What Does the Bible Say About Fasting and Prayer — In Biblical Context
Fasting is voluntarily abstaining from food to focus on prayer and seeking God's will.
Fasting is voluntarily abstaining from food to focus on prayer and seeking God's will.
"But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret." — Matthew 6:17-18 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Fasting appears throughout Scripture. Moses fasted 40 days on Sinai, Esther called a fast before approaching the king, and Jesus fasted 40 days in the wilderness. Jesus taught His disciples to fast privately, not for show (Matthew 6:16-18). The early church fasted when making important decisions (Acts 13:2-3). Fasting expresses dependence on God and often accompanies urgent prayer.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Matthew 6:17-18, sits inside Matthew 6. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret."
Supporting Passages
"As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them."
"Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens."
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