God calls us to intercede for our families, to lift them before His throne, and to align their lives with His purposes. Fasting and prayer are not magical formulas; they are ways to draw closer to God, to focus our hearts, and to invite His power, mercy, and guidance into the lives of those we love.
The first step is to understand the heart behind it. God sees beyond our actions to the condition of our hearts. Joel calls us to “Return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning” (Joel 2:12–13).
Fasting is not about impressing others or earning God’s favor. It is a spiritual act of returning our attention, our will, and our prayers fully to Him, asking Him to guide, protect, and bless our families. The Hebrew word shub (שׁוּב), meaning “return,” reminds us that fasting is a way to realign ourselves and those we pray for with God’s purposes.
Fasting is always paired with prayer. The Greek word proseuchē (προσευχή) means prayer, carrying the sense of connection and communion. When we fast, our prayers gain focus and intensity because our hearts, minds, and bodies are unified in purpose. For our families, this means praying for each member by name, for their salvation, health, protection, unity, wisdom, and peace. It means asking God to guide their decisions, strengthen their faith, and keep them under His care.
Before beginning, decide when and where you will fast and pray. Early morning is often ideal, when your mind is quiet and uncluttered. A private, distraction-free space works best, whether a room in your home, a quiet corner, or even outdoors in stillness. Decide on the type of fast: skip one meal, several meals, or an entire day, depending on your health and experience. Start small if you are new.
Remember Jesus’ words: “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do… your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:16–18). The focus is on drawing near to God, not on the hardship of the fast.
As you begin, open with Scripture that addresses your family’s needs. You might choose Psalm 91 for protection, Proverbs 3:5–6 for guidance, or Ephesians 6:1–4 for children and households. Meditate on these verses, allowing them to guide your prayers. Then pray aloud or silently, structuring your prayer in sections: first, thanksgiving for your family; second, intercession for each member by name; third, declarations of God’s promises over their lives. Be specific. God honors detailed, intentional prayers. For example: “Lord, strengthen [Name] in faith. Guard [Name] from harm. Bring unity and peace to [Name]’s relationships.”
Keep a journal to record your prayers, insights, and any answers or confirmations. Fasting sharpens spiritual perception, and writing these experiences helps you recognize God’s faithfulness over time.
Establish a rhythm that works for your household. You might fast and pray daily for short periods, or choose specific days of the week for longer sessions. For instance, dedicate Monday mornings to praying for protection, Wednesday evenings for guidance, and Friday mornings for unity and peace. Adjust according to your family’s needs and the leading of the Spirit.
Always conclude each fast with gratitude. Thank God for hearing your prayers, for His presence, and for the assurance that He is actively working in the lives of your loved ones. Gratitude keeps your heart anchored in God’s faithfulness and reminds you that the power belongs to Him, not to your effort.
Fasting and prayer for your family is a journey. It aligns hearts with God, strengthens spiritual discernment, and opens the door for His blessings to flow through generations. With dedication, Scripture, and persistence, you can lift your family into God’s care and guidance, trusting that He hears, moves, and answers.
Daily Printablee Family Prayer (Fill-in-the-Blank)
Lord God, I lift my family before You today. I thank You for each member: for ____________________, ____________________, ____________________, and all who are part of our household. I ask for Your protection over them. Cover them with Your angels, keep them from harm, and guard their hearts, minds, and bodies (Psalm 91).
Lord, guide their steps according to Your truth. Give them wisdom and discernment in every decision, in their work, relationships, and daily life (Proverbs 3:5–6). Draw them closer to You. Strengthen their faith, reveal Your love, and help them walk in Your ways (John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8–9).
Bring unity and peace among us, Lord. Heal broken relationships, fill our hearts with understanding, and let love guide every interaction (Psalm 133, Colossians 3:12–14).
Provide for our daily needs, give strength and endurance for challenges, and bless the work of our hands (Philippians 4:19, Isaiah 58:10). I trust You, Lord, to move in our lives, to answer prayers, and to fulfill Your promises for our family.
Thank You, Father, for Your presence, Your faithfulness, and Your love. May we always seek You first and rely on Your power and guidance. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
First, print it out. Next;
How to use it:
- Write the names of the family members in the blanks.
- Pray it daily or during each fasting session.
- Add additional personal prayers in the margins or journal – like a notebook.
Family Prayer & Fasting Plan
Preparation:
- Choose your space: quiet, comfortable, and distraction-free.
- Decide the type of fast: one meal, partial meals, or a full day, depending on health.
- Keep a Bible and journal nearby.
- Set aside a time you can commit consistently, ideally morning and evening.
Day 1: Protection
- Scripture focus: Psalm 91 – God’s protection over His people.
- Prayer points: Ask God to guard your family’s bodies, hearts, and minds from physical and spiritual harm. Pray for safety in daily routines, travels, and decisions.
- Suggested prayer: “Lord, protect [Name] in all their ways. Cover them with Your presence and surround them with Your angels. Keep them from danger and evil.”
- Fast suggestion: skip one meal, using that time to focus on prayer.
Day 2: Guidance & Wisdom
- Scripture focus: Proverbs 3:5–6 – Trust in the Lord for direction.
- Prayer points: Pray for discernment in decisions, for clarity in work, relationships, and study. Ask God to guide their steps.
- Suggested prayer: “Lord, lead [Name] in Your truth. Help them recognize Your voice and follow Your path. Give wisdom in choices both big and small.”
