The Benefits of Fasting and Prayer
Selected Scriptures
1st Fasting humbles our soul
Ezra 8:21-23, (NIV)
There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, "The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him." So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.
Psalm 35:13b,
...I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting
2nd Fasting helps secure favor in situations
Nehemiah 1:4, (ESV)
As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.
Nehemiah 1:11, (NIV)
O LORD, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man." I was cupbearer to the king.
3rd Fasting helps us discern God’s will
Acts 13:2, (ESV)
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."
Daniel 10:2-4, (NIV)
At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice (desirable) food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over. On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris,
Daniel 10:10-11, (NIV)
A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. He said, "Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you."
Daniel 10:3,
I ate no choice (desirable) food;
Daniel 10:11,
He said, "Daniel, you who are highly esteemed (desirable)
4th Fasting gives us power to break demonic strongholds
Matthew 17:20, (NIV)
He replied, "Because you have so little faith.
Matthew 17:21, (NIV)
But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.
5th Fasting prepares us for new seasons of life and ministry
Acts 13:2-3, (ESV)
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
6th Fasting can bring healing
Isaiah 58:8a, (NIV)
Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear;
7th Fasting gives us a greater awareness of God’s presence
Isaiah 58:8-9, (NIV)
Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you; the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, 'Here I am.'
