How to Pray and Fast
A practical guide to combining prayer with fasting for spiritual growth
Fasting is the voluntary abstaining from food (or sometimes other things) for a spiritual purpose. Throughout the Bible, God's people fasted during times of crisis, repentance, seeking guidance, and spiritual preparation. Jesus Himself fasted for forty days in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry (Matthew 4:1-2).
Fasting is not a diet or a health regimen, though it may have physical benefits. Its purpose is spiritual: to humble yourself before God, to create space for deeper prayer, and to say with your body what your heart believes: that God is more important than food. When your stomach growls during a fast, it becomes a prompt to pray.
This guide will help you combine prayer and fasting in a practical way. We will cover the biblical basis, different types of fasts, how to prepare, and how to stay focused on God rather than on the discomfort of hunger.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Understand the biblical basis
Fasting appears throughout the Bible. Moses fasted on Mount Sinai for forty days, sustained by God's presence alone (Exodus 34:28). David fasted when his child was sick (2 Samuel 12:16). Esther called a three-day fast before approaching the king (Esther 4:16). Nehemiah fasted and prayed before asking the king to rebuild Jerusalem's walls (Nehemiah 1:4). Daniel fasted for three weeks while seeking God's understanding (Daniel 10:2-3). The people of Nineveh fasted in repentance and God relented (Jonah 3:5-10). Jesus fasted for forty days (Matthew 4:2) and taught His disciples how to fast with the right heart (Matthew 6:16-18). The early church fasted before making important decisions (Acts 13:2-3). Fasting is not meant to earn God's favor but to position your heart to receive it.
Choose your type of fast
There are several types of fasts. A complete fast (also called an absolute fast) means no food or drink. This should only be done for very short periods (typically no more than 24 hours) and with medical awareness, as dehydration is dangerous. A water-only fast means no food but you drink water freely. A liquid fast allows water, broth, juice, and tea but no solid food. A partial fast (like the Daniel Fast) means you restrict certain foods, eating only vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while avoiding meat, sweets, and processed food. You can also fast from something other than food: social media, television, or entertainment. Choose a fast that is challenging but safe for your health.
Set a clear intention and duration
Decide why you are fasting and for how long. Be specific about both. Are you fasting for guidance on a decision? For the healing of a relationship? For spiritual renewal? Write your intention down. For your first fast, start with one meal or one day. You can extend future fasts as you gain experience. Some common durations are one day, three days, a week, or the forty days of Lent (usually a partial fast).
Replace meal times with prayer
The time you would normally spend preparing and eating food should be devoted to prayer. This is what makes fasting different from simply skipping meals. When hunger comes, pray. When you pass a restaurant and feel tempted, pray. Let every hunger pang remind you of your dependence on God. Read Scripture, pray through your intention, and listen for God's voice. The empty stomach creates a spiritual alertness that is hard to replicate any other way.
Drink water and care for your body
Unless you are doing a very short complete fast with medical awareness, always drink water. Dehydration is dangerous and not the point. If you have any health conditions, diabetes, pregnancy, eating disorders, or take medications that require food, consult a doctor before fasting from food. A fast from media or entertainment may be more appropriate in those situations. God cares about your health.
Break your fast gently and give thanks
When your fast ends, break it gently with light food: broth, fruit, or a small meal. Do not binge. End with a prayer of thanksgiving, regardless of whether you have received a clear answer to your intention. Fasting is an act of trust. Sometimes the fruit appears during the fast, sometimes days later, and sometimes God answers in ways you did not anticipate.
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DAILY SCRIPTURE
From 3 Christian traditions.
PRAYER JOURNAL
Reflect after every prayer.
Build a habit around praying & spend less time on social media.
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APP BLOCKING
Pray before you scroll.
DAILY SCRIPTURE
From 3 Christian traditions.
PRAYER JOURNAL
Reflect after every prayer.
Build a habit around praying & spend less time on social media.
