21 DAYS OF PRAYER & FASTING
WHY SHOULD I FAST?
Are you in need of healing or a miracle?
Do you need the touch of God in your life?
Is there a dream inside you that only He can make possible?
Are you in need of a fresh encounter?
Do you desire a deeper, more intimate and powerful relationship with the Lord?
Are you ready to have heightened sensitivity to the desires of God?
Do you need to break away from bondages that have been holding you hostage?
Is there a friend or loved one that needs Salvation?
Do you desire to know God’s will for your life?
Fasting prepares our hearts for all the good things God desires in and through us.
When deciding on a fast, we PRAY FIRST.
We WORSHIP.
We GIVE.
HOW TO BEGIN A FAST
Start with a clear goal. Be specific.
Why are you fasting? Do you need direction, healing, restoration of marriage or family issues? Are you facing financial difficulties? Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Pray daily and read the Bible. Use the daily devotion guide we provide as a launch pad for your time with God.
Prepare Spiritually
Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness. Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; Luke 17:3-4). Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you. (Romans 12:1-2)
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Decide What to Fast
The type of fasting you choose is up to you. You could go on a full fast in which you only drink liquids, or you may desire to fast like Daniel, who abstained from sweets and meats, and the only liquid he drank was water. You may decide to fast social media or a certain pleasure.
You may feel led to fast certain things, for a certain number of days during this 21 day period or change what you fast from week to week.
Let’s not be legalistic here, let’s be obedient.
Ask God what to fast and for how long. I believe He will lead you!
Whatever it is you decide to fast, please remember to replace that time with prayer and Bible study.
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Decide How Long to Fast
You may fast as long as you like. Nothing says you couldn’t do one thing for a week and then the next week fast something different. Do certain things for certain periods of time and allow God to direct what you fast and for what duration.
If you are fasting food, most can easily fast from one to three days, but you may feel the grace to go longer, even as much as 21 to 40 days. Use wisdom and pray for guidance.
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What to Expect
Especially when pertaining to fasting food, understand that when you fast, your body detoxifies, eliminating toxins from your system. This can cause mild discomfort such as headaches and irritability during withdrawal from caffeine and sugars. And naturally, you will have hunger pains. Limit your activity and exercise moderately. Take time to rest.
Fasting brings about miraculous results. You are following Jesus’ example when you fast. Spend time listening to praise and worship music. Pray as often as you can throughout the day. Get away from the normal distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and mind set on seeking God’s face.
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How to End
If fasting food, don’t overeat when the time comes to end your fast. Begin eating solid food gradually; eat small portions or snacks.
TYPES OF FOOD FASTING:
There are several types of fasting. The one you choose is between you and God. He will honor your best sacrifice.
Full Fast
(a fast concerning food and drink)
Drink only liquids (you establish the number of days).
The Daniel Fast
Eat no meat, no sweets and no bread. Drink water and juice. Eat fruits and vegetables.
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3-Day Fast
This fast can be a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food. Then re-evaluate, rest a day and repeat.
Partial Fast
A partial fast is from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or from sun up to sundown. You can select from three types of fasting —a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.
Soul Fast
Fasting from things like entertainment (television, social media, iPods/iPads, video games, all reading except the Bible, music, texting, etc.) can be particularly helpful and accessible to kids and teens.
Choosing your fasting plan is a very personal decision.
We are all at different places in our walk with God and our spirituality should never be a cause for comparison or competition.
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There is nothing more “inherently spiritual” about one type of fast as opposed to another.
Your personal fast should present a level of challenge to it, but know your body, know your options, and most importantly, seek God in prayer about this and follow what the Holy Spirit leads you to do.
It’s also important to not let what you eat or do not eat become the focus of your fast.
This is a time to disconnect enough with your regular patterns and habits so to connect more closely to God.
If you do not choose to fast, or no matter what kind of fast you choose, seek God with us in prayer.
MATTHEW 6:33
“ But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.”
OTHER RESOURCES:
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Scripture References for Fasting:
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Relation to Prayer and Reading of the Word:
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Corporate Fasting:
Remember that it is the attitude of a heart sincerely seeking Him to which God responds with a blessing.