- Fast suggestion: partial meals, dedicating the fasting time to prayer and Scripture meditation.
Day 3: Salvation & Faith
- Scripture focus: John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8–9 – Salvation and grace.
- Prayer points: Pray for hearts to know God, grow in faith, and be drawn closer to Him. Include prayers for children, grandchildren, and extended family.
- Suggested prayer: “Lord, draw [Name] to You. Strengthen their faith. Reveal Your love to them daily, and help them walk in Your ways.”
- Fast suggestion: one full day, using the time to pray and read Scripture.
Day 4: Unity & Relationships
- Scripture focus: Psalm 133, Colossians 3:12–14 – Love, peace, and harmony in family.
- Prayer points: Pray for reconciliation where needed, understanding, and harmony among family members. Ask God to help them forgive, honor, and support one another.
- Suggested prayer: “Lord, bring peace and unity to our family. Heal broken relationships. Let love guide every interaction.”
- Fast suggestion: skip one meal, using the extra time for focused family intercession.
Day 5: Provision & Strength
- Scripture focus: Philippians 4:19, Isaiah 58:10 – God’s provision and sustaining power.
- Prayer points: Pray for physical needs, financial provision, strength for daily responsibilities, and endurance in challenges.
- Suggested prayer: “Lord, provide for [Name] according to Your riches. Give strength and endurance, and let Your blessing fill their home and work.”
- Fast suggestion: partial meal fast with dedicated prayer time.
- Day 6 – Spiritual Growth & Character
Scripture focus: Galatians 5:22–23, Romans 12:2 – Fruit of the Spirit and transformation of the mind.
Prayer focus: Pray that each family member grows in Godly character—love, patience, joy, kindness, self-control, and wisdom. Ask God to transform hearts and minds according to His will.
Suggested prayer (fill-in-the-blank style):
“Lord, help ____________________, ____________________, and ____________________ to grow in Your Spirit. Let love, patience, joy, and self-control guide their thoughts, words, and actions. Transform their hearts and minds to reflect Your character.”
Fasting suggestion: Skip one meal or partial fast; focus the extra time on Scripture meditation and prayer.
Insights / Answers: ___________________________________________
Day 7 – Blessing & Thanksgiving
Scripture focus: Numbers 6:24–26, Psalm 103:1–5 – God’s blessing and praise.
Prayer focus: Declare God’s blessings over your family for health, prosperity, protection, and spiritual growth. End the week with thanksgiving, acknowledging all you have seen God do.
Suggested prayer (fill-in-the-blank style):
“Lord, I bless ____________________, ____________________, and ____________________ in Your Name. May Your favor rest upon them. May they be protected, guided, and strengthened. Thank You for Your faithfulness and for all You have done in their lives this week.”
Fasting suggestion: Partial or full-day fast; reflect on answered prayers and write them in your journal.
Insights / Answers: ___________________________________________
Daily Habit Tips:
- Begin each session by reading the Scripture aloud and meditating on it.
- Pray aloud or silently, including specific names.
- Record insights, answered prayers, or visions in a journal.
- End each session with thanksgiving, acknowledging God’s work in your family.
Weekly Rhythm Suggestion:
- Monday: Protection
- Tuesday: Guidance & Wisdom
- Wednesday: Salvation & Faith
- Thursday: Unity & Relationships
- Friday: Provision & Strength
- Saturday/Sunday: Rest, reflection, and thanksgiving
Family Prayer & Fasting Workbook
Name: ___________________ | Week of: ___________________
Monday – Protection
- Scripture: Psalm 91
- Names to pray for: ______________________________
- My prayer:
────────────────────────────────
──────────────────────────────── - Fasting: □ Skip 1 meal □ Partial □ Full day
- Insights / Answers:
────────────────────────────────
────────────────────────────────
Tuesday – Guidance & Wisdom
- Scripture: Proverbs 3:5–6
- Names to pray for: ______________________________
- My prayer:
────────────────────────────────
──────────────────────────────── - Fasting: □ Skip 1 meal □ Partial □ Full day
- Insights / Answers:
────────────────────────────────
────────────────────────────────
Wednesday – Salvation & Faith
- Scripture: John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8–9
- Names to pray for: ______________________________
- My prayer:
────────────────────────────────
──────────────────────────────── - Fasting: □ Skip 1 meal □ Partial □ Full day
- Insights / Answers:
────────────────────────────────
────────────────────────────────
Thursday – Unity & Relationships
- Scripture: Psalm 133, Colossians 3:12–14
- Names to pray for: ______________________________
- My prayer:
────────────────────────────────
──────────────────────────────── - Fasting: □ Skip 1 meal □ Partial □ Full day
- Insights / Answers:
────────────────────────────────
────────────────────────────────
Friday – Provision & Strength
- Scripture: Philippians 4:19, Isaiah 58:10
- Names to pray for: ______________________________
- My prayer:
────────────────────────────────
──────────────────────────────── - Fasting: □ Skip 1 meal □ Partial □ Full day
- Insights / Answers:
────────────────────────────────
────────────────────────────────
Weekend Reflection & Gratitude
- Scriptures read: _________________________________________________
- Key insights from this week: ────────────────────────────────
───────────────────────────────────────────────── - Answers to prayer noticed:
──────────────────────────────────────────────────
────────────────────────────────────────────────── - Gratitude notes:
──────────────────────────────────────────────────
──────────────────────────────────────────────────