Prayer and Fasting
- southbutlerag
- Mar 2
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 4
Table of Contents
As we mentioned last week, today’s topic is fasting and prayer. Often, when people hear those words, they tune out, thinking, “That’s not for me.” This reaction is natural because fasting can be convicting. Many have never experienced fasting in prayer or any kind of fasting at all. The body resists it.
Before we begin, I’ll briefly introduce myself, as is customary when a new speaker comes forward. I was born into a Christian home—Roman Catholic to be specific—in Pittsburgh in 1952. I spent the first five years of my life in Millvale before moving to Wexford, where I attended St. Alphonsus Church and School for eight years. I then studied at St. Vincent Prep in Latrobe for two years and continued at St. Vincent College for another two. For those unfamiliar with these schools, St. Vincent College is where the Pittsburgh Steelers hold their training camp.
As a lifelong Christian, I am familiar with Christian traditions and principles, which leads us to today’s study on fasting and prayer. We will explore what the Bible says about it, lessons from the Old Testament, and how fasting and prayer fit into our modern era.
The Purpose of Fasting
The key takeaway from this study is that fasting should be used as a means to draw closer to God, seeking a personal relationship with Him and His will for our lives and our church community. As disciples and teachers, we should always look for ways to deepen our understanding of faith and share it with others.
Last month, while sitting at breakfast with my wife, she was listening to a teaching on fasting and prayer on her tablet. This led to a discussion—something that often happens in our household. By what the world might call coincidence, but I call the Holy Spirit, I felt drawn to this topic. Though familiar with fasting due to my Catholic upbringing, I realized I needed to learn more. And if I needed to know more, I figured many of you might, too.
Fasting is a Discipline
Fasting is a discipline and a choice—not an easy one. It highlights the conflict between our flesh (our worldly selves) and our spirit. The primary question to ask yourself is: What is your motivation? Are you fasting to seek more of God, or are you trying to get more from God? Are you seeking His will, or are you hoping to persuade Him to bless what you already want to do?
Preparation is key. If your motivation is wrong, fasting becomes nothing more than a diet or a waste of time.
You may wonder why I keep saying “fasting and prayer” together. That’s because they go hand in hand. Fasting without prayer is like trying to row a boat with one oar—you’ll just go in circles or struggle to move forward.
Biblical Examples of Fasting and Prayer
One of the best-known examples comes from Matthew 4:1-4, when Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights before beginning His public ministry.
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.’ Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Even Jesus needed to hear from the Father and submit to His will rather than be led by physical needs. Additionally, He fasted and prayed privately—not for public recognition.
Isaiah 58:3-7 further emphasizes the correct way to fast:
“Why have we fasted, and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?”
Isaiah rebuked the Israelites for fasting with the wrong motives—seeking attention rather than using it as a time for repentance, humility, and serving others.
Another powerful example is found in the Book of Esther. When Esther learned that Haman had plotted to exterminate the Jews, she called for a communal fast before approaching the king—a life-threatening act at the time. In Esther 4:16, she instructed:
“Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Susa, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish.”
This shows that fasting is not only personal but can also be done communally for a greater purpose.
Another example comes from Mark 9:28-29, when Jesus cast out a demon that His disciples were unable to remove. When they asked why, He replied:
“This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting.”
Fasting increases spiritual power, helping us do the works of Christ.
The Role of Fasting in Our Spiritual Journey
Fasting and prayer should not be seen as an obligation but as a journey—a way to grow closer to God. Paul speaks about this in 1 Corinthians 7:5, instructing married couples to temporarily set aside intimacy for fasting and prayer.
Fasting is about discipline. It helps deny the flesh, sharpening our spiritual sensitivity. The devil hates it because he thrives on feeding the desires of the flesh. By fasting, we learn self-control and deepen our dependence on God.
How to Start Fasting
If you’ve never fasted before, start small. Here are some practical steps:
Start with a partial fast – Maybe skip one meal a week and use that time for prayer instead.
Consider non-food fasts – Avoid media, social media, or unnecessary entertainment to create space for God.
Prepare spiritually – Make sure your motivation is right: seeking God, not manipulating Him.
Use fasting to intercede for others – Fast and pray for your church, family, or specific needs.
Combine fasting with Scripture reading – Use the time you would have spent eating to feed your spirit with God’s Word.
Stay hydrated – If doing a full fast, drink water and listen to your body.
Be mindful of commitments – Don’t set yourself up for failure; choose a fasting period that fits your responsibilities.
Seek accountability – A trusted friend or church member can support you in your fasting journey.
Final Thoughts
In today’s busy world, fasting is more difficult than ever. But if we truly want to hear from God, we need to make time for Him. Many say they don’t hear from God, but the reality is—they aren’t listening. Imagine if your phone rings, but you never pick it up. God is always speaking; we just need to remove distractions and tune in.
Fasting and prayer help us step away from the world and into God’s presence. It’s not about forcing God’s hand—it’s about aligning our hearts with His will.
I hope this study has provided insight and encouragement. If you’ve never fasted before, consider giving it a try. May it strengthen your walk with God and draw you closer to Him.
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