What Does the Bible Say About Why Di We Fast On Wenesday?
Scripture shows that fasting is a spiritual discipline meant to draw closer to God and sharpen focus on what matters—not a rigid religious rule or cultural habit.
Scripture on Why Di We Fast On Wenesday
Matthew 6:16-18
New Testament
"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
Isaiah 58:3-6
Old Testament
"Why have we fasted, but you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, but you have not noticed? Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high. Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?"
Acts 13:2-3
New Testament
"While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off."
Luke 5:33-35
New Testament
"They said to him, 'John's disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking.' Jesus answered, 'Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast.'"
The Bottom Line
Fasting on any day works only when it's between you and God, driving you toward obedience, not drawing attention to yourself.
Try Today
If you feel drawn to fast on Wednesday, decide first what spiritual purpose you're seeking—prayer for someone, repentance, clarity on a decision—and keep it hidden from others.
Prayer
Jesus taught us that fasting is an intimate conversation between us and our Father (Matthew 6:18).
Father, I come to you with an honest question about spiritual disciplines. I don't want to fast out of habit or to impress others—I want to know your heart for this practice in my life. If fasting Wednesday would draw me deeper into prayer, repentance, or dependence on you, show me. But protect me from performing spirituality instead of living it. Give me clarity about what you're actually calling me toward, and courage to follow it quietly. In Jesus' name, Amen.
📚 Read Matthew 6:1-18 to understand Jesus' teaching on fasting, prayer, and giving as private, God-focused practices.
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