15 Steps To Fast and Pray For God: A Free Beginners Guide

Tiffany Montgomery Grow In Faith

What comes to mind when you think of fasting and prayer? Really, let’s do a gut check here…  My first thoughts are ‘No Way, I can’t go all day without eating’. Can I be more honest? When I felt God prompting me to dig into How to fast and pray for God, I sort of freaked out.

Stay to the end to see a video where I go more in-depth about fasting and prayer!

I imagined fasting would be hard and that the Bible would be filled with rules and regulations I could never follow.  So imagine my shock when I began to search scripture for all the rules about how to fast for God -and found grace.

Today we will see how easy it is to begin fasting in a way that will please God, feed your soul, and leads to a Spiritual breakthrough!

Table of Contents hide
1 Before Learning How to Fast and Pray for a Breakthrough God’s Way
1.1 Fasting As A Spiritual Discipline
2 What is the Purpose of a Fast or Fasting and Praying? (How To Fast For God)
2.1 What Does the Bible Say About Fasting for God?
2.2 Why Look at the Types of Fasting in the Bible
3 How to Fast and Pray for God in Today’s Culture
3.1 15 Ways to Begin Fasting and Praying for God
3.1.1 1. A 40 Day Complete Fast (No Food or Water):
3.1.2 2. The Complete Fast
3.1.3 3 & 4. A Partial Fast (also called a 3 day spiritual fast):
3.1.4 5. The Daniel Fast
3.1.5 6-15. A Non-Food Fast
3.1.6 Health Concerns While Fasting
3.2 What Biblical Fasting and Praying is Not
3.3 Pray Powerful Prayers During Fasting for God
3.4 Beware A Common Danger: How To Fast for God
4 Will You Learn How to Fast and Pray Today?

Before Learning How to Fast and Pray for a Breakthrough God’s Way

We started this series by looking at 5 of the reasons to fast and how there is hope in it. Next, we saw that God has a lot to say about how not to fast.  Honestly, I started there because God started there in Scripture.

What I expected was a list of acceptable practices on how to fast and pray– maybe in Leviticus – to study God’s Word and try out.  In fact, most of the internet is obsessed with the logistics of fasting… while the Lord God is more concerned with our hearts during a fast.

The only hard and fast rule for fasting came from Jesus in the New Testament.  Jesus told us how our behavior should be during a fast – humble and indiscrete (See Matthew 6:16-18).  But He doesn’t say fast from meat or all food or from doing such and such…

Fasting As A Spiritual Discipline

Earlier I shared that my first time of fasting in the Christian faith was a complete fast or absolute fast with a small group of Believers in college. We learned that in early Christian history, people took on a weekly habit of fasting in Jesus name. That was why the history of the church was so filled with deep repentance and great reformation.  

Just like in the Old Testament, where people better understood that following after the things of God could lead to a great revival of hearts turned back to God, we need to heed God’s call to fast today to seek God’s guidance in our world.  

The spiritual benefits of fasting include:

  • Humility, which draws God’s mercy.
  • Powerful prayer, which makes clear God’s purpose.
  • Growing Spiritual hunger, which fuels intercessory prayer.

These are Biblical truths that we will explore further as learn about the different types of fasts that Jesus Christ instructed us to follow Himself!  All the days of my life there is a growing sense of urgency to seek the will of God and the presence of God.  Nothing does that as effectively as a habit of fasting and prayer. 

Related Post: What Are The Benefits of Fasting and Prayer?

Want to know how to fast and pray for God?  A fast is about humbling our hearts before God. Fasting and praying is about giving up the thing you seek for satisfaction in order to draw near to God… allowing God to satisfy you. Share on X

What is the Purpose of a Fast or Fasting and Praying? (How To Fast For God)

A fast is about humbling our hearts before God.  Fasting and praying are about giving up the thing you seek for satisfaction in order to draw near to God… allowing God to satisfy you.  This prayer guide is filled with scriptural prayers to say while fasting (fasting prayers).

What Does the Bible Say About Fasting for God?

“I have food to eat that you do not know about.” (John 4:32 NASB)

Most Biblical fasting does refer to food.

When you think about it, food gives us nourishment, and energy to get through the day and can reach a place of satisfaction for most of us.

In Biblical times, they would have spent a great deal of time preparing food.  We don’t so much with our modern lifestyles.  We can microwave a meal in 5 minutes that would have taken hours for them to make.

Biblical fasting was focused on giving that time back to God – in prayer and worship. That would have been a lot of time for all of their meal prep and eating.   They also would have allowed the hunger pangs to remind them of their dependency on God and drive them deeper in prayer.  If you lived then and were learning how to fast and pray you would have given up food for a period of time.

Why Look at the Types of Fasting in the Bible

There are many types of fasting in the Bible or types of spiritual fasting and praying.

Where the Bible does not give us rules per se, it does give us examples of many types of fasting in the Bible (spiritual fasting).

And please notice that God honored every type of fast (where the heart was in the right place) so I see Grace in a fast that pleases God.

Also, when God’s people were just following the “rules” they had set about a time of Fasting (and their heart was out of line) God did not honor it.  To fast and pray is about the heart – not the rules.

How to Fast and Pray for God in Today’s Culture

A fast that pleases God – God’s desire – places the heart before the rules.  As you plan a time to explore the power of prayer and fasting, write down the purpose of your fast.

