Skip to main content
    In Context

    Prayer vs. Fasting — How Do They Work Together — In Biblical Context

    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.

    Quick 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.

    "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting." — Matthew 17:21 (KJV)

    The Biblical Context

    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.

    Where It Sits in Scripture

    The core passage for this question, Matthew 17:21, sits inside Matthew 17. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.

    "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting."
    — Matthew 17:21 (KJV)

    Supporting Passages

    Acts 13:2-3
    "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."
    Daniel 9:3
    "And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes."

    Explore this question from another angle

    Meaning

    Plain-language explanation

    Related Verses

    Cross-reference KJV verses

    Full Answer

    The complete Bible answer page

    Related Reading

    Continue your study with related content from across our library:

    Q&A

    What Does the Bible Say About Fasting and Prayer?

    Prayer & Worship

    Q&A

    What does the Bible say about fasting?

    Prayer & Worship

    Q&A

    What Are the Different Types of Fasting in the Bible?

    Prayer & Worship

    Verses About

    Bible Verses About Fasting

    10 curated KJV verses

    Spiritual Warfare

    Prayer as Spiritual Warfare

    Prayer is not preparation for the battle — it is the battle. The believer's chie

    Spiritual Warfare

    Fasting as Spiritual Warfare

    Fasting humbles the body and sharpens prayer — Jesus said some battles go out on

    Keep Going

    Continue Exploring Scripture

    You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.

    Today's Verse

    Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.

    Verses by Topic

    Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.

    Bible Miracles

    Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.

    Angels & Spiritual Warfare

    Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.

    Bible Genealogies & Family Trees

    Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.

    Women of the Bible

    Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.