Fasting for Deliverance: Scriptures, Prayers & 3-Day Plan

By Dr. Grace Osei, Covenant Fire Ministries · Reviewed under our Editorial Standards · New here? Start here.

When troubling dreams keep returning or the same painful patterns repeat, many Christian women begin to ask about fasting for deliverance. Is it biblical? How long should you fast? What should you pray? This guide answers those questions with KJV scriptures, a gentle 3-day plan, prayer points and honest health advice, so you can fast with faith and wisdom, not fear.

First, fasting does not earn God’s love or force His hand. Jesus has already won the victory at the cross. Fasting is a way of humbling yourself and turning your whole heart to the One who sets captives free.

What Is Fasting for Deliverance?

In the Bible, fasting means going without food (and sometimes drink) for a season to seek God, joined to prayer and repentance. Fasting for deliverance is fasting with a focus: asking the Lord to break a yoke, heal a wound or set you free from a pattern.

God Himself describes the fast He honours in Isaiah 58:6:

“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)

In the rest of Isaiah 58, God rebukes people who fasted while oppressing others. The fast He chooses includes kindness and a changed heart. Deliverance and right living go together.

Is Fasting for Deliverance in the Bible?

Yes. Scripture shows God’s people fasting when they faced danger, bondage or spiritual battles:

• Esther and her maidens fasted three days before she went to the king to save her people (Esther 4:16).
• Jehoshaphat “proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah” when a great army came against them (2 Chronicles 20:3).
• Ezra fasted for protection on a dangerous journey, and wrote, “So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us” (Ezra 8:23).
• Daniel set his face “to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting” (Daniel 9:3).
• The early church fasted and prayed before sending out missionaries (Acts 13:2–3).

When the disciples could not cast out a spirit from a suffering boy, Jesus said, “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21; see also Mark 9:29). Some modern translations leave out the words “and fasting” because of differences in ancient manuscripts, but the KJV includes them, and many believers draw strength from this verse. The deeper lesson is a closer walk with God, not a technique.

Why Believers Fast for Deliverance

When we deny the body, we are reminded that “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Fasting can help you:

• Humble yourself before God and deal honestly with sin. David wrote, “I humbled my soul with fasting” (Psalm 35:13).
• Return to God with your whole heart. “Turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting” (Joel 2:12).
• Practise self-control over habits such as lust, anger or addiction, with God’s help.
• Stand against spiritual oppression in the authority of Jesus, remembering that “the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds” (2 Corinthians 10:4).

Some women fast because they believe they are troubled by a spiritual husband or a marine spirit. If that is your concern, read our guides to the signs of a spiritual husband and what a spiritual spouse is before you begin, so that you pray with understanding.

Is Fasting Safe for You? Read This First

Fasting affects your body, and God cares about your body too.

• Talk to a doctor first if you have diabetes, high or low blood pressure, heart or kidney problems, stomach ulcers, an eating disorder (now or in the past), or take regular medication.
• Do not do a food fast if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Choose another kind of fast instead (see below).
• Keep drinking water unless a doctor has told you otherwise. Esther’s fast without food or drink was a rare emergency. Learn the signs of dehydration and stop if you feel dizzy, confused, faint or unwell.
• Never stop prescribed medicine for a fast without your doctor’s advice.

A fast that harms your health is not more spiritual. The Lord sees your heart.

Types of Fasts You Can Choose

• Partial fast (Daniel-style): Daniel “ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth” for three weeks (Daniel 10:3). Eat simple food such as vegetables, fruit and beans.
• Daytime fast: No food from morning until 6pm or evening, then a light meal. This is very common in African churches.
• Non-food fast: Give up social media, television or another comfort, and give that time to God. Good if you cannot fast from food.

How to Fast for Deliverance: 7 Steps

1. Set a clear purpose. Write down what you are seeking God for.
2. Choose your fast and length. Start small: a one-day or three-day daytime fast is enough for most people.
3. Prepare your body. Eat lighter meals beforehand, drink water and cut down caffeine slowly.
4. Repent and forgive. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you any sin to confess and anyone you need to forgive. Pray, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).
5. Fill the time with the Word and prayer. Use your meal times to read Scripture, worship and pray the prayer points below.
6. Keep it humble and private. Jesus taught, “when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast” (Matthew 6:17–18).
7. Break the fast gently. End with water, fruit, pap, light soup or another small meal. Thank God for what He has done and what He will do.

A Simple 3-Day Fasting and Prayer Plan for Deliverance

A daytime fast (for example, 6am to 6pm with water). Adjust it to your health.

Day 1: Surrender and Repentance

• Read: Joel 2:12–13; Psalm 51; 1 John 1:9.
• Focus: Confess sin honestly and receive His forgiveness. “Rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful” (Joel 2:13).
• Action: Remove anything from your home that dishonours God, such as charms or items from a shrine. Our guide on how to anoint your room shows a simple way to dedicate your space to the Lord.

Day 2: Renouncing and Breaking Yokes

• Read: Isaiah 58:6–9; Colossians 2:13–15; Galatians 5:1.
• Focus: Renounce every covenant, vow or practice that did not come from God. Declare that Jesus “blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us… nailing it to his cross” (Colossians 2:14).
• Action: Pray through our step-by-step guide on how to break spiritual marriage if that applies to you.

