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
Our friend Phil was recently diagnosed with a rare stomach cancer. By God’s grace he lives near the world renowned surgeon who is best suited to care for him. I ask for prayer for Phil and his family to have all of the comfort and support they need through this time of uncertainty, relief of His pain and discomfort and I ask that God guides and blesses his medical team.
Received: January 5, 2025
Anonymous
Peace of mind in feeling like my family is always asking me to pour into them and mediate disputes while I am left feeling drained and unsupported.
Received: January 4, 2025
Johnson
Pray for freedom from drugs and mental health issues. Prayers for love and God's power to return a healed and mentally strong J to her family who loves and misses her.
Received: January 4, 2025
Anonymous
Prayer over graduate school. I’m working on my second master’s degree and I want it to be successful this time. I’m studying to be a teacher and I received a 3.86 gpa after my first semester. I’m worried about how I’m going to pay for tuition. I need prayer to continue to move forward so that I can have a better career. Currently, my career requires me to use physical management on a daily basis and it’s not good for my mental health.
Received: January 4, 2025
Jessica Adams
My Brother Mark is lost. He’s always claimed to believe in nothing, but the past few years have brought him much grief. He believes fate and the universe is against him. Everything goes wrong and he’s hanging in the balance of what’s the purpose and value of my life.
My prayer is for His eyes to be opened, for the Lord to draw him near and change his heart. For believes to cross his path and if it’s me, that the Lord would give me words for him.
Received: January 3, 2025
Anonymous
Kindly agree with me in prayer for God to open doors for me to fully meet my family, and financial obligations, and to be be enabled to serve God's purpose for my life. [I am standing on the promises of these Scriptures: Jer 33:3, 2 Corinthians 4:13, Acts 13:36, Phil 4:19, 2 Cor 1:20). Thank you for believing with me and praying with me (Matt 18:19)
Received: December 30, 2024
Sondra Hodges
I’m going through a divorce praying for things to go according to Gods will.
My kids are all grown but this is taking a toll on my boys they are either not talking to each other, their father, me and their father is not talking to me even though the divorce was his decision. Pray for my family to be close again.
I am restarting school after stopping for two years because of my husband leaving and developing anxiety and depression. Please pray I am successful so that I can move forward with my life.
Thank you
Received: December 29, 2024
Carol Hill
The Hammett Family who has several family members fighting cancer with two at end stage. One is a very good friend who is taking care of and raising her grandson who is Hunters best friend.
Received: December 28, 2024
Carol Hill
I’m asking for prayers for Hunter Leisner who was diagnosed with a rare disease “Ollier” at age ten. He will be having major surgery on March 6th at Johns Hopkins to start the process of leg lengthening. They will attach an Ilizarov external fixator into and around his leg to lengthen. This involves intense therapy for at least 2 months 4 times a week. We ask for prayers of strength, healing and comfort during this time. I’m also asking for prayers for anyone who has been affected or diagnosed with a rare disease.