Most modern churches don’t talk about it. Some Christians call it legalism. Others say, “We don’t need to fast anymore—we have grace.”

But here’s the truth: Jesus didn’t say ‘if’ you fast. He said ‘when.’

If you don’t understand the power behind fasting and prayer, you’re walking through spiritual battles with untapped power—fighting 21st-century demons with a 1st-grade toolkit.

I’ll be honest—I used to hate fasting. I’d sneak out during church fasts and devour taquitos from 7-Eleven.

But once I understood the why behind fasting, everything changed. And today, I want to give you 10 biblical reasons why every believer—not just pastors or super-spiritual types—should fast and pray.

If you’re tired of weak Christianity, shallow results, and unanswered prayers—this might be the most important thing you read all year.

1. Because Jesus Said So

Jesus made it clear: “Then they will fast in those days” (Luke 5:35). We’re living in those days.

He didn’t suggest it. He expected it.

To refuse fasting is to reject part of the pattern Jesus gave His followers. Obedience always precedes breakthrough. You can’t pray for power while ignoring His instructions.

2. To Emulate the Master

Before Jesus preached, healed, or cast out devils—He fasted.

If Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, still needed to fast for 40 days before launching His ministry, how much more do we?

You can’t walk in the Master’s miracles without walking in the Master’s disciplines.

3. To Humble Yourself

James 4:6 says, “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Fasting is one of the Bible’s primary ways to humble yourself. It breaks the illusion of self-dependence and says, “God, I need You more than food, more than comfort, more than control.”

It attracts grace.

4. To Express Grief

Throughout Scripture, fasting is tied to grief. When Saul and Jonathan died, David fasted. The people mourned with fasting.

Today, we may not fast in mourning the death of a believer, but we still grieve:

• Over sin
• Over broken culture
• Over compromise in the Church

Fasting is how we say, “God, this breaks my heart—and I want to see You move.”

5. To Supplement Repentance

Fasting doesn’t save you. Only the blood of Jesus does that.

But after Saul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, he fasted for three days. Why? Because he was wrecked. Convicted. Changed.

Fasting is a way to press into repentance. It says, “God, I’m serious about this.”

6. For Discipline

Let’s be real—your flesh is spoiled. It wants sugar, comfort, attention, lust, control.

Philippians 3:19 warns of people whose “god is their belly.“

Fasting disciplines your flesh. It says, “Cravings don’t lead me—Christ does.”

Paul said, “I discipline my body and keep it under control” (1 Cor. 9:27). Fasting is how you silence the flesh and strengthen the spirit.

7. To Worship God

Yes—fasting is worship.

Acts 13:2 says, “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said…“

Anna in Luke 2:37 worshipped night and day with fasting and prayer. Fasting is hunger expressed as worship: “God, I want You more than I want food.”

8. To Fuel the Work of the Lord

A.A. Allen fasted and prayed in a closet until God gave him the miracle ministry he was called to.

Nehemiah fasted before rebuilding Jerusalem.

Fasting fuels divine assignments. If you’re called, fasting is your fuel. If you’re frustrated, fasting is your answer.

9. To Prepare for Ministry

In Acts 13, the church fasted before sending Paul and Barnabas. Twice.

Ministry is spiritual warfare—not performance. You don’t need better branding; you need more anointing. And fasting sharpens your sword before you enter the battle.

10. To Establish Churches and Ministries

Acts 14:23 says they appointed elders with prayer and fasting.

Why? Because you don’t build the Church with ambition. You build it by assignment.

Fasting ensures you’re not launching something God never asked for. It gives clarity, power, and protection.

Ready to Start?

I created a Free Fasting Starter Kit to help you begin with power and direction. It includes:

• Practical tips
• Scriptures to meditate on
• A daily guide to stay focused

If you’re ready to go even deeper, check out my book A Complete Guide to Biblical Fasting and unlock everything you need to fast biblically, effectively, and with supernatural results.

👉 Grab the resources at ChristianFastingGuide.com