Fasting and prayer in new testament

Fasting and prayer are mentioned several times in the New Testament, often together as a means of seeking God's guidance, wisdom, and spiritual growth. Here are some examples:

  1. Jesus' temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13): Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights, and was tempted by Satan. During this time, he prayed and quoted Scripture to resist Satan's temptations.
  2. The early church's response to persecution (Acts 13:2-3): The church in Antioch fasted and prayed before sending out Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journey.
  3. Paul's prayer and fasting before his third missionary journey (Acts 14:23): Paul and Barnabas fasted and prayed before sending out Timothy and Silas to continue their missionary work.
  4. The church's response to a famine (Acts 11:25-26): The church in Antioch sent relief to the church in Jerusalem, and the leaders of the church in Jerusalem fasted and prayed before distributing the relief.
  5. Jesus' teaching on fasting (Matthew 6:16-18, Luke 18:9-14): Jesus taught that fasting should be done in secret, and that it should be accompanied by prayer and almsgiving.
  6. The disciples' request to increase their faith (Luke 17:5-6): The disciples asked Jesus to increase their faith, and Jesus told them to have faith the size of a mustard seed. He then told them to go and fast and pray, and that their faith would be increased.
  7. The prayer of Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:10, Hebrews 11:20): Jabez, a descendant of Judah, prayed to God, saying, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I may be free from pain." This prayer is often referred to as a model of effective prayer and fasting.
  8. The prayer of Hannah (1 Samuel 1:10-28): Hannah, the mother of Samuel, prayed to God, saying, "I have been praying for this child, and the Lord has given me my petition that I asked of him. Therefore I have given him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the Lord." This prayer is often referred to as a model of effective prayer and fasting.

Some key principles about fasting and prayer in the New Testament include:

Overall, the New Testament presents fasting and prayer as a means of seeking God's guidance, wisdom, and spiritual growth, and as a way of expressing devotion and dependence on God.