Three prayers to begin a fast, live it while seeking God and break it with gratitude, so that this discipline draws you closer to him.
Pick a categoryThis page is for those fasting for the first time as well as those who are used to it. Fasting is not earning something from God through effort, it is going without so that we may seek his face more. These prayers accompany three moments: the beginning, the middle and the end of the fast. If you have a health concern, see a doctor first.
Lord, I begin this fast to seek you. I do not want to impress you or convince you, I want to return to you with all my heart. When I am hungry, let that hunger remind me that I live by your word. When I am tired, give me patience and gentleness. Keep me from comparing myself to others or from showing off. Speak to me in your Word, make clear what you want to tell me, and help me listen to you. May this time draw me closer to you. In Jesus' name, amen.
Joel 2:12
Father, you see in secret and you know my heart. I entrust to you this fast and the matters I am praying for: my family, my church, my decisions, my struggles. I do not dictate the outcome, I ask for your wisdom and your will. When weariness or temptation rise, uphold me by your Spirit. Remind me that what matters is not the going without, but my relationship with you. Give me a tenderer heart toward those who suffer, more attentive to the needs of others. I place everything in your hands. In Jesus' name, amen.
Matthew 6:17-18
Lord, I thank you for these days spent seeking you. Thank you for your presence, for what you showed me, for the strength you gave me. I break this fast with gratitude. Thank you for this meal, for the food you give every day and that I sometimes forget to thank you for. Help me to start eating again gently, with wisdom. May what you have sown in me keep growing, in prayer, in the Word and in love for others. I taste and see that you are good. To you be the glory. Amen.
Psalm 34:9
« 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 6:17-18
I proclaim that I fast before my Father who sees in secret, and he rewards me openly for the humility of this discipline.
« 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 58:6
I declare that my fasting loosens the bonds of wickedness and breaks every yoke over my life and the lives of those I carry in prayer.
« Now, therefore, says the Lord, turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning. »
Joel 2:12
I proclaim that I turn to the Lord with all my heart through fasting and prayer. My whole being is set toward him in this season.
« 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. »
Acts 13:2
I declare that as I fast and minister to the Lord, the Holy Spirit clarifies his calling over my life and sets me apart for his purpose.
« Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. »
Isaiah 58:8
I proclaim that my light breaks forth like the morning and my healing springs forth speedily. The glory of the Lord is my rear guard.
Begin by telling God why you are fasting: to seek him more, to place yourself before him, to entrust a situation to him. Ask him to keep your heart humble. Choose a time to pray and read the Bible in place of meals. Jesus invites us to fast discreetly, without seeking the approval of others (Matthew 6:16-18).
Thank God for what you lived with him and for the food he gives you. A simple prayer is enough: 'Father, thank you for this time with you, thank you for this meal, help me keep seeking you.' Return to eating gradually, especially after several days of fasting.
No. Fasting does not force God, it is a way of placing yourself before him with humility. Isaiah 58 reminds us that the fast that pleases God is accompanied by justice and compassion. We fast to seek God himself, not to obtain a guaranteed result. If you have a health problem, ask a doctor for advice.