What is fasting?
Giving up something to seek direction from God
Biblical fasting is the intentional act of abstaining from food (and sometimes other comforts) for a spiritual purpose—namely, to seek the Lord with greater focus, humility, and dependence. Throughout Scripture, fasting is not presented as a ritual to earn God’s favor, but as a posture of surrender before Him. In Joel 2:12–13, the Lord calls His people, “Return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning… Rend your heart and not your garments.” This passage makes clear that true fasting is about inward repentance and wholehearted return. Likewise, in Matthew 6:16–18, Jesus teaches that fasting should be done sincerely and quietly before the Father, not for public recognition. Biblical fasting, then, is about drawing near to God in humility and authenticity.
Fasting is important because it exposes our dependence on physical things and redirects our hunger toward God. When we fast, we are reminded that “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Jesus Himself modeled this during His forty days in the wilderness, showing that spiritual strength flows from communion with the Father. Spiritually, fasting sharpens discernment, deepens prayer, and cultivates self-control. In Acts 13:2–3, the early church fasted and worshiped before the Lord, and in that place of fasting the Holy Spirit gave clear direction for ministry. Fasting creates space to hear God more clearly and align ourselves with His will rather than our own appetites.
Ultimately, fasting aligns our hearts with the Lord because it reorders our desires. It shifts us from self-sufficiency to God-sufficiency. Ezra 8:21 records Ezra proclaiming a fast “that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him a safe journey.” Fasting humbles us, tenderizes our hearts, and increases our sensitivity to sin, conviction, and the Spirit’s leading. As we deny the flesh, we strengthen the spirit (Galatians 5:16–17), learning to hunger for righteousness more than comfort. In this way, fasting becomes less about going without food and more about feasting on God’s presence—cultivating intimacy, dependence, and wholehearted devotion to Him.
Prayer & Fasting Devotional Week 1
Scripture
“People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4 (NLT)
Reflection
Whether fasting is a new experience for you, or something you have done multiple times in the past, the purpose is the same; deny our flesh and focus on the spirit and what Jesus wants to do in our lives. Something shifts in us when we put everything else aside and just spend time with our Savior. There are many things that we can fast from. People have fasted from their screen time, from sugar, or caffeine, and all are great if we use the time that we would be indulging in those things to instead dive into the word of God and into prayer. However, there is something powerful about fasting from food, something that sustains the flesh, but instead allowing Jesus to sustain us. Fasting is an opportunity to allow the Spirit of God to meet you in a new way. It is a chance for Jesus to remind you of his great love for you and to take your relationship with him deeper.
Fasting is not something that we do to show off or prove something to anyone else. Rather, it is an opportunity to retrain our bodies to prioritize the spirit over the flesh. It is a reminder that God alone should be our source for all things. Jesus gave us this example when he was fasting for 40 days in the desert and was tempted by Satan. It is an intentional reminder that our reliance is on “every word that comes from the mouth of God”. As you take this time to fast from food, instead devour his word and see how he will sustain you, as you grow and deepen your relationship with him.
Practice
Take this time also to train your body to be led by the Spirit. When the hunger pangs start, lean into Jesus! Dive into his word, spend time in prayer, turn on the worship music and get ready for what God wants to show you, as you choose to be obedient to him. We have multiple resources on our app and website – a reading plan, prayer stations and a prayer guide, that can be utilized during this time of fasting. If you need help or support in any way, especially if this is new to you, please do not hesitate to reach out to your impact group leader or one of the pastoral staff. We
are here to support and encourage you on this journey.
Prayer
God, remind me that you are my source. God, I ask that you and only you would sustain me. As I create this space in my life to deepen my relationship with you through fasting, give me the strength and self-control to not give into temptation, but to feast on your word. I love you, Lord! In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.
“People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4 (NLT)
Reflection
Whether fasting is a new experience for you, or something you have done multiple times in the past, the purpose is the same; deny our flesh and focus on the spirit and what Jesus wants to do in our lives. Something shifts in us when we put everything else aside and just spend time with our Savior. There are many things that we can fast from. People have fasted from their screen time, from sugar, or caffeine, and all are great if we use the time that we would be indulging in those things to instead dive into the word of God and into prayer. However, there is something powerful about fasting from food, something that sustains the flesh, but instead allowing Jesus to sustain us. Fasting is an opportunity to allow the Spirit of God to meet you in a new way. It is a chance for Jesus to remind you of his great love for you and to take your relationship with him deeper.
