“Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting… But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” – Matthew 6:16–18 (NKJV)

Fasting and prayer are spiritual disciplines through which believers intentionally set aside ordinary activities and focus their attention on God. Prayer is communicating with God; fasting is helping us deliberately turn our attention toward God. Fasting is not a way of forcing God to do what we want. It is not a spiritual bargaining tool. Rather, it can help us seek God, humble ourselves, strengthen our dependence on Him, and become more attentive to His direction.

Fasting is about seeking God.

Joel 2:12 (NKJV)

“Now, therefore,” says the LORD, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.”

Biblical fasting is connected with turning our hearts toward God. The purpose is not simply to go without something; the purpose is to draw nearer to God. If fasting becomes only about the physical act of abstaining, we can miss its spiritual purpose.

Fasting should be joined with prayer. In Scripture, fasting and prayer are often connected.

Acts 13:2–3 (NKJV)

“As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.”

The believers were fasting and ministering to God, and they received direction concerning their mission. Fasting creates space to seek God; prayer keeps our hearts engaged with Him.

Fasting helps us humble ourselves.

Ezra 8:21 (NKJV)

“Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions.”

Fasting can remind us that we are dependent upon God.

It says: “Lord, I need You. I need Your wisdom. I need Your direction. I cannot do this by myself.”

Fasting is not about impressing people. Jesus specifically warned against fasting for public recognition.

Matthew 6:17–18 (NKJV)

“But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place…”

The value of fasting is not measured by how many people know we are fasting. God looks at the heart. Fasting should draw us closer to God, not make us feel spiritually superior to others.

Fasting can help us seek God’s direction. There are moments when believers need wisdom and clarity.

Acts 14:23 (NKJV)

“So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.”

Fasting can accompany prayer when we are seeking God’s guidance. However, we should not treat fasting as a method of forcing God to reveal something to us. We seek Him, listen through His Word, and remain willing to follow His will.

True fasting involves the heart. God is concerned about more than abstaining from food.

Isaiah 58:6 (NKJV)

“Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke?”

Isaiah teaches that genuine devotion to God should affect how we treat other people. A fast should not be accompanied by hatred, cruelty, pride, or injustice. If we are seeking God, our lives should increasingly reflect His character.

Instead of focusing only on what we are giving up, focus on what we are giving God:

Spend time in prayer.

Read and meditate on Scripture.

Worship God.

Repent and examine your heart.

Intercede for others.

Seek God’s direction.

Give thanks.

Serve others where appropriate.

Key Point: Fasting and prayer are not ways of manipulating God. They are opportunities to seek Him more intentionally, humble ourselves, strengthen our dependence on Him, and align our hearts with His will.

Confession: My heart is aligned with God’s purpose. I have the right heart posture. Pride is not allowed in my heart.

Related Scripture: Daniel 9

Bible Reading: Exodus 39