What does Lord Yeshua say about fasting and prayer?
June 26, 2025
Last night we attended a study group at a local Church. The pastor led us into a deep dive on the verses about the 1 and 99 (sheep) (Mathew 18:12-14 and Luke 15:3-7). And a comparison with the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). The question was: why did the Father chase after the lost sheep, but simply waited for the prodigal son?
I’ll also leave the reader to meditate on this; however, it is clear in both cases that the Father loved the missing and was filled with joy at the return. Now, the rest of the story:
We moved on to a discussion about the casting of the demon and why it took prayer or prayer and fasting to get the job done, (Mark 9:29). Some versions say prayer and fasting and others say only prayer. Does this in any way reduce the value of fasting for a believer?
Our Lord Jesus started his ministry with fasting! Our Lord talked about the value of spiritual food over physical food and even some specific directions on fasting. He expected his followers to fast.
How to Fast
Mathew 6:16 “Whenever you fast, don’t be gloomy like the hypocrites. For they disfigure their faces so that their fasting is obvious to people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that your fasting isn’t obvious to others but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Summary:
I found the following theological discussion on the topic. It seems to express my views:
It is worth noting that in the New Testament fasting was simply prayer so focused and intense that a person did not give attention to things like eating or drinking—so either way, Jesus is emphasizing that the demon in Mark 9 could only come out by intensive prayer.
As Jesus explains to the crowd, the key was the faith of those involved (e.g., Mark 9:19, 23). So it is evident that prayer rooted in faith in Jesus Christ is effective (see James’ assertion that the prayer of a righteous [believing] person is effective, James 5:16b). Jesus was challenging the crowd, the boy’s father, and the disciples on the importance of believing in Him as the One who could accomplish what would otherwise be impossible.
Fasting can be accomplished in many ways. One can do a water fast for a certain time period, a Dailey fast for a agreed time period, a food type fast as Daniel did and other ideas. The point is, fasting can be physically helpful if done correctly and spiritually enhancing if the experience is between you and God. With intensive spiritual prayer, fasting is a side effect not an ingredient. So, can I pray without fasting? Of course, yet intensive prayer might put you into fasting.
Ie. Praying while munching on Cheetos and watching the football game might not be considered intensive prayer.
Can I talk about my fasting? Of course, but not with pride or boast. Sometimes a couple of Brothers will fast simultaneously for support. Fasting can be challenging, especially if you are new to the idea. The idea is: your fasting is between your God and yourself. The more you keep it that way, the more spiritually effective it will be.
I am pro fasting. If you are new to the idea, I recommend reading up on it or discussing with others that have practiced fasting. Modern Doctors have split opinions: some pro, some con. Do your research and start easy. I am open to discuss fasting with anyone.
שלום (Shalom)