all their troubles. (Psalms 34:17) But He wants us to ask and seek Him through prayer…and fasting…as we feel led.
Here are some Bible examples of God’s deliverance in answer to His children’s prayer and biblical fasting.
The Jews Protected Returning from Captivity
(Ezra 8:21) Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.
(Ezra 8:23) So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.
As Ezra prepared to lead the Jews from captivity back to Jerusalem, he and the people fasted and prayed, seeking the Lord for protection from enemies as they traveled. And God heard and answered!
Esther and the Jews Protected from Haman
(Esther 4:16) Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
(Esther 5:2) And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.
God honored the Jews’ and Esther’s fasting and protected Esther by granting her favor with the king. And then ultimately by delivering all the Jews from wicked Haman’s decree to annihilate them!
You might enjoy studying these verses more fully using our printable Bible Study Journals and Bible Study Worksheets.
The City of Nineveh Spared
(Jonah 3:5) So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.
(Jonah 3:10) And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.
What a wonderful example for us of not only the power of fasting and prayer, but also the power of humble repentance! God rewards such fasting and prayer with His mercy! That kind of prayer changes things with God! To the point that God changes His predetermined course of action in answer to their prayers!
King Ahab’s Life Spared
(1 Kings 21:27) And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly.
(1 Kings 21:29) Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me? because he humbleth himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days: but in his son’s days will I bring the evil upon his house.
Biblical fasting is not just going without food, but involves humility and genuine repentance of sins. Fasting done God’s way will help us get our hearts right with God. Only then can God work to answer and bless us. Because Ahab humbled himself repenting of his sins, God chose to spare his life! Wow!
Fasting enhances our prayers and intensifies them, opening doors that might otherwise be closed to us. Some things only come by prayer and fasting.
For more help deepening your prayer life, you’ll want to be sure to check out all these powerful Prayer Resources!
New Testament Scriptures on Fasting
Fasting is not required on a regular basis for us New Testament believers, but is definitely something the Lord still honors and expects from us His children as evidenced by the below scriptures, and many others.
I’m thankful to say that there have been several times when I felt the Holy Spirit impress upon me to add fasting to my prayers. And thankfully, with His help, I did. And God answered! To His praise and glory!
Jesus Fasted
(Matthew 4:1) Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
(Matthew 4:2) And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
Jesus is our example in all things. If He fasted, then how much more should we feel the need? We learn here that fasting will sustain us in times of great temptation.
Jesus Teaches the Necessity of Fasting
Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
Matthew 17:21
Jesus heals a boy possessed of the devil. When his disciples asked why they could not cast him out, Jesus teaches them what is needed in order to receive miraculous answers to prayer…faith…and fasting.
Jesus Teaches How to Fast and Pray for a Breakthrough
(Matthew 6:16) 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.
(Matthew 6:17) But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;
(Matthew 6:18) 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.
In Old Testament times some people would fast simply to make a show of how pious they were. Jesus here teaches us to fast in such a way that no one knows we are fasting. I will say, though, that sometimes your spouse will have to know. (1 Corinthians 7:5)
Fasting to Hear God Speak
(Acts 13:2) 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.
(Acts 13:3) And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
If we would hear God speak to us and give us the guidance we are seeking, we must first get serious about seeking Him. Fasting helps us do that.
Paul Fasted
(2 Corinthians 11:27) In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
Paul served God in fastings…often. If we would be used of God, fasting must become part of how we serve God, too.
Enjoy this free fasting scriptures for breakthrough pdf printable as you seek the Lord.
Encouraging Bible Verses During Fasting
Let these verses encourage you when the hunger pangs come. You can do this hard thing! God will sustain you as you earnestly, fervently seek Him.
(Philippians 4:13) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
(Isaiah 26:3) Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
(Matthew 6:18) 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.
(James 5:16b) The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
(1 John 5:14) And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
(1 John 5:15) And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
Encouraging Psalms for Fasting
(Psalms 55:22) Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
(Psalms 37:4) Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
The benefits of fasting far outweigh the temporary physical discomfort. Fasting allows for great power in prayer!
By seeking God in this focused, fervent way, our hearts are first cleansed of sin, and our prayers become so aligned with His will that God does miraculous things to answer those prayers. As He has promised.
Drawing nigh to Him,
Teresa
LET’S TALK ABOUT IT
What are your thoughts on fasting? Have you ever fasted and prayed for a situation? How did God answer?
MORE PRAYER RESOURCES
3 Things God Looks For When We Pray
How to Pray in the Storms of Life
All Things in Prayer Coloring Book
Fervent: A Woman’s Battle Plan to Serious, Specific and Strategic Prayer
Thank you so much for this opportunity to get closer to my Lord. This is so helpful resources.
Thanks for the information and insight. Didn’t get breakfast this morning and realized I needed to use it to my advantage and found your pin.
Hi, Dena!
Thank you for visiting today! So glad you found this post helpful.
Blessings! 💗
Thank you so much for the word.Need more of God at a time like this
This article is so very helpful to me. I’m in a touchy situation at the moment and I have been led to fast. I started searching on help on how to and here I find so much Bible based information and I am so grateful. I say thank you for this teaching.
Hi Luz!
