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.
Anonymous
That my son who was recently laid off finds a job with benefits. That he will turn his heart to Jesus.
Received: January 7, 2025
COOKIE ATWELL
Praying fir my brother in law Dan. He had cancer several years ago n now it might be back again. He was dramatized before. It was a very tuff time for him. I don't think he has asked the Lord in to he's heart either. My sister has been dramatized too being he's care giver. She loves the Lord n sings to him daily. I can see her growth of faith in that..Lift them up to the Lord in prayers please.
Received: January 7, 2025
Anonymous
Please pray for healing and deliverance for my son who has been struggling with bipolar and severe depression for years. He no longer wants to live and is tired of trying. He also is being plagued by demons when he sleeps. Please pray that it be the will of Jesus for him to be healed and rid of the demons.
Received: January 6, 2025
Heidi McNeeley
Please pray that our house sells quickly, for the price we are asking, if it is God’s will. If it is not God’s will please pray that our hearts will be open and accepting of that.
Received: January 6, 2025
Anonymous
Prayers needed ... feeling overwhelmed, lost and broken. Please God lead my husband and I in the right direction, with the right mindset and faith to let go of resentment for obstacles placed on our shoulders, Addiction struggles that have led to our raising two grandsons and faith that we will not fail.
Received: January 6, 2025
Coleen Barrack
Please pray for me I just lost my husband Bill 4 months ago. Please specifically that I get through this really tough time as I grieve.
Received: January 6, 2025
Natasha
My friend's daughter is missing. She is 19. She is bipolar and schizophrenic. My friend, her mother, checked her into the hospital, and, because she's an adult, was able to check herself out. She has not been seen or heard from since Dec. 23rd. She is not on her medications and has a history of violence (towards herself as well). She was spotted in DC. There is a detective looking, as well as a few friends of mine that are DCPD. Her mom and family just want her safe.
Received: January 6, 2025
Anonymous
Praying for Gods peace over my health. How it has affected every area of my life. For peace in the storm. To know my family will be ok.
Received: January 6, 2025
MAUREEN WILSON
I am 75 years old and I was born without a left hand. I was just gifted an artificial left arm - called a left arm prosthetic with a hook that opens and closes. The hook is positioned at the end of my left arm stump. To open and close the hook, it works off my left arm muscles, left shoulder muscles, back muscles, left shoulder muscles, and chest peck muscles. Needless to say these muscles have practically been dormant to use like this and my muscles are screaming in pain.
As excited as I am, and I am extremely excited and grateful, the difficulty matches the excitement !!!! I need prayer for:
GOD PLEASE MIRACULOUSLY MOVE IN STRENGTHING MY MUSCELES IN MY UPPER BODY TORSO TO ALLOW ME TO USE THIS PROSTHETIC ARM WITH EASE SUCCESSFULLY, I PRAY IN JESUS'S MATCHLESS NAME. GRATEFULLY, AMEN.
Thank You Lighthouse Family,
Maureen Wilson