21 Days of Prayer & Fasting
Fasting is an important discipline in scripture. In Matthew
6:16, Jesus does not command us to fast but rather speaks
about it from the assumption that we are already doing it
(“And when you fast...”)! Fasting means to willingly abstain
or reduce some food or drink (or both) for a period of time
with the purpose of seeking and depending on the Lord.
With that being our intention, look at all the benefits of
humbling ourselves in true fasting as recorded in Isaiah 58!
Do you want strongholds to be broken? Heaviness to be
removed? Greater effectiveness for God’s kingdom? Healing?
God’s protection and rear-guard? Revival within our city and
nation? Fasting brings these things because that is what He
already desires for us and He honors the heart of His children
as they seek after Him. Do not view this time of fasting and
prayer as a dread or punishment, but as a time of great
expectation! God’s heart is for you to draw close to Him.
Ask the Holy Spirit what He is putting on your heart to fast
during this period of corporate prayer and fasting. Write it
on the provided line below as a vow and commitment
before the LORD during this time.
There are many different types of fasts held in the Bible
including partial fasts, like in Daniel, or absolute fasts (no
food or water). Fasting in scripture always included food or
meals, but you can include abstaining from things like TV,
social media, etc. with the purpose of spending that time
with the Lord. When considering how or what to fast
remember, if it is important to you, it is important to God!
You are not fasting to try and manipulate God into action in
your life. You are humbling yourself before Him and giving
something to Him as a sacrifice with the desire to go deeper
in your relationship with Him. The goal is more of Him! God
honors that type of sacrifice with the promise that when
we seek Him, we WILL find Him!