Prayer vs. Fasting — How Do They Work Together?
Prayer vs. Fasting — How Do They Work Together? Prayer is the believer's continual communion with God; fasting is voluntarily setting aside food to intensify prayer. Together they express urgent seeking and dependence.
Key verse: Matthew 17:21 (KJV)
Prayer is the believer's continual communion with God; fasting is voluntarily setting aside food to intensify prayer. Together they express urgent seeking and dependence.
Prayer is the believer's continual communion with God; fasting is voluntarily setting aside food to intensify prayer. Together they express urgent seeking and dependence.
"Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting." — Matthew 17:21 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Prayer is the believer's continual communion with God; fasting is voluntarily setting aside food to intensify prayer. Together they express urgent seeking and dependence.\n\nScripture sets out the truth plainly. Matthew 17:21 declares: "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting." This is the anchor of the answer.\n\nActs 13:2–3 confirms and broadens the picture: "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said... And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away." When believers understand the distinction, confusion fades and obedience clarifies. Both ideas are grounded in God's character and meet ultimately in the person and work of Christ.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Fasting?
Biblical teaching on fasting — why, when, and how to fast according to Scripture.
Key Scripture References
"Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting."
"As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said... And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away."
"And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
How to Pray Biblically?
Biblical prayer is addressed to the Father, through the Son, in the Holy Spirit — offered with faith, thanksgiving, and persistence, shaped by the pattern Jesus gave in the Lord's Prayer.
How to Fast Biblically?
Biblical fasting is abstaining from food (and sometimes other comforts) for spiritual purposes — prayer, repentance, seeking God's direction, or humility — accompanied by prayer and a right heart, not performed for show.
How to Hear God's Voice?
God speaks primarily through Scripture, confirmed by the inner witness of the Holy Spirit, the counsel of godly believers, and providential circumstances — never in contradiction to His written Word.
What Is the Meaning of Baptism?
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward faith — a public declaration of identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
How Should We Pray According to the Bible?
The Bible teaches that prayer is direct communication with God — honest, reverent, and grounded in faith.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
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Bible Verses About Fasting
10 curated KJV verses
Prayer as Spiritual Warfare
Prayer is not preparation for the battle — it is the battle. The believer's chie
Fasting as Spiritual Warfare
Fasting humbles the body and sharpens prayer — Jesus said some battles go out on
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “Prayer vs. Fasting — How Do They Work Together?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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