Prayer and Fasting

At some point in my walk with the Lord, I wanted to understand fasting prayer. I knew so little that I decided to seek help. I found a book named Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough, by Elmer Townes. I highly recommend this book. It is scriptural and gives detailed explanations of biblical fasts. There are other books on fasting, but this is the one to read if you truly desire to understand why believers practice fasting prayer.

As with any time of prayer, the most important benefit that occurs in fasting prayer is simply being in the presence of and having fellowship with God. Praying on your knees is a physical act done for a spiritual purpose. Tithing is another physical act done for a spiritual purpose. Preparing food for a family who is sick or bereaved is yet another. Fasting prayer draws me closer to God through this physical act. Fasting prayer says, “I am ignoring my physical comfort today because I need You more than I need food.” It is not done with the thought, “I need to suffer to prove to God I am worthy.” It is not done to try and gain favor from God. It is not a formula to follow in order to “get what I want.” It is an act of submission, an act that tells God “I need You, Father. I need You to work in my life to accomplish Your Will.”

Some believers use fasting prayer as the disciples did in the New Testament. They choose one or two days a week and practice fasting prayer on a regular basis. The only analogy I can think of to explain the benefit of regular fasting prayer is to look at body builders. They lift weights regularly in order to build muscle strength. Fasting prayer on a regular basis builds spiritual strength. That said, please understand I have MANY more days of having deep times of prayer without fasting than with fasting. But, if you are eager to draw closer and grow stronger in your prayer life, consider fasting prayer.

Let me give you one example of how God used fasting prayer in my life. When our boys went to college, they all received roommate assignments from the university. None of them were rooming with each other in the beginning. They came home most weekends and we enjoyed hearing about all they were doing. One Sunday evening, my heart was jolted when one of my sons said, “My roommate says the “f” word more than anyone I have ever known.” I knew that if his roommate was using such profane language in abundance, he was probably doing other things that were not godly. Profanity had no place in our home, and I was heartsick that our son was being exposed to such.

I had just started a different job in my school that was very demanding. I could not take a day off the next day to surround myself with scripture and fast and pray. I got up, resolved to fast and pray throughout the day, and went to work. As a mother, I wanted this profane individual away from my child! However, I know God’s heart is to save everyone, so on my way to school, I prayed, “Lord, I believe You desire to save this young man, and I ask that You do so. I am believing that You will change his heart and open it to salvation. However, only You know if his heart will turn quickly or if he will go down a longer road of sin until You claim Him. If he is not going to turn to You quickly, would You move him away from my son?” Throughout the extremely busy day, whenever I thought about the situation, I would simply say, “You know my heart, Lord. You know my heart.” That was it. My whole heart was turned to the Lord, and I trusted Him with the whole situation. That night, my son called. He said, “You’re not going to believe this, Mama. My roommate moved out! He has a friend across campus, and he wanted to move in with him.” I did not tell my son about my fasting prayer, but I rejoiced!

God heard and He answered – quickly in this instance.

These are just some of the fasts described in the Bible and their purposes.

Fasting and prayer are undertaken for various reasons, including critical emergencies (Esther 4:16).

Daniel fasted and prayed for physical discipline, discernment and spiritual revelation. (Daniel 10:2-3)

Ezra fasted and prayed before beginning the important task of leading the Jews back to Jerusalem. (Ezra 8:21)

Jehoshaphat’s fasted and prayed for his nation in repentance of sin. (2 Chronicles 20:3)

The Bible shows us that fasting and praying is a spiritual exercise that is conducted for different reasons and lasting different lengths of time. The most important part of fasting prayer is to seek God’s Will with a humble heart.

How about you? Do you have concerns that you know only God can handle? Do you desire to grow closer to the Lord? Fasting may be a discipline you want to learn about.

Important note: I understand that everyone cannot fast. Some have physical conditions that would make fasting dangerous to their health. If you fall into that category, talk to God about it. He certainly understands. Seek the Lord with all your heart (Matthew 6:33) and He will guide you in all things, including fasting prayer.

Please note that Elmer Towne’s book Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough is available on Amazon, at Christianbook.org, and on Audible as of July, 2026.