What Does the Bible Say About Fasting and Prayer?

The Bible addresses fasting and prayer across both Old and New Testaments. These verses are organized by biblical era — from the patriarchs to the apostles — letting Scripture speak for itself.

13 verses·4 eras·8 promises

Divided Kingdom (~930 BC)

Call to me, and I will answer you, and will show you great things, and difficult, which you don't know.
Jeremiah 33:3· YahwehPromise
even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples."

Life of Jesus (~30 AD)

Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father, who is in heaven, may also forgive you your transgressions.
Mark 11:25· JesusPromise
All things, whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."
Matthew 21:22· JesusPromise
Pray like this: 'Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
Matthew 6:9· JesusPrayer
Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.'
Matthew 6:13· JesusPrayer
Whatever you will ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
John 14:13· JesusPromise
"Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you.
Matthew 7:7· JesusPromise
If you will ask anything in my name, I will do it.
John 14:14· JesusPromise
saying to them, "It is written, 'My house is a house of prayer,' but you have made it a 'den of robbers'!"

Early Church (~50 AD)

United Kingdom (~1000 BC)

Let my prayer be set before you like incense; the lifting up of my hands like the evening sacrifice.
Psalms 141:2· DavidPrayer
Call on me in the day of trouble. I will deliver you, and you will honor me."
Psalms 50:15· GodPromise

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