Fasting has been a sacred discipline during Lent for centuries. When you fast as you prepare for Easter, you can move closer to God by setting aside physical comforts to focus on spiritual growth. During Lent, fasting reminds you of Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness, where he fasted and resisted temptation to prepare himself for his ministry work. Just as prayer was important to Jesus when he fasted, prayer is also a vital way for you to find the encouragement you need for your own fast this Lent. You can use specific prayers to lift up to God when you start to struggle with your fast. The more you pray, the more you can find the strength you need to fast.
Fasting is about much more than just abstaining from food or activities you enjoy during other times. Beyond that, fasting is about deepening your relationship with God, strengthening your faith, and preparing your heart to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection on Easter. In Joel 2:12, God calls you to fast as a way of growing closer to him: “‘Even now,’ declares the LORD, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.’” Isaiah 58:6 reminds you of God’s desire for a meaningful fast: “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” Fasting draws you closer to God and helps you grow in holiness.
However, fasting can be challenging. You can expect to struggle sometimes when you deny yourself something you enjoy – whether you’re fasting from certain foods, or whether you’re fasting from something else, such as social or television shows. So, it’s important to pray so you can overcome the challenges of fasting. Here are 7 prayers to lift up to God when you start to struggle with your fast this Lent:
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Dear God, you see my heart and my desire to grow closer to you through this fast. But I confess that I’m struggling. I crave what I’ve given up for this fast, and I’m distracted by missing it. God, I need you to give me the strength to continue fasting. Your Word says in Philippians 4:13: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Help me rely on your unlimited strength rather than on my own limited willpower. Remind me that this fast is about devotion, not deprivation. Please sustain me as I fast, and draw me closer to you. When I feel weak, help me to notice your constant presence with me. Refresh and renew me, replacing my struggles with your peace. Let this fast be an opportunity for me to grow in trust and dependence on you. Strengthen my faith so I can persevere in my fast. Every sacrifice I make is an offering to you, God, because I love you and want a closer relationship with you. Thank you for helping me stay strong while I’m fasting. Amen.
Dear God, as I’m dealing with the challenges of fasting, I sometimes find myself focusing on what I’m missing rather than on you. I don't want this fast to be in vain. You tell me in Colossians 3:2: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Please help me focus on you, to seek you with all my heart, and to embrace this season as an opportunity to grow closer to you. Let this fast refine me and help me become more holy. As I focus on you while I fast, let me experience spiritual renewal and revival. Remove distractions from my heart and mind, God. Replace my longing for what I’ve given up with a greater longing for time with you. Please increase my perception of you so I can come to know you in deeper ways. Let my fasting struggles remind me to turn my attention back to you and remember why I’m fasting in the first place. Thank you, God. Amen.
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Dear God, just as Jesus faced temptation in the wilderness, I’m also feeling the pull of temptation. I’m tempted to give in, to justify breaking my fast, and to allow my cravings to interfere with my commitment to you. But your Word promises in 1 Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.” God, please strengthen me to resist temptation and remain faithful to this spiritual journey of fasting during Lent. Help me to recognize the deeper purpose behind this fast. Remind me that whenever I’m tempted to stop fasting, that’s actually an opportunity to surrender more fully to you. When I struggle, please redirect my heart toward you and remind me of your promises. Help me find fulfillment in my relationship with you rather than in the earthly comforts I’m giving up for during this fast. I trust that true fulfillment comes from you alone. Give me discernment to recognize when my desires are pulling me away from you, and help me devote myself fully to seeking your will. Amen.
Dear God, I feel tired – physically, emotionally, and mentally. This fast is challenging me in ways I didn’t expect. But I trust you to provide what I need. Isaiah 40:31 reminds me: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” God, please renew my strength. Let my weakness be an opportunity to rely more on you and to experience the fullness of your grace. When my body aches and my mind is exhausted, remind me that you are my source of renewal. Teach me to find rest in you. You sustain me in all circumstances. Please fill me with your peace, and let my endurance be a testimony of my faith in you. Help me to remember that my suffering is temporary, and that through this fast, you are refining me for a greater purpose. Let me lean on your promises and find comfort in knowing that you are always with me. Amen.
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Dear God, let this fast be a time when I can look closely at my life, realize how much I need you, and become a more humble person. I don’t want to fast out of obligation or pride, but from a sincere desire to seek you. Prevent me from seeking recognition or self-righteousness by fasting. Matthew 6:16-18 reminds me that fasting should be done in secret before you. Help me to approach this fast with the right motivation, honoring you above all else. Teach me to walk in humility before you. Strip away my pride and self-sufficiency so I can be aware every day that my life is in your hands. Remind me that true humility involves surrendering myself to you and fully embracing your grace. Amen.
Dear God, as I deny myself something I enjoy during this fast, help me remember those who are in need around me. Let this fast open my eyes to the struggles of others – the hungry, the hurting, the lonely, etc. Isaiah 58:7 calls me to share my food with the hungry and provide for the poor. God, while I’m fasting, show me how I can help others. Let me develop the compassionate heart you want me to have. I want to become a more kind and generous person through this fast. Let my heart be softened by your love so I can see the needs of others through your eyes and be moved to put love into action to help them. Thank you, God. Amen.
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Dear God, as I go through this season of fasting, I don’t want to lose sight of the joy that I’ll soon experience. Easter is coming – the day of Jesus’ resurrection, when I can celebrate! Even as I make this sacrifice of fasting, please remind me to look ahead eagerly for the celebration of Jesus’ victory over sin and death. The Bible reminds me in Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” God, please help me not to fast with a heavy heart, but with a sense of excitement about celebrating Jesus’ saving work on Easter. Help me to see this fast not as a burden, but as a way to appreciate the miracle of Easter more. When I feel tired or discouraged, remind me that my struggles today are nothing compared to the glory that is to come. Let my anticipation build, not just for the celebration of Easter morning, but for the eternal joy of being in your presence. Thank you for the assurance of salvation and for the joy I can experience in my relationship with you. Amen.
In conclusion, fasting is never easy, but it’s always worthwhile. When you start to struggle with your fast, remember that God is using it to draw you closer to him and preparing you to fully experience the joy of Easter – and of enjoying a close relationship with God. Let these prayers help you stay faithful while you fast and give you fresh gratitude for what Jesus has done for you!
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