“But he said to them, ‘This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.’” – Matthew 17:21
bible verses about 21 days fasting
Understanding the Purpose of Fasting
When we think about fasting, it’s essential for us to recognize why we choose to partake in this spiritual practice. Fasting allows us to devote time to God, to seek His guidance, and to deepen our relationship with Him. This is not just about abstaining from food; it is a time for prayer, reflection, and connection. Throughout the Bible, the inherent purpose of fasting is revealed; it’s an act of humility and surrender as we desire to seek God’s face and hear His voice more clearly. By setting aside time each day during our 21 days of fasting, we step out of our routines and commit to seeking the Lord wholeheartedly.
Matthew 6:16
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” – Matthew 6:16
Isaiah 58:6
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” – Isaiah 58:6
Joel 2:12
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” – Joel 2:12
Luke 18:12
“I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.” – Luke 18:12
Acts 13:3
“So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” – Acts 13:3
Preparing Our Hearts for Fasting
As we embark on our 21 days of fasting, we are called to prepare our hearts. Fasting isn’t merely an action we take; it is a heart posture that requires our focus and intention. We want to approach this with sincerity and joy, knowing that God looks at our hearts and not just our actions. Preparation means we seek to eliminate distractions and allow ourselves to be open to the Holy Spirit. By preparing our hearts, we ensure that we fully engage in each moment of this spiritual journey.
1 Samuel 7:6
“When they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the Lord. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, ‘We have sinned against the Lord.’” – 1 Samuel 7:6
Ezra 8:23
“So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and he heard our prayer.” – Ezra 8:23
Psalm 35:13
“Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered,” – Psalm 35:13
Isaiah 58:5
“Is it such a fast that I have chosen, a day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?” – Isaiah 58:5
Matthew 9:15
“Jesus answered, ‘How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.’” – Matthew 9:15
Seeking God’s Guidance Through Fasting
During our 21 days of fasting, we should actively seek God’s guidance in our lives. This spiritual discipline invites us to lay our decisions and concerns before the Lord. As we fast, we can pray for clarity, direction, and wisdom. By intentionally turning our focus towards God, we become more receptive to His leading. We can trust that in our vulnerability and humility, He will provide us with the answers we are searching for during this sacred time.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33
Psalm 27:14
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” – Psalm 27:14
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalm 119:105
Fasting for Spiritual Renewal
Fasting is about more than just abstaining from food; it is a means of spiritual renewal. In our 21 days of fasting, we are given the opportunity to reset our spirits and rekindle our love for God. Through prayer and fasting, we can experience spiritual breakthroughs and revitalization in our faith. We are reminded to seek what nourishes our souls and to remove anything that hinders our growth in Christ. With each moment spent in prayer, our spirits can flourish anew.
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
2 Corinthians 4:16
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” – 2 Corinthians 4:16
Ephesians 4:22-24
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” – Ephesians 4:22-24
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is.” – Romans 12:2
Colossians 3:10
“And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” – Colossians 3:10
Communal Fasting and Prayer
As we partake in our 21 days of fasting, we can enhance our experience by coming together in unity and prayer. There’s immense power in collective fasting when we support and uplift one another as a community. We should encourage one another to share our prayers and experiences during this time. It’s a beautiful way to witness God working among us as we seek His presence together. Collective fasting allows us to strengthen our faith not just individually but as a body of believers.
Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” – Matthew 18:20
Acts 1:14
“They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” – Acts 1:14
Acts 2:42
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” – Acts 2:42
Philippians 1:3-5
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” – Philippians 1:3-5
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Experiencing God’s Provision During Fasting
During our 21 days of fasting, we can trust that God will provide for us in our times of need. Fasting often humbles our spirits, and in doing so, we can clearly see how God sustains us. In our weaknesses, He is strong. We are reminded that during this spiritual practice, it is crucial to maintain faith that God will fill our hearts as we seek Him. We can look forward to seeing His miraculous works in our lives and the lives of those around us as we fast with dependance on His provision.
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
Psalm 37:25
“I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.” – Psalm 37:25
2 Corinthians 9:8
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” – 2 Corinthians 9:8
Matthew 7:7
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7
Psalm 23:1
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” – Psalm 23:1
Final Thoughts
As we approach our 21 days of fasting, let us remember the purpose and importance of this spiritual discipline. Fasting allows us to connect deeply with God, prepare our hearts, and seek His guidance. It is a time for renewal and reflection, encouraging us to stand together in prayer and support. Through this experience, we can trust that God will provide for our needs, turning our focus away from worldly distractions toward heavenly truths.
Fasting isn’t a solitary act but a communal journey that strengthens our faith together. As we reflect on the biblical foundations of fasting, we’re reminded that God’s presence is with us. Let us embrace this opportunity to grow and renew our commitment to Him.
If you’re looking for more spiritual insights, be sure to explore more topics in our Bible repository or read about longing for God.