Although the relationship between prayer and fasting is not explained in fully in Scripture, there is a recurring motif in the situations in which these two disciplines are connected. In the Old Testament, a strong sense of need, reliance, or powerlessness is frequently the source of prayer and fasting, especially at times of disaster or severe spiritual crises. Prayer and fasting are often linked to grieving, confession, or a pressing spiritual need.
Nehemiah, for instance, is seen fasting and praying in the opening chapter of Nehemiah in response to the heartbreaking news of Jerusalem’s ruin. He fasted, cried, confessed on behalf of the people, and pleaded fervently for God’s compassion throughout his protracted prayers. Given the depth of his prayer life, it seems impossible that Jesus would have eaten or drunk at this trying time. Similar to how Daniel approached God in prayer, fasting, sackcloth, and ashes after learning of Jerusalem’s predicament, he begged for divine mercy and confessed the sins of the people.
Fasting in conjunction with intercessory prayer is also a recurring theme in the Old Testament. For instance, David fasted and prayed in deep anguish for his sick child, and Esther called for a fast among the Jews before she approached the king, a moment fraught with danger and significance. These examples underscore the close connection between fasting and earnest prayer.
Fasting and prayer are still related in the New Testament, but they are more closely tied to worship and seeking God’s direction than with repentance. This relationship is best shown by the prophetess Anna, who waited for the prophesied Savior while serving God in the temple via fasting and prayer. Along with their worship, the Antioch church fasted and prayed, which resulted in Saul and Barnabas being given missions. Here, the community worships God by fasting and praying, asking for his guidance and favor.
It’s crucial to remember that the Bible offers no evidence that fasting improves the effectiveness of prayer in getting a response from God. Rather, it seems that fasting is a means of demonstrating the seriousness of the problem and the sincerity of the prayer. When Jesus drove out a demon in Mark 9 that the disciples were unable to drive out, He said, “This kind can come out only by prayer,” to which some versions also add, “and fasting.” This implies that facing a recalcitrant spiritual foe could need a similarly determined and concentrated prayer strategy, possibly supported by fasting.
Thus, a theology of priorities underlies the practice of fasting. By putting aside common and healthy items like food and drink to concentrate solely on spiritual matters, it enables Christians to demonstrate their love to God in a focused way. The goal of this act of temporary abstinence is to promote unbroken communication with God. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, believers can boldly approach God’s throne of grace whether or not they are fasting. Therefore, rather than being seen as laborious obligations, prayer and fasting should be seen as joyful celebrations of God’s kindness and generosity.
📌FOR FURTHER STUDY
📖 The Power of Prayer and Fasting