Praise the Lord for His goodness to lead us to what we need just when we need it! I’m so glad that you are seeking the Lord through prayer and fasting because I know that He will hear a seeking heart. Praying for you in this situation that God will give you wisdom and deliverance in His perfect way.
Blessings!
Pray for my wife promotion.
Hi, Kiran!
Praying for your wife’s promotion that all would go well. That the Lord be glorified in this situation!
Blessings!
Thank you so much for your help this article is helping me so much.
I am learning alot thank you
Nathan.
Hi, Nathan! God is so good to teach and guide us in this life when we seek Him and seek to learn. So thankful this article was helpful to you in your walk with God.
Blessings!
Am a married woman of five children but I noticed years back that I got married to a wrong person due to that my Christian life always change to worldly and now I want God to change give me a husband who fears him and will help me to stand on my feet in my ministry infact I have lost love for the one am living with I want God to give me a God fearing man so we we build a ministry together please I need your help how should I pray about it so that God will grant my heart desires
Hi, Mercy!
The Bible teaches us that we must pray in accordance with God’s Word, His commands. So when praying about our marriages, we need to study what the Bible says about marriage so that we know we are asking for something that is in line with God’s will. If we ask for something that is against God’s commands, then He will certainly not answer that prayer. Some scripture to read and consider are 1 Corinthians 7, Ephesians 5, 1 Peter 3. I know it is very hard to be married to a man who is not serving God, but keep praying for your husband to know God as His Saviour and to serve Him. And as you pray for him, pray also for God to work in your own heart concerning your love for God and for your husband. God can use your faithfulness to Himself to make a difference in your husband’s heart! (1 Peter 3)
Praying for you! 💗
Good morning thank you so much for this page, it guides when doing your bible study. I am asking you to pray with me that God blesses me with source of income in form of employment or self employment and that my husband seeks more and more of Christ and we grow together in the Spirit of God in Jesus’s name, Amen
Hi, Nkosinhle!
I am so thankful that our God can do anything! He can certainly supply our financial needs, as well as, work in the hearts of our loved ones. Nothing is too hard for our Lord and Saviour! Praying for God to intervene in your husband’s heart and supply the job He knows that you need.
Blessings! 💗
How do I order the workbook
Hi, Hope!
Thank you for your interest. I’m happy to help. Which workbook are you asking about?
Blessings! 💗
Please, pray for me for financial breakthrough and all-round peace
Hi, Mackson!
I’m praying for your finances and that you find peace in the God of all comfort as you wait for His provision.
Blessings!
On point accuracy with what God is speaking to me…it has got increasingly hard for me to fast and pray, i know i need to, but this battle is trying to take me down and out spiritually, physically, and financially. I need some real spiritual and mature people in my life to break these strongholds off of my life, so i can accomplish the will of God for my life. It has become extremely difficult…thank you for being here on this page.
I pray for you, may you receive the grace from the Lord Jesus Christ
Thank you so much for your prayers, Makoleka! I pray for you, as well!
Hi LaRone!
I’m so sorry you are going through some really tough trials. I pray that you have, or will seek out, a good Bible teaching church to learn more and serve God with. A church family is one way God uses to provide spiritual protection for us. And also to provide encouragement and practical help. Praying for you! And so glad you are here with us at LDN!
Blessings! 💗
Hello there
Thank you for the info very very much helpful
Please pray for my beautiful wife’s transfer, the process as already started
Praying for your wife and for you during this time. John 14:1-6
Thank you so very much for the much needed encouragement and advice. My heart is troubled and I am going through troubled times right now but I know God has a plan.
Hi, Nita!
I am so sorry for your struggles right now! But you are right. God always has a plan…a good and perfect plan. We just have to keep trusting Him as we wait for that plan to unfold.
Praying for you! 💗
Praying for a financial breakthrough and open doors for job opportunities upon my life
Will like to get used tobible verses when praying
644am 11/25/23 (From NC)
Good morning,
Thank you for sharing this. I’m a Born Again Believer of Jesus Christ but my walk has been raggedy before God. I’m seeking a to spend time with God in the secret place. Fasting and praying are where I’m starting. Again, thank you for sharing this wonderful resource of scriptures from the Bible and your commentary of understanding of the passages of scripture as it was revealed to you!
Hi, Fredericka!
Fasting and praying are a great place to start seeking God and drawing closer to Him. Thank you for visiting and reading!
Blessings! 💗
Hello Teresa,
I would like you to join me in prayer, fasting. I started yesterday. My husband passed away in 2021. The estate which should be settled and finished is still in probate. I need to settle. I am living with a church sister. Also I am also praying that my only son will find a lovely woman of God to marry. I also want you to pray for my daughter and my grand daughter and grandson. They are living with her. My late African husband’s children I will also pray for unity among us and the concerns we have will go away and that we end up being happy again. And finally my siblings do not know God in a special way and I am seeking God’s intervention in the lives of them and me.
I have started my fast yesterday, it runs for 7 days. I am fully expectant and know that the Lord has done something already. I am waiting in anticipation.
Thank you and God bless you.
Dorine Sweeney
Hi Dorine,
First, I am so sorry for your loss. And all you have been going through with family. God hears and answers the prayers of His children. Keep seeking Him and for His will to be done. And trusting in His love and care for you.
Praying for you! 💗