Day 3: Freedom, Thanksgiving and Walking It Out

• Read: Luke 4:18; John 8:36; Psalm 34.
• Focus: Thank God for freedom in Christ. “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).
• Action: Plan how you will stay close to God after the fast.

Prayer Points for Fasting for Deliverance

Pray these aloud during your fast. Take your time with each one.

1. Father, I thank You that Jesus came “to preach deliverance to the captives… to set at liberty them that are bruised” (Luke 4:18). I receive that freedom today.
2. I repent of every sin, known and unknown, and I receive Your forgiveness through the blood of Jesus.
3. I renounce every covenant, vow, dedication or agreement that did not come from God, in the name of Jesus.
4. Lord, let every band of wickedness be loosed and every heavy burden be lifted, as You promised in Isaiah 58:6.
5. I submit myself to God; I resist the devil, and he must flee from me (James 4:7).
6. Every yoke over my life, my marriage, my health and my destiny, be broken by the power of Christ.
7. I declare that Jesus has “spoiled principalities and powers” and triumphed over them (Colossians 2:15).
8. Lord, give me peaceful sleep and guard my dreams. Let my rest be sweet in Your presence.
9. Father, heal my heart from shame, rejection and fear, and renew my mind with Your Word.
10. I stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made me free, and I will not be entangled again with any yoke of bondage (Galatians 5:1).
11. Father, as I fast, let my light “break forth as the morning” and let my health “spring forth speedily” (Isaiah 58:8).
12. I thank You, Lord, because You hear the cry of the righteous and deliver them out of all their troubles (Psalm 34:17).

For more prayers, see our full page of prayers against spiritual husband with a 7-day plan, or our marine spirit deliverance prayer points.

A Short Prayer to Start Your Fast

Heavenly Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus. I set apart these days to seek Your face. I do not fast to earn Your love, but to humble myself and draw near to You. Search my heart, cleanse me and strengthen me. Loose every band of wickedness, lift every heavy burden and break every yoke in my life. Keep my body safe, keep my mind clear and let me hear Your voice. I trust You for freedom, peace and a new beginning. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Fasting

• Treating fasting as a payment. God’s grace is free. Fasting is about drawing near, not bargaining.
• Fasting while living in known sin. Isaiah 58 shows that the heart matters most.
• Fasting in fear. You are not trying to outdo the enemy. Jesus came “that he might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8).
• Ignoring your body. Dizziness, fainting or confusion are signs to stop and eat or seek medical help.

A Warning About Exploitative “Deliverance”

Sadly, some people use fasting and fear to exploit women. True ministry will never demand money for “special” fasting prayers, insist on dangerous dry fasts, require river or shrine baths, ask you to undress, visit you secretly at night, or promise that your problems will end by a certain date. Jesus said, “freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8). If someone makes you feel unsafe, step away and speak to a trusted pastor or family member.

When Fasting Is Not Enough on Its Own

God also works through doctors, counsellors and wise friends. If you have ongoing nightmares, cannot sleep, feel low for weeks, or have experienced abuse or trauma, please talk to a doctor or a Christian counsellor. If you ever feel hopeless or think about harming yourself, contact a mental-health professional or emergency service in your country straight away. Seeking help is not a lack of faith.

If your prayers are focused on marriage, our prayer for delayed marriage guide offers 21 prayer points with KJV scriptures, and our Bible verses about spiritual husband page gathers scriptures you can meditate on while you fast.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days should I fast for deliverance?

The Bible does not set a number. Esther fasted three days, Daniel fasted in a partial way for three weeks, and many believers fast for one, three or seven days. Start with what is safe for your body.

What scriptures should I read when fasting for deliverance?

Good places to start are Isaiah 58:6–9, Matthew 6:16–18, Matthew 17:21, Joel 2:12–13, Psalm 34, Luke 4:18, Colossians 2:13–15, Galatians 5:1 and John 8:36.

Can I drink water while fasting?

Yes. Most Christian fasts include water, and it is the safest choice. Avoid dry fasts (no water) unless a doctor has said you are well enough, and even then keep them very short.

Can I fast for deliverance from a spiritual husband?

Many believers do fast when they feel troubled by a spiritual husband. Fasting is not a magic formula, but it can help you focus on repentance, renouncing ungodly covenants and standing in Christ’s victory.

Can I fast for deliverance if I am on medication?

Speak with your doctor first. Never stop or change prescribed medicine for a fast without medical advice. A partial fast or non-food fast may be a safer choice.

Final Encouragement

Dear sister, fasting for deliverance is not about how hungry you can become, but how close you can come to the God who loves you. Fast humbly, pray with Scripture, care for your body, and trust Jesus, who has already “made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them” at the cross (Colossians 2:15). As you wait on Him, He will renew your strength (Isaiah 40:31).

New here? Visit our Start Here page to find your next step, or read about spiritual husband in dreams if night experiences are troubling you.

Disclaimer: This page offers spiritual and devotional guidance based on Christian faith. It is not medical, psychological or legal advice, and no particular outcome is guaranteed. Please consult qualified professionals for health or mental-health concerns. Read our full Disclaimer.