  • Do you need to fast and pray for a breakthrough?  Write it down. If you need help, check out these 5 of the reasons to fast and pray.
  • Next, you determine which type of spiritual fasting will work for you.
  • Finally, Pick a day to begin your fast and stick to it.

Related Post: 5 Reasons to Fast and Pray for God

Below are 15 types of fast that can help you get started.

15 Ways to Begin Fasting and Praying for God

There are so many fasting and prayer scriptures but 5 main examples that you can use as a fasting and prayer guide are below. Within each type of fasting and prayer are subsets that can help you wether you are a beginner or are seasoned with prayer and fasting!

1. A 40 Day Complete Fast (No Food or Water):

A 40 Day total fast is extreme and I would caution you against it as a first step. Examples of an absolute fast are Jesus and Moses who took things to the extreme. No food or water for 40 days. (Exodus 34:28; Matthew 4:2).

~> Be sure you talk to a doctor before giving up all types of food for this long.

2. The Complete Fast

A total fast or complete fast in general which could last from part of a day to an entire day to several days or weeks.

This was the most common in the scripture so I’ll just list a few.  (Esther 4:16; Joel 2:12; Ezra 8:21-23; Jonah 3:5-9)

3 & 4. A Partial Fast (also called a 3 day spiritual fast):

In one example we see that God’s people ate fruit, veggies and drank water for 10 days of prayer and fasting. In modern times you might use vegitable juices suplemented with protein powder to keep your strength up while seeking God.

  • Daniel and the three used this fast to honor God while in captivity for 10 Days. (Daniel 1:12)
  • Others used this partial fast as a way to consecrate themselves for a day or a few days before feasts or holy days.

5. The Daniel Fast

No meat, no tasty bread,  no wine, no oils for his skin (For 21 days) (Daniel 10:3; Daniel 9:3)

These types of food would have been things that satisfied Daniel, good food and relief from dried skin (Daniel was older by then and living in a hot dry land).

A word of caution.  Most people seek out the Daniel fast about weight loss and good health benefits which are good reasons to start the practice of fasting for your physical body.  

However, for a time of successful fasting for your spiritual life, however, you must seek spiritual renewal from your Heavenly Father above physical change. Does that make sense?  The reward, the power of fasting for God is worth it but you will need God’s help to reach your goal!

6-15. A Non-Food Fast

In our culture, where food preperation takes far less time, it makes more sense to fast from non-food things to help create space in our schedule to humbly connect with the Lord.

Here are 10 ways to practice a non-food fast with God.

1. A fast from Sex

We are told husband and wife can decide together to give up sex for a time and reason, to begin fasting and praying (1 Corinthians 7:5).

2. A fast from Oils

Daniel is our example of this as well (Daniel 10:3; Daniel 9:3). He refrained from using oils. In our times it may be perfume or make up or something else that you use on your body for pleasure.

3 – 10. A fast from things that satisfy you or entertain you

Fasting and prayer are about the posture of your heart seeking satisfaction from God alone. So, it makes sense that you could give up things that satisfy you like a Spiritual atomic bomb to cultivate humility!

In modern times this could be:

3. TV
4. Social media
5. Spending money
6. Dressing up or changing clothes
7. Swearing
8. Complaining
9. Reading
10. Going to certain places

The list could go on forever, etc.

To begin fasting, simply choose a fast for God and begin.

Related Post: 50 Things You Could Give Up For Lent or Any Time of Fasting

Health Concerns While Fasting

Please be advised: It is a good idea to discuss the practical side of your plans to fast and pray with your doctor.  If you have a medical condition you will want to choose A Non-Food Fast for the day of your fast the first time.  

Any drastic change to your diet will require much physical preparation in advance of the day of fasting to avoid medical harm or any other physically difficult situation.

Some people choose to follow a plan before beginning a period of fasting.  I have laid out tips and the basic steps to safely begin using Biblical fasts to seek the presence of the Lord in this post ~>  3 Things to Expect in a Time of Fasting

What Biblical Fasting and Praying is Not

Biblical fasting is not all about food!  Not all examples of a Biblical fast or spiritual fast are about food, remember, this is about Spiritual growth which can only happen through the power of the Holy Spirit within you!

The last two examples give me an understanding that to fast and pray is really about replacing things that satisfy us physically with God for a time and specific purpose.

In the past, I have fasted from food and found that to draw me nearer to God in deep ways.

The physical reminder of hunger is a prompt to pray, worship and draw nearer to God.  The emotional connection to food (believe me there is an emotional connection) can actually drive me to my knees more intensely!

There have also been times I chose social media fast – that is eye-opening!  Another time I set aside my phone for an entire day to fast and pray – wow was that humbling and revealing!

Pray Powerful Prayers During Fasting for God

When we add scripture we can develop a powerful prayer strategy during fasting.

Adding scripture to our prayer and fasting helps them become strategic and powerful!  Need more proof, see these 65 Bible verses about prayer for inspiration.

Beware A Common Danger: How To Fast for God

Fasting and prayer are about heart posture – not a diet.

The reason I chose to give up my phone in my list of time to fast and pray for God – instead of a meal – is my habit of turning a fast into a diet…  weight loss is not the right heart posture.

If your heart is in the right place – and you truly are drawing near to God with a purpose, fasting in any form will quicken your soul for Him.