Fasting is not something that we do to show off or prove something to anyone else. Rather, it is an opportunity to retrain our bodies to prioritize the spirit over the flesh. It is a reminder that God alone should be our source for all things. Jesus gave us this example when he was fasting for 40 days in the desert and was tempted by Satan. It is an intentional reminder that our reliance is on “every word that comes from the mouth of God”. As you take this time to fast from food, instead devour his word and see how he will sustain you, as you grow and deepen your relationship with him.
Practice
Take this time also to train your body to be led by the Spirit. When the hunger pangs start, lean into Jesus! Dive into his word, spend time in prayer, turn on the worship music and get ready for what God wants to show you, as you choose to be obedient to him. We have multiple resources on our app and website – a reading plan, prayer stations and a prayer guide, that can be utilized during this time of fasting. If you need help or support in any way, especially if this is new to you, please do not hesitate to reach out to your impact group leader or one of the pastoral staff. We
are here to support and encourage you on this journey.
Prayer
God, remind me that you are my source. God, I ask that you and only you would sustain me. As I create this space in my life to deepen my relationship with you through fasting, give me the strength and self-control to not give into temptation, but to feast on your word. I love you, Lord! In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.
Prayer & Fasting Devotional Week 2
Scripture
Isaiah 58:6–7
“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?”
God desires a fast that produces freedom, compassion, and transformed living, not empty religious ritual. It begins with humble hearts positioned towards him!
Matthew 6:16–18
“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, 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.”
Reflection
As children of the Most High God, we don’t fast to get noticed here on earth, or in heaven. We fast to humble ourselves before the Almighty God. (Notice that Jesus says… “WHEN YOU FAST…” This assumes that all believers are expected to fast.) When we give up something that is necessary for LIFE, we deny our flesh and simply feed the spirit. We do this by feasting on the Word of God, praying, worshipping, praising, meditating on the Word, and spending time in the presence of the Father.
Fasting is a practice that aligns our heart with God. As our hearts break for what breaks his, it redirects our thoughts to heavenly things rather than the earthly. This world is not our home, and when we deny our flesh, we are reminded that our hearts desire heaven. As we soak in the presence of the Lord, our spirits come alive in surrender to our loving God.
Paul mentions disciplining his body into submission in 2 Corinthians. This is what happens in our faith when we fast. We reject our earthly cravings and seek first the kingdom of heaven!
Practice
As you enter into fasting this week, be intentional. We often like to keep ourselves busy in order not to “feel” those hunger pangs. However, our mindset cannot be to simply “get through it”. But rather, to be intentional about praying, worshipping, feasting on the word of God instead of earthly food.
I encourage you to set aside INTENTIONAL prayer time during your fast, to focus on HIS face. As a wise pastor (Pastor Timothy) always says “pray about what to pray about.” This aligns our hearts with what God has planned, rather than our hearts desires. God sees the big picture when we can only see pieces of the puzzle.
Pray BOLD prayers, that lose the chains of oppression, that set people free.
Trust in Him as you seek his face for direction this week.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, as I fast and pray this week, may my focus be on what you would have me pray for. Would I be BOLD in my prayers this week, asking for things more than I could ever think or imagine for nothing is impossible with God.
Lord forgive me for getting distracted and keep my heart intentional as I seek your face. Father your thoughts are higher than my thoughts and your ways are higher than my ways. I trust you Lord my God. Lead me and guide me this week.
Amen.
Isaiah 58:6–7
“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?”
God desires a fast that produces freedom, compassion, and transformed living, not empty religious ritual. It begins with humble hearts positioned towards him!
Matthew 6:16–18
“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, 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.”
Reflection
As children of the Most High God, we don’t fast to get noticed here on earth, or in heaven. We fast to humble ourselves before the Almighty God. (Notice that Jesus says… “WHEN YOU FAST…” This assumes that all believers are expected to fast.) When we give up something that is necessary for LIFE, we deny our flesh and simply feed the spirit. We do this by feasting on the Word of God, praying, worshipping, praising, meditating on the Word, and spending time in the presence of the Father.
Fasting is a practice that aligns our heart with God. As our hearts break for what breaks his, it redirects our thoughts to heavenly things rather than the earthly. This world is not our home, and when we deny our flesh, we are reminded that our hearts desire heaven. As we soak in the presence of the Lord, our spirits come alive in surrender to our loving God.
Paul mentions disciplining his body into submission in 2 Corinthians. This is what happens in our faith when we fast. We reject our earthly cravings and seek first the kingdom of heaven!
