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.
Denise
Please pray I find a doctor to find a solution to my many back problems . That I’m not living in pain every day. That I can have a life again outside the walls of my home. The help I need to get organized in my home. That I can reach out and ask for help.
Received: January 6, 2025
This prayer has been answered!
Alex Abler
I am using this 21 days of prayer and fasting to seek God‘s clear guidance on next steps for this new phase of ministry in my life.
Please pray for the following specific things:
1. That God would grant Dr. Baer and me wisdom as we brainstorm concerning my role in the Mesa Scholars ministry.
2. That I will completely submit my will to God‘s will as he leads and guide us.
3. That my wife Nancy and I would have the health and strength needed to follow Him in this new phase of our ministry.
4 . That my wife Nancy and I would completely submit our lives - all that we are (gifts, talents, interests, abilities) and all that we have, as an offering in service to God‘s kingdom.
Received: January 6, 2025
Anonymous
Please Lord
I pray to draw closer to you. I pray that all I have lost over the last year you would restore. I’m tired. I’m tired physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. Please Lord
Received: January 6, 2025
Alex Abler
I am using this 21 days of prayer and fasting to seek God‘s clear guidance on next steps for this new phase of ministry in my life.
Please pray for the following specific things:
1. That God would grant Dr. Baer and me wisdom as we brainstorm concerning my role in the Mesa Scholars ministry.
2. That I will completely submit my will to God‘s will as he leads and guide us.
3. That my wife Nancy and I would have the health and strength needed to follow Him in this new phase of our ministry.
4 . That my wife Nancy and I would completely submit our lives - all that we are (gifts, talents, interests, abilities) and all that we have, as an offering in service to God‘s kingdom.
Received: January 6, 2025
Robbie Wright
For discernment, encouragement, wisdom, and faith as I start my new job today (1/6/25).
Received: January 6, 2025
Sandy D’Erasmo
Please pray for Frank to have a relationship with the Lord and his salvation. Also, to provide me with strength, peace and guidance in moving forward on my journey. Thank you and may God bless you️
Received: January 6, 2025
Gina Lohman
After losing my husband 6 months ago, praying for peace of mind, that I can finally sleep, to draw closer to God, for strength during this time, heal my broken heart, to show me I have purpose in my life. Just a complete Holy Spirit overhaul!
Received: January 6, 2025
Ashley raico-bisesi
That my husband comes to Jesus and accepts him as his lord and savior.