Fasting and prayer is about giving up satisfying myself to let God fill me… Allowing God to feed my soul. ~A Beginners Guide to Pray and Fast: Taking Spiritual Warfare to the Next Level by Tiffany Montgomery

Fasting and prayer that pleases God are about heart posture – not a diet. Share on X

Will You Learn How to Fast and Pray Today?

Do you feel that deep need for breakthrough and spiritual food?

Do you need God to answer or act quickly in your life?

Join me on this journey to draw nearer to our Savior Christ Jesus.  Learning how to fast and pray for God is more simple than most Christians realize.  There is power in this lost spiritual discipline.  

There is a sovereign call of God for the urgent need of renewal and humility that comes through fasting and prayer.  That is what these biblical truths about fasting have shown me.

To harness that power, you need only decide to begin.

  • Choose what you will give up while in your fast.
  • Pick a day to begin.
  • Select a topic or verse to meditate in prayer over.
  • Don’t get discouraged if the first fast isn’t perfect.
  • Keep practicing until you find the right rhythm and God moves.

Comment below “I’m in” and I’ll pray for you as we answer the call to fast and pray together!

In Him

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Tiffany Montgomery

Tiffany of Hope Joy in Christ inspires Christian Women to grow in faith, live out Biblical Marriage Principles and raise Godly Children.  Join the Wives Only Facebook Group here or keep up with her through Pinterest.

499 thoughts to “15 Steps To Fast and Pray For God: A Free Beginners Guide”

  1. Great point that the focus of biblical fasting is to give more time to God and rely on Him. Appreciate all these examples!

      1. I am in. I desire a closer relationship with God. I welcome the support! Praise God

          4. I’m in! This is pretty much my first proper fast and I’m REALLY hoping to come out the other side transformed and with a revelation but am nervous and worried about things being the same just 21 days later. Please pray for me – I’d really appreciate it any support.

          6. I am in! I want a relationship with God that I know I’ve been seeking for years. I am my own worst enemy and get in my own way.

      4. I’m in- My fast is to show of I’m trusting in Gods word in for form I need to live. The need to eat to vs The need of God. I also need a healing miracle for my son. Today in day 1 of 7

      5. I’ll am in l want to fast to grow spiritually and get breakthrough l have never done it before please l need your help and prayers

      8. You are the only one Tiffany I found that teaches on fasting ,giving up what would glorify God , Blessings , Miracles for answering our prayers filling out minds with wisdom that softened hearts believe & enemies , Thank you ,God be with you…

      9. Hi iam in also I desire a closer walk with GOD and for my children to be saved! Also to be reconcile and restore my marriage!

      11. I am in. I have been wanting to fast but really didn’t know how to do it. I am only accustomed to fasting from food but somehow it didn’t seem like enough. Giving up food just didn’t seem like a big sacrifice as when I am caught up wit work I sometimes skip meals. Thanks for the guidance you have provided.

        1. I’m in! Thank you for the insight on how to fast and pray in a way that pleases God! By seeking His face through fasting, I am hopeful for a promotion and financial breakthrough.

        1. i’m in,i am desiring to fast.but i do not when because i am a babysitter,i want my son to pray about deliverance.please,include us in your prayers.God bless…

          1. I am praying over you both now. I am a full time nanny and find that including the kids in the fast is great for helping them learn to practice these Spiritual Disciplines. Don’t be afraid to try it with nonfood things like Youtube or Facebook and talk about it with the kids so they learn by following your example.

    8. This is exactly what I needed to know and have a better understanding. I am wanting to seek my purpose and I want a better relationship with God.

      I AM IN.

  2. I’ve been interested in this topic too! Thank you for explaining it. I also stop looking into it because I don’t think I can do it!

  3. Thanks for this article fasting makes more sense to me now I’m on a journey drawing closer to God and this article helped and explained things on fasting I had questions about thank you and may God bless you abundantly.

      1. While working all day, coming home to take care of the family. What do you suggest would be the best time to spend that time alone with God. I have always desired a closer relationship with God but it never seem that I get the quiet time. Please help

        1. When I feel like there is no time for God I always spend a few days jotting down how I spend my extra time. How much time am I on Facebook or Instagram? How much TV do I watch? How much time did I have to drive with the radio on? Then I choose one item that was not a need and replace it with time with God. When I worked outside the home that time was my drive time to work. I pulled 5 verses, wrote them on index cards to read while stopped at red lights. I left the radio off and prayed out loud through the drive time. Later on when I was at home… I still didn’t have a lot of extra time but I spent a chunk of time “unwinding” with social media. So I decided to fast from social for a week and see how much time I had to be alone with God. It was a lot. Now obviously your life will look different, but I would encourage you to take a close look at your time and see where you can fit God in. Praying over you lots, Jannett.

      1. I’m in. I am new to fasting. I feel that I am being lead to do,so and I want healing of relationship’s and forgiveness.

        2. Hallelujah I have practice spiritual Decernment for separation from evil demonic relationship , I know have God’s Grace Ang he has given me No human relationship because , my intimate relationship with him was not Right ,I have almost been killed leaning. Thank you Jesus …

    2. I’m in and started my fast yesterday. I’m praying to God for forgiveness, a stronger presence in my life, to use me as his hands and feet, and for CV19 to disappear. I could use prayer to help me to stay strong, and take my attention away from hunger, and to place it all on God.

