21 Days of Fasting & Prayer

Why are we praying and fasting for 21 days?

As we start a new year, we want to acknowledge as a church that we can do nothing apart from Christ (John 15:5). We want to come together as a local body in Christ to prepare our hearts for the season that God is calling us to.

Why fast?

The goal of fasting is to turn away from worldly things and instead, turn our hearts and minds fully toward God. It is a humbling of ourselves so that we would fully depend on God alone.

How should I plan to do this?

Though fasting in the Bible mainly consists of abstaining from food for spiritual purposes, we will modify our 21 days to gradually get into the habit of fasting by "fasting" from other things first.

Week 1 (Monday, Jan. 6 - Sunday, Jan. 12) - Media Fast

While a media fast is not in the Bible, it will "prime" our hearts for our future fasts. Our recommendation is that you abstain from any form of entertainment during this week. That may include any and all streaming services on your phone and TV, as well as any video games you may play. This also includes social media for the purposes of entertainment.

Week 2 (Monday, Jan. 13 - Sunday, Jan. 19) - Sweets Fast

Our sweets fast is a simple way to build upon the habit you've built from the previous week to avoid any artificial foods and sweets. You can start to introduce entertainment slowly or keep it out for the remaining time. The main point here is to be more aware of the foods you're eating and opting for healthier options for the purpose of drawing closer to God.

Week 3 (Monday, Jan. 20 - Sunday, Jan. 26) - Daniel Fast

Based on the prophet, Daniel (Daniel 10:2-3), a Daniel fast is where you abstain from meat and sweets. You only consume fruits, vegetables, and natural foods. Foods to avoid are meat, fried foods, dairy products, and artificial foods.

Now what?

1. Maintain a discipline of prayer daily. 

2. Read the Bible every day.

3. Consider journaling your time with God.

2 Chronicles 7:14 - "if My people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

We pray as we begin to launch officially as a church that we would look to the Bread of Life (John 6:35) where we never have to hunger again. Let us humble ourselves before God, seek His face, and pray that God would use us to make an eternal impact on our community for His Kingdom.