Prayers for Fasting

To begin. Often searched as “prayer for fasting and praying” or “prayers for fasting and praying”.

But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4

Lord, I am setting aside food so that I can set my heart on You. This is not a way to make You do what I want. It is a way to say that I want You more than what I want. Quiet my hunger when it distracts me, and use it to remind me to pray. Meet me in this fast, and let it change me, not just my schedule. In Jesus’ name, amen.

A short one for the start of the day. Often searched as “fasting prayers” or “prayer for fasting christian”.

Father, today I fast. Let every pang of hunger turn into a prayer. Keep me from pride about it and from complaint about it. I give You the hours I would have spent eating, and I ask for nothing except more of You. Let this day be quiet and clean before You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Before the first skipped meal. Often searched as “pray for fast” or “fast praying”.

Lord, before I begin, I want to ask: what is this fast for? Show me what You want me to seek. If it is clarity, give it. If it is repentance, give me honesty. If it is nothing more than being with You, let that be enough. Take away my own agenda, and let me hear You in the quiet that comes with an empty stomach. In Jesus’ name, amen.

For the middle of the day, when you want to quit. Often searched as “prayers while fasting” or “prayers to pray when fasting”.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6

Lord, I am hungry, and I am tired, and I am a little short with everyone. Thank You for this reminder that I am not self-sufficient. Let my hunger point me to You, the bread of life. Give me patience with the people around me, and strength to finish what I started. Help me pray, even when all I have is a sigh. In Jesus’ name, amen.

When you are fasting for a decision, a loved one, or a hard season. Often searched as “prayer for fasting”.

God, I am fasting because I do not know what else to do. I am carrying something too heavy to hold and too important to ignore. I bring it to You with an empty table and an open heart. I will not tell You how to answer. I only ask that You hear me, steady me, and show me the next faithful step. In Jesus’ name, amen.

When what you are giving up is your phone, your feed, or the noise.

Lord, I am putting my phone down, and my hand keeps reaching for it. Show me what I am trying to escape, and what I am hoping to find. Fill the quiet with Your presence instead of my own distraction. Let me see the faces in front of me, hear Your voice, and rest. When this fast is over, let me not go back to who I was before. In Jesus’ name, amen.

For the fast nobody knows about. Jesus said to do it in secret.

Moreover when you fast, don’t be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen by men to be fasting. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face; so that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:16-18

Father, You see what is done in secret. I do not need anyone to know that I am fasting today. Keep me from hints, from sighs for sympathy, and from a long face. Let this be between You and me. If anyone asks me to lunch, give me a gracious word. I do this for You alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.

For people who are sick, pregnant, on medication, or elderly, who still want to draw near.

For he knows how we are made. He remembers that we are dust. Psalm 103:14

Lord, my body cannot fast right now, and sometimes that makes me feel I am not trying hard enough. You know my body, and You made it. Teach me that You are not measuring me by what I skip. Show me another way to set my heart on You today: a small act of kindness, a few quiet minutes, one thing laid down. I am Yours, fed or not. In Jesus’ name, amen.

For the evening, when you give away what you saved.

Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to release the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Isn’t it to distribute your bread to the hungry, and that you bring the poor who are cast out to your house? When you see the naked, that you cover him; and that you not hide yourself from your own flesh? Isaiah 58:6-7

Lord, I gave up a meal today. Now let me give it away. Show me who is hungry, near and far, and let me feed them. Let my fasting turn into a gift, so it does not stay in my own heart alone. Teach me that the fast You choose is to share my bread with the hungry. Receive this day, and bless it. In Jesus’ name, amen.

For the first hour of a fasting day.

Good morning, Lord. I woke up hungry, and I am glad. Let this hunger be a doorway to You. Go with me into work and into the day ahead, and let my quiet kindness speak louder than my empty stomach. Break the fast tonight with thanksgiving. I am Yours. In Jesus’ name, amen.