      1. Standing with you in this prayer, Jason. As you lean into God and begin this fast I am praying God answers and opens your eyes and ears to things that help you grow spiritually in amazing ways!

  5. Yes think that is me I need to grow more in him for him a brake bad habits in my life,thank you for your guide true this

  7. I’m in! I desire a more intimate relationship with Christ, and have realized my heart might not be in the right spot during fasting.

  11. Thank you for sharing this. This has been weighing on my mind for quite a while now. God Bless.

  14. I need some answers quickly
    I need to know how to ask God so that he hears me. Sometimes I don’t think he hears my prayer, but I will continue to pray.

  15. Thank you so much for educating me more on fasting. Thank you also for the scripture references that I can look up.

  18. Hello, I’m Jannette, first I want to thank you for the Oracle. My Church will be , beginning a fast starting on the 24 to the 26 for several reasons. I can6do a complete good fast because I take meds that require me to take with food. I don’t feel l thought about doing the fast by sustaining from sweets like any kinds of cakes, cookies,etc. , and meat. I’m in , pray for me and my family please and thank you. Can you please respond by email. Thanks

    1. I can relate Jannette. I have a medical condition that says I can not fast an entire day… but I can give up a kind of food! I am praying for you now. The Lord Brought Jeremiah 29:11-14 to mind. 11 For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will restore your fortunes and will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile.’

  21. I am in! I really need Godly intervention in a situation I know only God can change and by fasting I am putting my trust in Him aknowledging that only He can change this and also to show how much I trust Him.

  25. I’m in! Maybe not a food fasting at first, but definitely a fast from other things that are too close to my heart!

  31. I’m in. For a while now I’ve wanted to fast but wasn’t sure how to go about it. I thought of fasting social media and after reading this I am more convinced. Thank you so much for sharing this, God bless you.

  34. I’m on board with this definitely! I am in desperate need of the Lord’s direction and provisions. Rent and bills are piling up and I don’t like worrying and stressing about it because it takes my focus off of trusting God and His word and promises. Please pray for the Talbert family. We are believing the Lord for a financial miracle, my husband Gerald a fulltime job with benefits, a home church to grow in with our children where we can be fed the word of God, and to pay our rent for June and July 2018.

    2. I am in, Tiffany. Fasting for the restoration of my marriage and for my husband and me to be transformed.

  38. Thank You,I need this right now,seems like I can’t stay focused on my walk with the Lord,so many distractions,worry and anxiety being the strongest,I need prayer and fasting,for the right reasons,bless you.Ms. Hunt.

  39. Thank You so much for this eye opener there are some bad habits in my life that I have been fasting and praying about for quite a while now I can see clearly why I wasn’t getting the results I was anticipating. I’m in. Please pray for the Burnett family especially my two sons that they will be saved .Amen

  45. Awww….this article just came in handy!
    Thank you so much for sharing, I have been fasting since July 4 with my prayer partner and friend till tomorrow July 6th. We are looking to God for answers and I am a strong believer that God answers prayer. Fasting; especially not eating food is not easy but can be done by the grace of God!!
    Please pray for me that God comes through for my friend and I.
    Thank you so much!

  46. I’ve fasted during Lent or abstained from certain things or foods. But, I haven’t been able to do it for awhile. It really takes a deep commitment. I’d like to return to this. Please pray that I do. I have so many unsaved family members and children who have walked away from the Lord.

  47. I’m in! I too need to draw closer to God. And quiet my mind enough to hear him.

  48. God is so amazing! I haven’t fasted in years and then it was only a few times. This past Sunday our sermon was on Matthew 11(?) on prayer and fasting and it really spurred me to try fasting again on a regular basis. I prayed tonight for God to give me tips and the first time I got on Pinterest tonight this was the very first thing that popped up. We have an awesome Father. I’m in!!!!

  49. Today as I woke up I told myself that I was going to fast, then because I am breastfeeding doubt came im and I told myself I would just align myself to prayer for the day and it doesn’t matter whether I eat or not because I don’t want to feel guilty or feel like I’ve failed God.Thank you for this article as it shed light on my situation. Please praye for me I need a breakthrough in my newly established family and marriage. I will be praying for you as well, God bless.

    1. definitely praying Sindy! I love that God is about that relationship – prayer is the way to build it – rather than religious guilt about eating or not eating!

  50. I’m in! Your articles were just what I needed to set my heart right for this journey!

  51. I’m in I really need things to shift. I am seeking success as a nail tech and loving myself so God can bless me with my husband I am ready to be happy and healthy and loving. So much hurt in my heart and I feel stuck. This article has helped me decide I definitely need to fast. i feel the same about food I don’t want it to be a diet. Thank You

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  54. I’m in! was just planning a fast to start tomorrow and came across this! God’s timing is everything!

  55. I’m in too. This article has helped me to see that I can do a fast too. I have wanted to draw closer to Him for a long time, but keep getting distracted and didn’t know where to start for a fast. Thank you.

