Even now—this is the Lord’s declaration—turn to me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Tear your hearts, not just your clothes, and return to the Lord your God. For he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in faithful love, and he relents from sending disaster. Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave a blessing behind him. Joel 2:12-14

Father of mercies, Your Son Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the desert where He fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. There, He learned to rely on You and to resist temptation.

May the same Holy Spirit guide me as I enter into this experience of fasting.

May this fast remind me of my complete dependence on You and Your grace.

May it unite me in solidarity with those who suffer from hunger each and every day and lead me to share what I have with others.

May the discipline of waiting and wanting teach me self-control, the self-denial transform me to delight in Your will over mine. 

May every pain of hunger remind me that my greatest hunger should be for You. 

That my fast may be undertaken in sincerity, Lord, have mercy.

That it be secret and not self-exalting, Lord, have mercy. 

That I may pray in sensitivity to my sin and that I may abstain from bread to abide in You, Lord, have mercy.  

Guide me back to the table in good health of mind, body, and spirit, and with increased gratitude for your abundant blessings.  

In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

(Prayer adapted from Joe Paprocki and various sources)