Practice
As you enter into fasting this week, be intentional. We often like to keep ourselves busy in order not to “feel” those hunger pangs. However, our mindset cannot be to simply “get through it”. But rather, to be intentional about praying, worshipping, feasting on the word of God instead of earthly food.
I encourage you to set aside INTENTIONAL prayer time during your fast, to focus on HIS face. As a wise pastor (Pastor Timothy) always says “pray about what to pray about.” This aligns our hearts with what God has planned, rather than our hearts desires. God sees the big picture when we can only see pieces of the puzzle.
Pray BOLD prayers, that lose the chains of oppression, that set people free.
Trust in Him as you seek his face for direction this week.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, as I fast and pray this week, may my focus be on what you would have me pray for. Would I be BOLD in my prayers this week, asking for things more than I could ever think or imagine for nothing is impossible with God.
Lord forgive me for getting distracted and keep my heart intentional as I seek your face. Father your thoughts are higher than my thoughts and your ways are higher than my ways. I trust you Lord my God. Lead me and guide me this week.
Amen.
Prayer & Fasting Devotional Week 3
Scripture
Romans 12:1
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
1 Corinthians 6:19–20
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
Reflection
Fasting can often be misunderstood. In my experience many think fasting is an act we do to get some from God… rather breakthrough, direction, or a blessing. As we look at the scripture is shows us fasting is #1 about surrendering not about gain.
Paul writes in Romans 12 that we are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, this is a form of worship to him. In this passage they use the word SOMA for body, meaning your whole person, not just your physical body but your whole person. Your choices, desires, life, and your will.
Sacrificing to God is not partial but rather fully complete. When we fast it's an expression and heart posture of everything I am to God. Our bodies, time, and appetites are not ours. Each one of us was bought by a price, and fasting reminds us of that truth.
When we surrender our cravings and appetites we become more aware. We begin to listen better, pray with less distractions, and depend more on our Father. Fasting is another form of worship! Its the act offering yourself to God; the one who gave you everything
Practice
As you enter into fasting, remember it’s not just giving something up but rather offering your whole life to God.
When you are hungry - “Lord, I belong to you”
When you feel weak - “My strength comes from you. God”
My challenge to you is to take intentional time to surrender specific areas of your life. Your plans, habits, worries, desires. Ask to Lord to show you any areas of your life that he wants you to surrender to him
Fasting is not about getting through the day without eating. It is about learning to live as a sacrifice that is fully His.
Prayer
Lord Father,
As I fast this week I offer my whole life to you. Not just my words, not just my prayers but my whole life. Teach me what it means to be a living sacrifice to you, show me areas in my life I need to surrender to you and give me the strength to lay them down at your feet
Lord, I may be weak but you are strong. Help me to hunger your presence more than hungering food and forgive me for the times I don’t prioritize you like I should. Continue to draw me closer to you. I am yours, completely and fully.
Amen.
Romans 12:1
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
1 Corinthians 6:19–20
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
Reflection
Fasting can often be misunderstood. In my experience many think fasting is an act we do to get some from God… rather breakthrough, direction, or a blessing. As we look at the scripture is shows us fasting is #1 about surrendering not about gain.
Paul writes in Romans 12 that we are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, this is a form of worship to him. In this passage they use the word SOMA for body, meaning your whole person, not just your physical body but your whole person. Your choices, desires, life, and your will.
Sacrificing to God is not partial but rather fully complete. When we fast it's an expression and heart posture of everything I am to God. Our bodies, time, and appetites are not ours. Each one of us was bought by a price, and fasting reminds us of that truth.
When we surrender our cravings and appetites we become more aware. We begin to listen better, pray with less distractions, and depend more on our Father. Fasting is another form of worship! Its the act offering yourself to God; the one who gave you everything
Practice
As you enter into fasting, remember it’s not just giving something up but rather offering your whole life to God.
When you are hungry - “Lord, I belong to you”
When you feel weak - “My strength comes from you. God”
My challenge to you is to take intentional time to surrender specific areas of your life. Your plans, habits, worries, desires. Ask to Lord to show you any areas of your life that he wants you to surrender to him
Fasting is not about getting through the day without eating. It is about learning to live as a sacrifice that is fully His.
Prayer
Lord Father,
As I fast this week I offer my whole life to you. Not just my words, not just my prayers but my whole life. Teach me what it means to be a living sacrifice to you, show me areas in my life I need to surrender to you and give me the strength to lay them down at your feet
Lord, I may be weak but you are strong. Help me to hunger your presence more than hungering food and forgive me for the times I don’t prioritize you like I should. Continue to draw me closer to you. I am yours, completely and fully.
Amen.