  61. I will fast for a closer relationship with Jesus. I want to have a pure heart & only look for Him for comfort & knowledge. Thanks for reminding me, it’s not a “diet”. But I enjoy social media more than food & shopping so I feel the time I spend online or in a mall could be time spent worshiping our Lord & Savior
    Thank you & God bless

  63. I’m in! My son (now in 8th) and I just started homeschooling for the first time. It is not going how I imagined it would lol and we are butting heads big time. Needing prayers over this for certain! I have not done a fast in nearly a decade, so I’m very eager to give this a go!

    1. Wow, just starting out Homeschooling is a HUGE adjustment! I will be praying with you as you start this journey. Butting heads is a common part of homeschool life. We had to find lots of rewards to make homeschooling super fun. We love abcya.com and starfall.com for some of that. And youtube is a great help because so much of elementary curriculum have videos to correspond. We have enjoyed the Liberty Kids walk through The American Revolutionary War. They are very factual and make the culture and time come to life.

  64. Greetings! Let’s be clear here. You did the right thing by searching the scriptures. Because Jesus did say in john 5:39 search the scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. So with that being said did you pray for help and guidance from god before you searched the scripture. Jesus did it before he fasted for 40 nights and 40 days. You said you’ve searched it and found nothing about fasting. LIE!! Do you think god is that incompetent that he wouldn’t know that people like you would says this? After all he did create all life right? Becareful what you say because you could be forefilling a prophecy. Example Romans 1:25. They changed the truth of god into a lie. Be careful what your saying and the info you provide. Thus why god ordained apostles preachers and teachers and priests etc. Dont be upset with me these are gods words. Rather look at it this way your prayers (if you were honestly praying) is now be answered with full truth and knowledge. As for the scripture you claim doesn’t exist. Here is it and may the lord continue to walk with you in this journey of life. Peace be unto you. Happy scripture study to you. Matthew 6:16-18. Now go do it as instructed and please our awesome god. Enjoy. Amen.

    1. I hear your point, Jermain. I have to say it’s been a while since someone accused me of not actually praying… I’m going to just focus on the fact of the scripture you provided. Jesus does tell us we are to fast. He tells us in Matthew (just as you point out) how our behavior should be – humble and indiscrete. Fasting should be between the person and God – not on public display. He is so clear about that. The point of this was that He doesn’t lay down a legalistic list of foods to abstain from or activities to prescribe to during a fast. Fasting in our 21st Century culture is not going to look the same as it did in Jesus day. They spent most of their day preparing the food – giving them so much more time to pray and so many more reminders of their need – no utter dependence upon God to answer their prayer. We need (or I should say I need) more of a prompt than the 30 minutes of cooking time and 10 minutes of eating time I miss while Fasting. Hunger pangs are a good reminder, but I was still seeking more.

      Thank you for clearly showing I had missed something. I welcome that kind of comment. It is encouraging to see others in the Word – we can certainly all learn from each other (as Iron sharpens Iron). Praying you are blessed today Jermaine. (You’ll note I updated the piece for clarity!)

  67. I am in. It has been awhile since I completed a fast in it’s entirety and I think part of it is I make it so structured that I miss out on the joy of abiding in Christ. I thank you in advance for touching and agreeing with me that in the next fast, not only will I complete it but I will grow more in God

  69. I’m in. I am renewing my relationship with God especially through fasting and this is really helpful. May God bless you.

      1. Hello Tiffany. Thank you for this! It’s obvious you’ve spent time in the Word and before the throne of grace. I’m in!! May God bless you more!

  72. I’m a local pastor in a jungle village of southern Thailand. Your point about Fast open my eyes.
    Now our food is social networks .We spend more time on our smartphone than spending time with God.
    Thanks so much and may the Lord bless you.

  73. Girl, this post is awesome. I love the idea of fasting and the feeling after a fast. But I’ve struggled with food all my life. So sometimes I just don’t fast because I need to maintain my mental health. What you said about its about giving up what satisfies you to be fed by God. I mean, the way you said it, I haven’t heard it said that way before. I feel like something shifted in me today. This imparted a whole new outlook on fasting. Its less about food deprivation and more about looking to be satisfied by God. Its so simple but it hit me today in a new way. Thanks a million, Tiffany!

    1. Inneed a partner n prayer for restoration i lost my way from my father i have issues im seeking to fast and pray lord help me its hard bit im going to PUSH my way n Jesus name 2019 will b a great change for me n housing family finance health debt spiritual overflow one thing i know God will never turn me away

      Prayerfully submitted
      Brenda

  77. I’m in! I’ve always wanted a little guidance on how to fast. Would appreciate you keeping me in your prayers.

  79. I’m in! I definitely want to be closer to God, and am thankful for the support. We are here to help bring each other up. God bless you all! 🙏🏻

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  86. I’m in! I feel God has been calling me to fast. How you approached this is exactly what I needed to get me focused on the reason for my fast. Thank you!

  87. I’m in! I’m on day 6 of Daniel’s Fast and starting to understand its not about fancy recipes or tons of meal prep. Thank you for helping me see more of God’s plan for fasting. I am low on energy and hoping to see more of Him through all of this. Thank you and blessings to you!!

  88. Thank you for this brief lesson. I’m learning the proper way to fast and you have explained it all in this post!!

  92. Thank you for sharing your biblical incite on fasting. I think many of us don’t truly understand what fasting is and find it intimidating and overwhelming. I chose to give up things I enjoy like TV, or coffee when I am fasting.

  93. The first time I was introduced to fasting, it sounded like a very bad idea! I love that you were so honest about not using a fast as a diet and that it is really about our heart.

