During 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting, we encourage you to practice the spiritual discipline of fasting. Fasting is the biblical way we humble ourselves before God (Psalm 35:13; 69:10). It also helps to increase our hunger for God’s presence and renew our connection with Him. If you’re ready to put your faith in action and drive your roots down deeper in Christ, 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting is the perfect place to start!
The goal of fasting is to draw nearer to God. Biblical fasting always has to do with eliminating distractions for a spiritual purpose; it hits the reset button of our soul and renews us from the inside out. It also enables us to celebrate the goodness and mercy of God and prepares our hearts for all the good things God desires to bring into our lives. Remember, your personal fast should present a level of challenge, but it is very important to know your body, your options, and, most importantly, to seek God in prayer and follow what the Holy Spirit leads you to do.
The goal of fasting is to draw nearer to God. Biblical fasting always has to do with eliminating distractions for a spiritual purpose; it hits the reset button of our soul and renews us from the inside out. It also enables us to celebrate the goodness and mercy of God and prepares our hearts for all the good things God desires to bring into our lives. Remember, your personal fast should present a level of challenge, but it is very important to know your body, your options, and, most importantly, to seek God in prayer and follow what the Holy Spirit leads you to do.
“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair[a] and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you."
matthew 6:16-18 NLT
“One day the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus and asked him, 'Why don’t your disciples fast like we do and the Pharisees do?' Jesus replied, 'Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.'"
matthew 9:14-15 NLT
“Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: 'Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.'"
LUKE 18:9-14 NLT
"Just as day was dawning, Paul urged everyone to eat. 'You have been so worried that you haven’t touched food for two weeks,' he said. 'Please eat something now for your own good. For not a hair of your heads will perish.' Then he took some bread, gave thanks to God before them all, and broke off a piece and ate it. Then everyone was encouraged and began to eat—all 276 of us who were on board."
acts 27:33-37 NLT
“On October 31 the people assembled again, and this time they fasted and dressed in burlap and sprinkled dust on their heads. Those of Israelite descent separated themselves from all foreigners as they confessed their own sins and the sins of their ancestors. They remained standing in place for three hours while the Book of the Law of the Lord their God was read aloud to them. Then for three more hours they confessed their sins and worshiped the Lord their God."
nehemiah 9:1-3 NLT
If you're new to fasting, here’s how it works: Choose something (or a few things) from the list below and abstain from it completely for 7, 14, or 21 days! Whatever you feel the Holy Spirit is leading you to do! If you want to change it up throughout the 21 days, choose something new each week.
- Full Meal (Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner)
- Dessert / Sweets
- Dairy
- Meat
- Sugar
- Carbs
- Processed Food
- Snacking
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Soda
- Eating out
- Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, etc
- Shopping
- Social Media
- Video games
- YouTube
- Screen Time
During this 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting, the leaders of Crossroads will be doing a Daniel Fast, which is a type of selective fast. Interested in trying it out?