As a church, we are setting aside twenty-one days to focus on prayer and fasting. During these three weeks, we encourage everyone to set aside time for personal prayer and reflection as we enter into a new era as a church.
What is fasting?
The biblical concept of fasting is the practice of a believer going without food for a period of time for the spiritual purposes of prayer and devotion.
Fasting is an expression of faith.
Fasting is the process of converting a hunger for food into a heart-hunger for God.
Fasting is an exercise in emptiness to show us where our fullness can be found.
What Fasting is NOT:
✅ Fasting is NOT a crash diet.
The spiritual practice of fasting is not primarily about health benefits, weight loss, or detoxing. Although these may be beneficial, the primary focus of fasting is prayer and devotion to God.
✅ Fasting is NOT at the detriment of our health.
Please seek medical advice if necessary. If you are planning an extended fast, or if you are pregnant, nursing, diabetic, or have a condition that requires a regular diet, consult your doctor before starting your fast.
✅ Fasting is NOT just for fanatics.
Jesus said, “When you fast,” not “If you fast” (Matthew 6:16-18). Fasting is a spiritual practice for all believers.
✅ Fasting is NOT about earning God's acceptance.
We do not fast to impress God or earn His approval. Our acceptance comes solely through Jesus Christ—not our fasting skills.
✅ Fasting is NOT twisting God’s arm.
Fasting is not a way to manipulate God into answering our prayers. Instead, we fast to align ourselves with God’s will and respond to His leading.
In what ways can we fast?
The Hebrew word for fasting means “to cover over the mouth,” and the Greek word means “to abstain from food.” These give us insight into how fasting is traditionally practiced.
Various Types of Fasts:
🔹 A Normal Fast – Going without food but drinking plenty of water for a set period of time.
🔹 A Liquid Fast – A fast that includes only liquids such as broth, soups, and fruit juices for a set period of time.
🔹 A Partial Fast – Giving up particular foods (e.g., meat, bread, sugar) and eating simple fruits and vegetables instead. This is often referred to as a Daniel Fast, based on Daniel 1:8, 12-20. This can be done for 3, 7, or 21 days.
🔹 Fasting Meals – Skipping certain meals to dedicate that time to prayer and reflection. If you are new to fasting, start with a one, two, or three-meal fast.
🔹 Other Fasts – Abstaining from things like television, technology, social media, or hobbies that take up time and attention.
The Purpose of Fasting
The goal of fasting is to create space in our busy lives for what is spiritually most valuable. This is a time for deepened prayer and reflection.
💡 As we embark on this 21-day journey, we pray that you experience renewed faith, deeper intimacy with God, and spiritual breakthrough. May this be a time of transformation as we seek Him together!