When we enter a season of fasting, it’s natural to be more focused on prayer and spiritual discipline, and that’s a good thing. Sometimes, though, we can fall into the trap of thinking our sacrifices or efforts might somehow earn God’s attention. But if you look through Scripture, there’s one thing that really moves God’s heart—and it’s not about what we do, but the condition of our hearts. It’s humility. Not trying harder, or being perfect, or checking off spiritual to-dos, but simply coming before God with a heart that’s bowed low.
Isaiah reminds us that God favors those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at His word (Isaiah 66:2). And James says it simply: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Honestly, I don’t know about you, but I need all the grace I can get.
Jesus talks about this too—in the Sermon on the Mount, He says, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” The word “meek” doesn’t mean weak or passive like we sometimes think. The Greek word praus describes strength under control—like a powerful horse that’s trained to respond gently to its rider. So being meek means being humble before God, gentle with others, teachable, self-controlled, and trusting God’s justice instead of demanding your own way.
We see this kind of humility in some pretty amazing Bible stories. Daniel, for example, humbles himself in prayer and fasting, and God listens right away (Daniel 10:12). Even King Manasseh, who was one of Judah’s worst kings, found mercy when he humbled himself in exile and prayed to God (2 Chronicles 33:12–13). And then there’s Nineveh—the whole city humbles themselves through fasting and repentance, and God relents from destroying them (Jonah 3). These stories remind us that no one is beyond God’s mercy—and humility opens the door for His grace and restoration.
Fasting is a powerful reminder that we’re not in control. It wakes up our spiritual hunger, shows us how much we need God, and softens our hearts. When we fast with humility—not to impress God or earn His favor, but simply to seek Him—He draws near. That’s what true sacrifice looks like. Psalm 51:17 says, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” God doesn’t expect us to have it all together. He’s moved by humility. So as you fast, don’t worry about performing or getting it right. Just come to God honestly, confess your need, and let Him work in you.
Listening Prayer:
Holy Spirit, search me and know my heart. Where have I grown prideful or more focused on my actions than the condition of my heart? Soften me, Lord.
Prayer:
Lord, I come to You not with answers or demands, but with an open heart. I humble myself before You now. I lay down pride, control, and self-reliance. I want to hear Your voice—above my own thoughts and all the noise around me—just You. Teach me how to walk in humility, to trust You more deeply, and to seek Your will above my own. As I fast, soften my heart and draw me closer to You. Amen.
Resource: Bible Verses on Humility:
1 Peter 5:6 – Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight
Worship Songs: