21 DAYS OF PRAYER

Quite simply, if we are to model the life and lifestyle of Jesus, then we will fast and pray in certain seasons because Jesus did the same. See Matthew 4. The Bible teaches us that praying, fasting and giving are three essential responses to God in our relationship with Him. This is taught in the Old Testament, the New Testament and in the direct words of Jesus. We can fast for many reasons: to humble ourselves and repent of a sin that we need freedom from, to seek God’s direction in a serious situation, to concentrate on specific prayers at a deeper level. Jesus said that some things can only be changed by prayer and fasting. See Matthew 17:20-21

Less of me and more of God. That’s the quick summary. We find a way to say no to our natural desires and interrupt our daily rhythms on purpose by choosing something to let go of for a time. This is what we are fasting from. We then intentionally add more connection with God during that season of fasting (additional prayer time, worship time, listening to sermons/podasts, etc.). This is essential so it’s not just a diet or a time of self-restriction. It is exchanging the wants/needs of our physical body for those of the spiritual.

Exodus 34:28, 2 Samuel 1:12, Daniel 9:3-5, Daniel 10:3,  Esther 4, Jonah 3:5-9, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 1:4, Isaiah 58:3-7, Joel 2:12-13, Matthew 4:1-11, Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 17:20-21, Luke 2:25-40, Luke 18:1-14, Acts 13:3-4, Acts 14:2, Acts 14:23,

Jesus instructs us to not make it obvious to others when we are fasting, as to draw human attention and admiration for our fast. Instead, we should be careful to do it for the purpose of more deeply connecting with God, not to impress people. See Matthew 6:16-18

Explain to them that you are choosing to stop doing something for a time so you can focus more on God. Help them see how your fast has created the extra space for more time with God.  It’s like putting down something good so you can experience something better.

Spiritually: Expect God to speak to you. Be intentional to put yourself more into His Word and in moments of quiet. Set aside specific times for God. Be listening close and expect Him to speak. Remember His voice always lines up with Scripture. The Holy Spirit will never tell you something that contradicts the Bible. You should also expect the enemy to come your way during your fast offering you lots of distraction, lies and deception. See Matthew 4 when this happened to Jesus.

Physically: You will notice withdrawals. It could come in the way of headaches, stomach aches or feeling cold or mildly achy. It won’t last the entire fast, but it is likely to happen in the first few days. You may also be more tired and need extra sleep.

Emotionally: You might ride a roller coaster of emotions during your fast. Sometimes you will feel so eager to hear from God and energized from a moment of spiritual depth with God.  But you also will likely experience frustration when you crave whatever you gave up for the fast. Be patient with yourself and ask God to help you regulate your emotions during your fast.

Here are some options. You should choose something that creates a loss, something that feels very different to live without, something that stretches you. As Pastor Matthew has said, “If you don’t feel it, God won’t either.” This is meant to be a sacrifice and a void that God can fill up for you! Ideas: fast from caffeine, fast from all sweets, fast from one meal a day, fast from two meals a day. Non-food related fasting ideas: fast from social media, fast from using your phone at all after 5pm, fast from TV, fast from any spending except necessities. Pray about it. Ask God to show you what you could fast from.

Use the Pray First app and scroll down to the bottom of page one for articles/links for fasting.

Visit cru.org (enter “fasting” in the search bar) for multiple articles/links on fasting. 

Consider reading a book on fasting such as “Fasting” by Jentzen Franklin