21 Days of Fasting
January 15 - February 4, 2023
Click to Learn More about Fasting and Praying in the Bible
Although it may seem strange or extreme today, abstaining from food for spiritual purposes was common practice in Old and New Testament times.
Here are just a few examples of fasting in the Bible:
Jesus fasted before he embarked on his public ministry (Luke 4:1-2).
Moses fasted when he was with the Lord on Mount Sinai and received the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28).
Elijah fasted as he journeyed in the wilderness seeking God's protection on journeying to Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:8).
David fasted to plea for God's intervention (Psalm 35:13) and to ask for miraculous healing (2 Samuel 12:17, 23).
Nehemiah fasted and prayed, confessing the people's sins when he heard that the wall of Jerusalem and its gates had been destroyed (Nehemiah 1:4).
Daniel fasted when mourning and before receiving a vision (Daniel 10:3).
Esther fasted and asked all the Jews in Susa to fast, too, as she prayed for wisdom and protection when approaching the king (Esther 4:16).
The early church fasted as they sought the Lord's guidance in appointing leaders (Acts 13:2 and 14:23).
Paul fasted, along with his 276 shipmates, when facing tempestuous storms on a dangerous journey (Acts 27:33-38).
Biblical examples illustrate why fasting is important for believers.
Fasting is a way to humble ourselves before God.
In Psalm 35:13 (KJV), David said "I humbled my soul with fasting."
Jesus gave his followers instructions about how to fast in His Sermon on the Mount. He said "And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6:16-18) These instructions remind us that we don't fast to look pious in front of others.
Even the wicked king, Ahab, humbled himself by fasting when God rebuked him. Ahab's display of humility is answered by God with a reprieve (1 Kings 21:27-29).
Fasting separates us from the natural world and focuses us so we can get spiritual clarity.
As demonstrated through the disciples in Acts 13:2, the Holy Spirit guides us when we are fasting.
When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus said "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).
Fasting and praying is powerful.
Jesus told the disciples that certain miracles could only be performed through prayer and fasting (Mark 9:29, KJV).
When the people of Ninevah fasted and cried out to God, he spared them from disaster (Jonah 3:5-10).
Click to Learn More about the Different Ways to Fast
Before getting started, please note the importance of PRAYING when fasting. Spend time reading your Bible as you fast and pray. The Word of God is spiritual food. Instead of feeding your body, focus on feeding your spirit when you fast.
During our 21 Days of Fasting and Prayer, Even Now, these are some ways to fast from food:
Limiting Meals: fast during 1, 2 or 3 meals each day.
Limiting Food: fast by taking in only liquids.
Sunrise to Sunset: fast during daylight hours.
21-Day Daniel Fast: abstain from all "delicacies" like animal products, oils, and processed foods. Daniel ate only vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, and seeds during his fast.
Shorter-Duration Fasting is also described in the Bible:
1-day fast to seek direction from the Lord (Judges 20:26)
3-day fast without food or water (Esther 4:16 and Acts 9:9)
7-day fast for wisdom, comfort from grief, and guidance (1 Samuel 31:13)
10-day fast of vegetables and water only (Daniel 1:12)
14-day fast of food (Acts 27:33-34)
If you cannot fast from food, consider fasting from other things that promote worldliness and tempt the flesh. You may wish to fast from TV, secular music, movies, social media, or other worldly distractions. Focus instead on God, His Word, and your prayers.
While fasting, be sure to allow time for praise, worship, prayer, and Bible study. Seek the Spirit when you feel weak
Click for Our Prayer List During these 21 Days of Fasting and Prayer
Fasting with prayer should be a personal and profound connection with God. During the 21 Days of Fasting and Prayer, Even Now, be deliberate and focused in praying for a certain need or seeking wisdom and discernment in a specific area.
As a body, we will also be praying for our nation, our community, and our spiritual renewal. Here are focused topics for each day of this shared experience.
Day 1: Pray for spiritual awakening in Cass County
Day 2: Pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in the lives of those we encounter.
Day 3: Praise to God the Father who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others
Day 4. Pray for the Salvation of lost souls.
Day 5: Pray for our loved ones who have strayed from their faith. Pray for the return of prodigals to their families and to God.
Day 6: Praise the name of the Lord who is worthy of all praise, all glory, and all honor.
Day 7: Pray for our first responders and their safety.
Day 8: Pray for our government officials, that they may turn to God for guidance as they make laws and set policies.
Day 9: Praise God, our refuge and strength, our mighty rock.
Day 10: Pray for those in need, those who are hungry, and those who are struggling financially.
Day 11: Pray for victims of crime, abuse, neglect, and human trafficking.
Day 12: Praise God, our deliverer and help in times of struggle.
Day 13: Pray for the mercy of God and the healing of our nation.
Day 14: Pray for the Lord to show His majesty and power in healing, signs, and wonders.
Day 15: Praise the Lord God Almighty for his faithfulness throughout your life.
Day 16: Pray for Cass County schools, teachers, administrators, and students.
Day 17: Pray for the ill and injured in our church, our families, and in the community.
Day 18: Praise God, the creator or heaven and earth and all that is within them.
Day 19: Pray for those who suffer from mental illness and addiction.
Day 20: Pray for peace.
Day 21: Praise God for his everlasting kindness.
Preparing to Fast from Food
Check with your doctor ahead of time to evaluate your best options for how to fast (see list above for different ways to fast).
If you are planning for a total fast from all food, you may wish to gradually scale back before the period of fasting. Increase your water intake as you decrease your food intake to avoid dehydration.
In the Bible, 3 days is the maximum length of time that a complete fast from all food and water is described (except for the 40-day fasts of Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, which are not suitable for those who are new to extended fasting).
Set aside time each day for prayer, worship, and Bible study. Replace meal times with times for connecting with God. Humble yourself before the Lord and allow Him to speak to you through His Word.
End your fast gradually. Too much too soon is not advised following a fast.
Fasting for Spiritual Warfare
The main purpose of fasting is to draw closer to God. It's an opportunity for you to let your desire for God triumph over your desire for temporary physical satisfaction. When fasting, you shift the focus from the physical (flesh) to the spiritual.
When fasting, you will be tempted by Satan just as Jesus was. And, just as Jesus did, your response to temptation should be to go immediately to Scripture. Only the Word of God can defeat Satan. As you feast on the Word of God, temptation will wane. When fasting, you'll see firsthand how Satan always tempts us to satisfy the flesh over the spirit. You'll be building up your discernment and fortitude to fight evil influences when you fast and rely on God's Word.
Don't fast without praying and relying on God's Word. Isaiah 58 describes what happens when fasting is not acceptable to God because the fasting is not focused on humbling oneself before God.
