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
Please pray for my 3 oldest granddaughters, 23, 21, and 17 yrs old. Because of gender confusion,they all do not feel accepted by God. They either can not believe God's Word on homosexuality, or can't accept a God who is against it. I am not sure how to reach them. I just tell them how much God loves them, and I love them. The oldest lives in Maine with her girl friend and we have not physically seen her for 3 years. We do text and send care packages and let them know we love them. Praying for direction and their hearts to be open to God's Word and love.
Received: January 13, 2025
Anonymous
Direction on where to live, do I stay in Maryland or move elsewhere?
Received: January 13, 2025
Robert DiSpaldo
God we pray for the rescue and freedom for the 100 Israeli suffering as hostages held in Gaza. We pray the hamas captors obey Gods command to free the captives In the name of Jesus we pray.
Received: January 12, 2025
Lorraine
Please pray for my son that he can see his illness and except help.
Received: January 12, 2025
Jacquelyn Slusher-Haskbeck
51 day old grandson Jones having open-heart surgery tomorrow 1/13.
He has had a tough beginning - since Nov 22, he and his parents have spent all but 2 weeks in PCICU at Hopkins.
His heart is size of a golf ball so Father God guide that surgeon’s skillful precise hands. Let his parents finally hold him without tubes coming from everywhere, feed him and watch thighs and arms grow rolls, hear him cry and see him smile.
This surgery comes with known developmental impact due to use of heart-lung bypass machine - Father God asking for our acceptance of your great plan for Jones. And lastly, praying for Jones’ parents, Logan and Jacqueline, for healing peace with this traumatic evolving new parenting role/ heartache.
Thank you so Lighthouse family for being who and what we need to live through his.
Love and prayers,
Jacqui, family, framily ( that’s friends who are like family) and friends
Received: January 12, 2025
Anonymous
Asking for agreement in faith for the answers for my young daughter. Something is off in her body and is causing some problems that are not major, but make day to day trickier for her. I want to know what steps I need to take for her.
Received: January 11, 2025
Anonymous
My family has been struggling for several weeks. My mom is a believer, but doesn’t attend church regularly. My dad says he is a believer, but doesn’t seem to care much about anything having to do with faith. My brother was a believer but now says he isn’t. I’m a believer and attend church regularly. We are just so lost and struggling more than ever recently. It’s effecting us physically, emotionally and mentally. Please pray for my family!
Thank you!
Received: January 11, 2025
Anonymous
This prayer is for a loved one. I’m praying for him to have an encounter with the Lord that transforms his heart and to let go of all distractions pulling him further from God. He’s running away from God, being overwhelmed with guilt and shame, but I know God is calling him back like the prodigal son.
Received: January 11, 2025
Anonymous
Please pray for my brother in law, Robert, as he is currently receiving inpatient treatment to begin a journey of recovery at age 35. He is a father , brother and son. He does not have a relationship with Christ but for the first time ever has expressed an interest.
Received: January 10, 2025
Cristy Kirssin
Hi,
Can someone please pray for me?
I was on the way home from work tonight (Friday) when I received a call after 5 Pm and being told I am laid off from my job.
No explanation given except due to low business volume and budgetary.
I did an excellent job while I was there even sharing the gospel with my colleagues AND inviting them to church.
Maybe G-d has something else for me.
Can you please pray 1) I can accept this and proactively start moving on 2) I will not dwell or try to analyze it 3) G-d opens up a new opportunity quickly 4) for discernment for where G-d is leading me and to accept the correct opportunity 5) for a rational mindset and to not be tempted to worry, be afraid or to get distracted.
Thanks and I am feeling proud of my work in the short time I was there. I do believe I ministered to those people during the short tenure.
Thanks,
Cristy