Prayer And Fasting Study

January 5th, 2026
by Pastor Damon Davis

Prayer & Fasting

An Essential Biblical Study

Overview

Prayer and fasting are foundational spiritual disciplines in the life of a believer. Scripture presents fasting not as a religious performance, but as a means of consecration, aligning our hearts, desires, and priorities with God. This study provides a biblical framework for understanding fasting, its purpose, and its practice in both personal devotion and corporate community life.

Definition of Fasting

Fasting is a voluntary abstinence, most often from food, for spiritual purposes. Biblically, fasting is not merely about denial but about devotion: intentionally setting aside natural appetites to pursue spiritual clarity, strength, and alignment with God.

Study Objectives:

Teach fasting from a clear, biblical perspective
Establish a strong faith foundation for successful fasting
Encourage personal study and meditation
Set proper biblical expectations for seasons of prayer, fasting, and consecration

Why Believers Fast (New Testament Foundations)

1. Fasting Prioritizes the Spirit Over the Flesh
Scripture teaches that humanity is triune: spirit, soul, and body (1 Thess. 5:23).
Fasting strengthens the “real you,” the spirit, so it governs the soul and body (Heb. 4:12).

When the spirit leads, clarity increases and carnality weakens.

2. Fasting Restores Proper Alignment
Jesus said, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me” (John 4:32-34).
Fasting:

Places the spirit back in authority
Subdues carnal impulses
Trains discipline and spiritual endurance (1 Cor. 9:25–27; Gal. 6:8)

3. Fasting Is a Living Sacrifice
Fasting reflects Romans 12:1—offering our bodies as a living sacrifice.
When natural comforts (food, media, social habits, or substances) dominate desire more than fellowship with God, fasting becomes a corrective and clarifying discipline.

Fasting does not move God toward us—it moves us away from the world and closer to Him.

Possible Spiritual Benefits of Fasting

Scripture associates fasting with:

Increased spiritual strength and godliness
Heightened sensitivity to God’s presence
Greater clarity in Scripture
Guidance for important decisions
Restoration of intimacy with God
Breakthrough from bondage or addiction
Intercession for the salvation of others

Prayer and fasting together form a powerful pathway for discernment and revelation.

Why We Fast Together as a Church

At the beginning of the year, C3 participates in a corporate fast to:

Cultivate unity
Prioritize God’s voice and direction
Offer God the firstfruits of the year
Align our hearts collectively with His purposes

Biblical Examples of Fasting

Daniel (Dan. 10:3) – Seeking understanding of a vision
David (2 Sam. 12:15–16) – Intercession and repentance
Esther (Est. 4:16–17) – Deliverance for God’s people
Israel under Nehemiah (Neh. 9:1–3) – Corporate repentance
Early Church Leaders (Acts 13:2–3) – Direction and commissioning
Jesus (Luke 4:1–2) – Preparation for ministry
Anna (Luke 2:37) – Lifelong devotion and expectancy

Each fast was purposeful, Spirit-led, and rooted in reverence, not ritual.

Methods of Fasting

Duration

Partial-day fasts or consecutive days
Common lengths: 24 hours, 3, 7, 21, or 40 days
The length should be prayerfully determined beforehand

Individual and Corporate Fasts

Personal fasts address personal spiritual needs
Corporate fasts require unity and shared spiritual focus

Types of Fasts

Complete Fast – Water only
Partial Fast – Restriction of certain foods
Daniel Fast – Plant-based partial fast (often 21 days)
Non-Food Fasts – Media, entertainment, social activity
- Married couples abstaining from sex should follow 1 Cor. 7:5

A fast should be challenging but not reckless. Sincerity matters more than severity.

The Heart Behind the Fast

David declared, “I will not offer to the Lord that which costs me nothing” (2 Sam. 24:24).

True fasting involves real sacrifice, motivated by love, not visibility.

Proper Attitude During a Fast

God-Centered Focus – Zech. 7:4–5
Love and Justice – Isa. 58:6–7
Humility, Not Attention – Matt. 6:16–17
Contrite Heart – Luke 18:10–14

Fasting without humility produces pride. Fasting with humility produces transformation.
Recommended Devotional Resource

21-Day Fasting Devotional – Jentezen Franklin
Available through the Bible App.