    1. It does sound like a crazy idea doesn’t it?!!?! So glad I’m not the only one who was confused about the benefits of fasting but man when you go into it heart first it makes such a difference.

  94. I so appreciate your insight on fasting and prayer. It is definitely more than about food its the deep connection you have to draw closer to God and seek him. Great Post and to God be the Glory who is so deserving and worthy of our affection and devotion

  95. Great information on fasting as well as tools for drawing closer to God during your fast!

  98. I’m in! I’m so thankful that God led you to write this post. It’s exactly what I needed to read. Thank you!

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  100. Hi Tiffany, thanks for your blogs on fasting. My church is going through a prolonged time of difficulty, and I believe God is calling us to a time of corporate prayer and fasting. I have suggested this to our ministers, and they have agreed. As we are not in the habit of fasting, I searched for articles on the topic, and found your blog. I have read all your posts, and summarised them, and would like your permission to share this with our congregation. I will of course give you credit, but just wanted to check that you were ok with that? I live in South Africa, and I will not post my summary anywhere, but will just email to our congregation. Many thanks, and blessings in Christ, Amanda

    1. Shoot me an email Amanda with your email. I just finished the Manuscript turning this series into a short e-book and I will gladly send it to you for your church to use. tiffanymontgomery @ hopejoyinchrist .com

      1. I’m in! I am fasting from solid food for 24 hours starting with dinner tonight. I am praying to be able to have a baby of my own. I want nothing but to he a mom. I need prayer.

  106. I’m in! I just happened to stumble across this page while being on a completely different topic. Wow! Talk about Gods Devine intervene. I truly enjoyed this read and look forward to my fast and prayers to our God! I can’t deny his act in this one! Thank you! I look forward to reading more of your work.

  107. Very nice post and great topic!

    I love the words of Isaiah where the Lord defines an acceptable fast to Him. (Isaiah 58) The Jews wondered why God did not acknowledge their fasts. Besides explaining how they did it wrong (for show, with contention, and pride over others and with no regard for their fellow man in his/her sufferings/needs),

    I love verse 6 where he gives purposes for fasting:
    6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

    We can fast to heal ourselves of heavy burdens, break addictions that bind us, etc – some things probably only can be conquered in this manner.

    and verse 7 is, I believe, what makes our fasts truly effective:
    7 Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?

    Fasting and prayer for what we need is only half the equation, helping someone else (sincluding family members) in their needs is the other half – and I love the amazing THEN promises?:

    8 ¶ THEN shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward.

    9 THEN shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;

    10 And IF thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; THEN shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday:

    11 And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

    12 And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. (righteous blessings to our offspring because of our effort)

    Very beautiful verses and true, applied religion!

  108. Very hard to read when an ad would pop up every time I reached a new paragraph. I almost gave up reading it because of the ads. But I’m glad I didn’t. Thank you for the wonderful article. It taught me why some of my fasts felt like a burden. Heart needs to be involved deeper, turn to the Lord when you’re having cravings, and fasting is not a diet! I actually look forward to fasting now this Sunday because of this. Thank you!

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  110. I loved your line, “a fast places the heart before the rules”. So true. This post was really informative and helpful. I’ll be sharing it! Thank you so much!

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  113. I am in! My life is at stand still. At forty-five no husband and my greatest sin against God is my addiction to pornography. I really do need God’s help and grace in my life.

  114. I’m in. Currently fasting but feeling convicted as my heart was not completely in it and I also find I am looking more to the physical results than spiritual. Please send up prayers for me as I continue my fasting journey with a different mind and heart-set. God Bless you and thank you for this article!

  115. THANK YOU for pointing out that God looks at the heart. I mean, I know that I KNOW this, but sometimes that piece of heart speak gets lost in the waves of life. As a Type 1 Diabetic, I’ve never felt like I could fast “properly”. That giving up social media or a specific food type just wouldn’t bring the same results. That it would be “less than” somehow. I really appreciate you going deep on this to remind all of us how to fast and pray in a way that pleases God. Much love, sister!

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  126. Tiffany, I can see why this is a popular post. So much good information. I have been writing on the discipliens this year. Would love for you to guest write on “Why fast” sometime on my Legacy LInk-up if you have an opportunity. I use a guest writer once a month.

  127. I like your point about a fast being about where your heart is! I’ve never tried a fast before, but I definitely think I might think of a food fast as more of a diet rather than a way to draw closer to God. Thanks for all the ideas of different types of fasting!

    1. I’m so sorry that you are facing heartbreaking situations but so thankful we serve a God who is big enough to surround you in His peace and give direction and wisdom. That is my prayer for you today, Ivette, that as you lean into Him you will hear His voice and know His love and peace.

  129. In the last few weeks I’ve been feeling lead to fast and pray for our nation. Having never done this I didn’t know how… I found your site and this page is very helpful… so I’m in.

  131. I come here looking for answers and Thank You for providing. I was delivered at age 30 from drug and alcohol addiction, almost 6 years ago but something is missing! I’m not feeling the spirit anymore. I feel like I have built this wall and am not being fed spiritually anymore. This has been going on for some time now and I just kept going to church, hoping for a breakthrough!! Not happening though, I stayed home this a.m. from church so I can begin to find out where to go from here. I’m feeling very discouraged and helpless. I’m a single mother of 2, recently tried to work on things with my daughters Dad. That obviously didnt work out very well at all. I have the deep desire to obey God and will continue to wait until someday, hopefully, He gives me the man that my kids and I deserve!

