21 Days of
Prayer & Fasting
January 6th – 26th
There is no better way to start a new year than by intentionally drawing closer to God and seeking His guidance for our lives. Join us for 21 days of prayer and fasting as we disconnect from the things of this world and connect to God.
WHAT IS FASTING?
As followers of Jesus, we grow closer to Him as we block out the world’s noise. Blocking out daily distractions by doing as Jesus called us to do in Luke 9:23 allows us to truly focus on Him and what He may ask of us. “And He said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” By taking up our cross daily, we put down things that might interfere and distract us from spending time with Him and hearing Him so that we may follow where He leads us. In this generation, it’s so easy to get distracted. From work to school, kids, social media, stress, relationship problems, or what may pop up throughout our day – it can be overwhelming and take control of our thoughts and our time.
From January 6th to 26th, we will silence the noise of the world and set aside distractions that keep us from seeking Him first and picking up our cross. We do not lose something when we fast; we gain something: A deeper relationship with Jesus!
HOW DO WE FAST?
PRAY
Fasting isn’t just about taking something away from our lives. When we fast from things that distract us in our walk with Jesus, we fill that time and space with prayer, ultimately bringing us closer to Him.
Before you begin your journey of 21 days of prayer and fasting, commit to a fast and stay determined. Preparation is critical, and it is most effective if you choose one thing to fast from and stick with it!
PLAN & COMMIT
EXAMPLES OF FASTS
The Food Fast: Intermittent fasting, only one meal per day, fruits and vegetables only, or traditional fasting (only eating sun up to sun down, Monday- Friday) are many ways to follow a food fast.
The Social Media Fast: Delete those apps off your phone. Social media can be a massive distraction in spending time with Jesus.
The Television Fast: Imagine what God can do when you use your TV time to spend with Him.
Scripture References for Fasting:
We believe Jesus wants to do something incredible for our kids and students during this time of prayer and fasting, just like He will for adults. When we teach the next generation and allow them to participate, they grow in their personal relationships with Jesus.
TEACHING CHILDREN ABOUT FASTING
TIPS FOR LH FAMILIES
- Make an intentional choice as a family about the type of fast you will do: no sweets, one meal, media fast - TV, social media, games, etc.
- Spend quality time with God daily through worship, prayer, or starting a Bible plan on the YouVersion Bible App. “KIDS: 21 Days of Fasting and Prayer”, “Dangerous Prayers”, and “A 7-Day Guide To Prayer” are three good plans to begin with. You may also search “21 Days of Prayer and Fasting” under Plans in the app.
- Create a time for the family to talk about what God is teaching you and what you are struggling with—a great place for this is at the dining room table or before bed.
- Encourage one another daily.
- Write down prayer requests and pray together during the 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting.
THINGS FOR KIDS & STUDENTS TO FAST
- Choose to stay away from sweets or something specific, like ice cream.
- Choose one show to not watch for 21 days.
- Choose to put the AirPods/Headphones away for the next 21 days to help you be present with God and the people around you.
- Fast from TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, or BeReal for the next 21 Days. Replace the app on your home screen with The Bible App, Hallow, or Spotify (to listen to worship music when you want to log in/scroll social media).
- Do choose to read your Bible daily.
- Do spend time praying to God when you wake up, at lunch, and at bedtime.
- Do listen to worship music.
- Don’t forget the reason you are fasting.
- Don’t stop fasting if you eat something you’re not supposed to or slip up and start scrolling.
- Don’t compare your fast to someone else’s.
DO'S AND DON'T'S
CHECK OUT OUR LH FAMILIES HANDOUT WITH TIPS, QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION, AND A CALENDAR TO TRACK YOUR PROGRESS!
STAY CONNECTED
Through 21 Day’s of Prayer & Fasting
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS? ASK USING THE BUTTON BELOW.
During our 21 days of prayer and fasting, we want to come together as a family by submitting and praying for one another’s requests. Fill out the form below. Once your prayer request is received, we will share it according to your instructions. Feel free to submit as many prayer requests as you like!
When inputting your prayer request please be sure to fill out all of the below fields. We will be praying for you.
SF
That the Lord would strengthen our marriage in a time of family transition. That the Lord would heal my wife’s chronic insomnia. The Lord would bring my “prodigal” son back into his fold and he would have a desire to deepen his relationship with Jesus and those who follow Jesus. That the Lord would guide my 2nd son in all things and he would be receptive and see the good in following the Lord’s will and find a community of believers to grow with in college and in his team. That the Lord would guide my daughter in her decisions for her dance career and those decisions would glorify you God. And that God would guide my steps into my post-retirement 2nd career.
Received: January 22, 2025
Mark good
I have been unintentionally lost 10 lbs over the last 2 months and for me this is not good
I also have ongoing trouble with my fingers thanks for praying
Received: January 22, 2025
Anonymous
Faith, hope, and joy continue to broaden during this fasting. What was thought to be a stress relief was taking time away from God. Time that I never once considered to devote. While burdens, financial struggles and sadness are still present; a sense of lightness have set in. God you have my attention. Amen.
Received: January 22, 2025
Anonymous
Please pray that I continue to find God in my life and that I receive Gods blessings. I would love more resources so that I’m not just barely surviving each week and can give my children the life they deserve. Please also pray that my new relationship is guided by God and allows us to grow in faith with another.
Received: January 22, 2025
Anonymous
I have a patient, John, who’s wife just messaged me the following, I told her I would share:
Great! Thank you! The sepsis played havoc with his body and now he has some heart issues but not sure exactly what yet. I know his brain has been affected, I’ll explain when I see you. He goes for an echocardiogram Thursday and next week is stress test. Plus he has swelling in his ankles and feet. He has improved a lot but it’s a slow recovery. GP said 2-12 months.
Received: January 21, 2025
Anonymous
Praying for a Co-worker and her household’s salvation; healing and wholeness for her husband who is sick; and deliverance for her child to come to the realization of who God’s made him.
Deliverance from strongholds, restoration and blessings for my siblings in Africa.
God’s favor and open door for my Niece’s children to join their mother in Canada.
And God shall restore to me everything that was lost; according to His Word(Joel 2:25, Jer. 30:17, Job 42:10, Ps. 41:1-3; Gen.21:1
Thank you
Received: January 21, 2025
Alex Abler
please pray for my long-time friend and dear brother Keith. He just lost his talented, beautiful 19 year-old daughter Abigail to meningitis. Please ask the God of all comfort to bless the family with a tangible sense of His presence and flood their home with His shalom and the Holy Spirit with all His fruits. May God turn their hearts to Him during this time and give them peace and hope.
Received: January 21, 2025
Greg Myers
Please pray for my grandfather, he likes to go by Papa Art. He is currently on hospice and he can't breath well. He is 93 and been a believer most of his life please prayer for peace and comfort.
Thank you, God bless
Received: January 21, 2025
Alex Abler
I thank God for answering my prayers - at least partially - by encouraging me. As I was praying for another brother’s request, the Lord showed me Acts 13.36: For David, after he had served God’s purpose in his own generation, fell asleep, and was buried among his fathers and underwent decay… God encouraged me to know that He will fully sustain and equip me to accomplish my role in His purposes in this generation before He takes me home. please join me in thanking Him for His generous and timely encouragement!
Received: January 21, 2025
Anonymous
Please pray for my son. He has had a very tough year with lots of different challenges that have happened most recently his girlfriend of two years breaking up with him. Please pray for God to have his hand upon him and to guide him down a path of healing and strength this year and for him to give him favor in the next stages of his journey.