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Ascetical Life

Bible Verses for Fasting Seasons

Pray these passages at the outset of Great Lent, the Nativity Fast, or weekly fasting rhythms. Each verse pairs with practical counsel on mercy, prayer, and almsgiving for households using AthonApp schedulers.

  1. #1 — Isaiah 58:6-7

    “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free?”

    Read during the Presanctified Liturgy to remind the faithful that fasting and mercy belong together.

  2. #2 — Joel 2:12-13

    ““Return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.””

  3. #3 — Matthew 6:16-18

    “When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites… your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

  4. #4 — Luke 18:13

    ““God, be merciful to me, a sinner!””

    The prayer of the Publican opens the Triodion and teaches humility at the start of the fast.

  5. #5 — Acts 13:2-3

    “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul.””

  6. #6 — 1 Corinthians 9:27

    “I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”

Invite each participant to light a candle, read Isaiah 58 slowly, and ask the Lord to reveal one act of mercy that should accompany their fast.

Liturgical connection: Ideal for parish fasting workshops, youth catechesis during Great Lent, and printable guides distributed after Forgiveness Vespers.

Application Ideas

  • Plan rotating acts of mercy alongside fasting days.
  • Encourage families to post Matthew 6:16-18 near the kitchen as a reminder of joyful fasting.
  • Pair Joel 2 with parish confessions and set reminders for the Prayer of St. Ephraim.