    Anyway, I am need of some very serious prayer. Please help!!! I am desperately seeking the Lords will to be done in my life.

  132. I’m in. I’m fasting right now but I’ve been feeling like I’m not fasting the right way. I pray that God will help me see my need for Him and put it above all other things. Thanks Tiffany for posting. God bless you.

  133. I’m in. Please pray for me as I pray for my son. I want GOD to cleanse him of any and all evil spirits so that my son can get his mind, heart and soul right for GOD. I have been praying for this specific situation for about 4 months now but I don’t see any improvement in my son so I’m going to go a little further and add fasting. Please keep us in your prayers.
    Thank you!

  134. I’m in!!! I’m need a breakthrough in my marriage. I am seeking restoration and reconciliation. My husband and I are separated and possibly facing divorce but I rebuke divorce and separation in the name of Jesus! My faith failed me earlier this week when I prayed for God to move on our behalf and fix a situation. When I received bad news I questioned God and doubted. I assumed he had turned his ear from me. I’m not sure if he hears my cries now. But God is my only hope if he can’t do it no one can. And I know it has to be His Will. If maybe 2 or more can gather in prayer to pray for me and my husband then maybe we will reunite. I’m asking for a mighty prayer. I believe what God has formed together let no man put asunder! I don’t know if my words are wrong in my prayer to my Heavenly Father. I believe my heart is in the right place. I am remaining faithful during this time. My husband’s name is Michael and my name is Chavon. Please pray for us! 🙏🏽

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  138. I’m in! Need prayers… first time…life is hectic and having trouble getting deep into prayer… feel like my prayers are too short….before I just crawl into bed and go into a coma lol thank you so much for this it has helped me!

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  142. I’m in! Thank you for this post. Please pray for me sister. I need a breakthrough. I’m in a phase where I’m so hungry to know God and searching for all ways to learn how to get closer to him. Thanks and God bless.

      1. I’m in! Please pray for me. I really need a spiritual breakthrough. I want to grow. And thank you for this post, I’ll fast better next time. God bless you Tiffany.

  143. I found you while doing a morning fast. It’s a start. I need God’s peace and physical healing. Thank you 🙏🏻

      1. I’m in. Thank you for breaking it down like this and reminding us that it’s about our hearts more than following a set of rules. I’m new to fasting; it’s always seemed a mystery to me. But today is a day of prayer and fasting for our country, so I’m in.

  144. I’m in! Fasting for a breakthrough in my marriage, my children, my husband habits, and a closer relationship with God. Will be starting a 7 day fast.

  145. I found this while looking for ways to fast. I did not know of the different variations of fasting. This is all new to me, indeed a blessing!

    1. I’m In!!!! I need direction and guidnace from Our Heavenly Father… I’m In!!!

  146. I’m in. Please I need prayers. I’m asking God for spiritual growth in him, breakthrough in my life, I want to be out of stagnation and delay and also I need career up liftment.

  149. I’m in – I need a breakthrough in my marriage and my relationship with God. My husband and I separated this May on not-so-good terms and he recently told me that he is in a relationship with another woman while we are still married. He says he feels guilt, but is not going to stop dating this woman because he feels that he is close to being in-love with her.

    I have cried out to God to interfere, and I know that He works on his own time but I feel helpless because I also know that I don’t have the authority to cast anything out! I just don’t want this relationship to turn into anything physical. My hearts desire is for God transform me and do a work in me (I know I need to change too!) and to heal and restore my marriage and bring my husband back to my kids and myself. I want us to be a family that seeks the Lord fervently, and so I need prayer!

    If there are any prayer warriors that could make this a regular petition when you pray, may our Lord Jesus Christ repay you in abundance of blessings.

  150. I’m in! and am happy today is my first fasting day of 7days, your prayers for me to go through!.

      1. I’m in ! I need to draw closer to God and I also yearn what His purpose for my life is ..I also have work anxiety..things have not been so good since this pandemic..but all in all I am eternally Grateful to God for amazing love .

  152. I am in. I want God to radically change my heart.i am too dependant on social media. Lord have mercy.

  154. I’m in. First time I’ve ever felt called to fast. Thank you for the guidance on how to do that

  155. I’m in… about to complete day 1 of 2 day fast, you’ve been so helpful in this new journey.Put my family and I in prayer for Almighty God to come thru’ for us with Financial Breakthrough and for me a better relationship with God,for I do believe Grace,Mercy and Favour automatically is experienced by those close to Him.
    Thank in Advance, connect with you in prayer

  156. Pray for me as I fast and pray. Pray for my mom healing spiritually, emotionally and physically in Jesus name amen

  157. I’m In.

    Thank you a wonderful reading and teaching on fasting and prayer. I am in need of God’s mercy and a true understanding of His will. I desire His will but find myself getting in the way. Please pray for me. Thank you

  158. I’m in. My mother-in-law has been in the hospital since Dec. 17 2020, fighting COVID-19. It has been a roller coaster – good days and bad days. But yesterday she took a downward turn and the medical staff doesn’t thing there will be a good outcome for her. I have never fasted in prayer but I am today.

