What does the Bible say about fasting for family?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible commends fasting as a humble, prayerful way for families to seek God’s mercy, wisdom, protection, and renewal, while trusting that He alone hears and acts. Ezra 8:23 records God’s people fasting for safe travel, and Esther 4:16 shows fasting amid grave danger. Nehemiah 1:4 and Daniel 10:3 model grief, confession, and earnest dependence before the Lord. Joel 2:12 calls God’s people to return to Him with fasting and repentance. Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:16 that fasting should be sincere, not performed for human praise. Families may therefore fast together or individually, joining prayer with repentance and faith, while remembering that Christ, not fasting itself, is their righteousness and hope.