Here are things to avoid when praying and fasting.
1. Avoid Hypocrisy
What to Avoid: Don’t fast to show off or gain approval from others. Fasting is between you and God.
Bible Verse: “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.”* (Matthew 6:16, KJV)
In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus warns against fasting for show. He teaches that fasting should be done in secret, and God will reward you openly.
2. Avoid Neglecting Your Responsibilities
What to Avoid: Don’t use fasting as an excuse to neglect your duties, such as work, family, or serving others.
Bible Verse: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”* (Colossians 3:23, KJV)
In Luke 10:38-42, Martha was distracted by her responsibilities while Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet. Balance is key—don’t let fasting become an excuse to ignore your God-given responsibilities.
3. Avoid Pride
What to Avoid: Don’t let fasting make you feel spiritually superior to others. Fasting is an act of humility, not pride.
Bible Verse: “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” (James 4:6, KJV)
In Luke 18:9-14, the Pharisee boasted about his fasting and good deeds, while the tax collector humbly asked for mercy. Jesus said the tax collector went home justified, not the Pharisee.
4. Avoid Complaining
What to Avoid: Don’t grumble or complain about your fast. Fasting is a sacrifice, and a complaining spirit dishonors God.
Bible Verse: “Do all things without murmurings and disputings.” (Philippians 2:14, KJV)
In Numbers 11:1-6, the Israelites complained about their hardships in the wilderness, forgetting God’s provision. Complaining during a fast can reveal a lack of gratitude.
5. Avoid Neglecting Prayer
What to Avoid: Don’t fast without praying. Fasting without prayer is just hunger. The purpose of fasting is to deepen your connection with God.
Bible Verse: “But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” (Matthew 6:17-18, KJV)
In Daniel 9:3, Daniel fasted and prayed fervently for understanding and repentance. His fasting was accompanied by deep prayer and seeking God’s face.
6. Avoid Judging Others
What to Avoid: Don’t judge others who are not fasting or who fast differently. Fasting is a personal discipline.
Bible Verse: “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” (Matthew 7:1, KJV)
In Romans 14:1-6, Paul teaches that some believers may fast while others do not, and we should not judge one another. Each person’s fast is between them and God.
7. Avoid Overindulgence After Fasting
What to Avoid: Don’t break your fast with gluttony or overeating. This undermines the purpose of fasting, which is self-control.
Bible Verse: “And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.” (Proverbs 23:2, KJV)
In Exodus 16:19-20, the Israelites tried to hoard manna, showing a lack of trust in God’s daily provision. Overindulgence after fasting can reflect a lack of spiritual discipline.
8. Avoid Ignoring the Needs of Others
What to Avoid: Don’t focus so much on your fast that you neglect to help those in need. True fasting includes acts of compassion.
Bible Verse: “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” (Isaiah 58:6, KJV)
In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus teaches that caring for the hungry, thirsty, and needy is like serving Him directly. Fasting should lead to greater love and service for others.
9. Avoid Spiritual Pride
What to Avoid: Don’t assume fasting guarantees answered prayers. Fasting is about aligning your heart with God, not manipulating Him.
Bible Verse: “And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.” (Isaiah 1:15, KJV)
In 1 Kings 21:4-16, Jezebel and Ahab fasted after Naboth’s death, but their hearts were still wicked. God rejected their fast because it was not sincere.
10. Avoid Neglecting Worship
What to Avoid: Don’t let fasting replace worship and fellowship with other believers. Fasting should enhance your worship, not replace it.
Bible Verse: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25, KJV)
In Acts 13:2-3, the church at Antioch fasted and worshipped together. Their fasting was accompanied by collective worship and seeking God’s will.