  159. I am in. I want to be able to depend more on God for understanding and knowledge of His ways.

  162. I’m in. Fasting today with a group of friends for the mental health of all our teens. A friend suggested it and I found your blog when searching “how to.” Thank you!

  163. Im in and in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ, i know things will take a turn to my liking. Thank you very much for enlightening us on how we can get so much close to God. God bless so much.

  167. I’m IN.
    Over a year now, I have sent over 700 job applications and all was rejected. I lost my last job due to poor performance as I got hooked up on drugs. I am clean now since July 2020. Prayer fasting for Mercy and Forgiveness, Resisting Temptation, Wisdom, Vision, Guidance and Blessing

  169. I am in. Seeking a stronger relationship with God and for God to restore my marriage.

  170. I’m in! I need God to reveal His will for our future. I need to be sure the decisions we make are in God’s will, not ours.

  174. I’m in!
    Thank you for sharing your thoughts on fasting and praying! I have felt the need to fast so a year or so and still haven’t done it! Not sure how and what is the “accurate” way. I am thankful to read what you shared because it gave me an eye for looking at fasting differently. I have a day approaching on April 20th 2021 that I am fearful of fans even as a God fearing woman, yes I am afraid it may not turn out the way I’d hope for! Pray for me as I set into something I am not familiar with. I thank you again! Blessings.

  177. Dear Tiffany… Will my comment be allowed? I’m only half a “Christian woman”… the Christian part only! I’m a guy in my late 50s, and, what’s more, from the UK! Thank you so much for your helpful piece here, and it’s a joy to see your caring and humble replies to comments, and that you are still reading and replying 16 months later! Two things:

    1. Perhaps trivial, but in your original piece and in your reply to Jermaine you use the word “indiscrete”… I hope this helps, but you don’t mean that, or even “indiscreet” – you mean the opposite: “discreet”, “careful and prudent… especially in order to keep something confidential…”.

    2. I’m in but I don’t know how many days for, or when I will start. Soon though. I so traumatised and damaged my wife (no-one else was involved, and no violence, and it’s not any of the usual behaviours… I can’t say more) that she has kept from seeing my face or hearing my voice since the end of 2019. I have been out of our marital home since October 2019. She has ended the marriage in her heart, but I have not in mine, and the Lord has made promises to me. I need to deeply humble myself and surrender, and also intercede. I need to be unblinded, and perhaps even delivered. But I trust Jesus. We both married at age 40, over 16 years ago. I had been waiting and praying for a wife since my early 20s. The Lord spoke to her about marrying me. Our story was so remarkable that over the years we must have given out over a hundred copies of a leaflet glorifying the Lord and telling how it all happened. Our son (who finds contacting me hard, but has said he loves me and wants to… but who has not really done so recently) loves Jesus too and is nearly 15, and so so disappointed in his “spiritual” Daddy (as he thought). Everything gets on top of me sometimes, but the way to up is down! So I’m in. Ben.

    1. God is so faithful to keep those promises HE gives us. As to when to start a fast, I found at the beginning that I had to start and stop and restart many times. There’s no right or wrong time or way but give yourself grace as humbling ourselves brings spiritual attack and it can be very challenging.

      I am praying that as you begin a time or many times of fasting, that God gives you a clear vision of what He wants to say and do in your life in this season.

      (Thanks for letting me know about the grammatical error – LOL, grammar is my kryptonite)

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      1. Please stand with me in agreement as I start my prayer and fast journeybfor breakthrough finding a job in Jesus name.

        Clarena Connor

  182. I’m in. My marriage is in crisis because I was in crisis and turned to the world instead of Christ. Please keep me and my husband in your prayers.

  183. Am today trusting God please stand with me in prayers, looking for a wife after a divorce, financial breakthrough, protection and intermate relationship with God

  185. I’m in.

    Beginning to fast today as I continue to pray for healing and reconciliation in my very broken family, especially between my beloved Pete and me. Please keep us in your prayers!

    1. Father God, hear Laura’s prayer. Shine YOUR light on anything YOu want her to focus on in prayer or work toward change in. Be glorified in her family. Amen.

  186. Hello Tiffany,

    I am please to connect with you. I am a Liberian currently studying in Uganda. My spirit has desired to fast and pray
    about my life for Spiritual Breakthrough and growth. Searching for references on how to get aids, my search landed me here.

    Kindly join me to pray for me and my family back home as I embark on this spiritual journey.

    Thanks.

  187. I’m in! Will be focusing on direction after my long term relationship came to an end.

  188. I really need help concerning my spirituality,I find it difficult to pray and fast but today I want to put the devil to shame and fast.please put me in your prayers

  189. Hi Tiffany, Thanks for this article on fasting. You clearly explain how it can help us in our journey drawing closer to God and I appreciate your kindness. God bless you too!

  190. I am in
    I’m going through spiritual and financial dryness and have decided to go extra by fasting today
    I pray for strength

  192. Help me my spiritual life is empty
    I need to know how to fast and pray I got weak during the journey in my Christian life.
    I’m in

    1. Praying over you now, Evadney. Take it one step at a time. Pick something to give up for a few days and see how that feeds your soul. While you give that thing up, pray more and focus on a verse or a few verses on the LORD. I rec the 40 day study through how to be still. Search it in site to find the free guide.

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