Holy Habits: 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting
Welcome to 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting
Holy Habits in an Unholy World
Welcome to 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting!
We are so glad you've chosen to join our church family on this journey. Whether this is your first time fasting or you've practiced this spiritual discipline for years, our prayer is the same: that these next 21 days would draw you closer to Jesus than you've ever been before.
Our sermon series, Holy Habits in an Unholy World, reminds us that following Christ doesn't happen by accident. The world is constantly shaping our thoughts, priorities, and desires, but Scripture calls us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). Spiritual disciplines, or holy habits, are God-given practices that help us slow down, listen to His voice, and become more like Christ.
Prayer and fasting are not about earning God's approval or proving our spirituality. They are invitations to depend more fully on Him. Fasting teaches us that our deepest hunger is not for food, entertainment, success, or comfort. It is for God Himself. Prayer reminds us that we were created for relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Over the next 21 days, we invite you to set aside intentional time each day to read God's Word, pray, and reflect. As you do, expect God to work in both ordinary and extraordinary ways. He may change your circumstances, but even more importantly, He will change your heart.
As a church, we are believing God to:
Deepen our love for Jesus.
Strengthen our prayer lives.
Build lasting spiritual habits.
Bring healing, freedom, and renewal.
Reach our community with the hope of the gospel.
Raise up disciples who faithfully follow Christ every day.
No matter where you are in your faith journey, God wants to meet you here. Some days will feel powerful, while others may feel quiet. Don't measure success by emotions or perfection. Simply remain faithful. Keep showing up. Keep seeking Him. God's Word promises that when we seek Him with all our hearts, we will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).
Thank you for taking this journey with us. We can't wait to see how God moves in your life and throughout our church over these next 21 days.
May these weeks become the beginning of holy habits that last a lifetime.
With expectation,
Brittany Stilwell,
Spiritual Formation and Focus Minister.
How to Prepare for 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting
What Is Biblical Fasting?
Fasting is the intentional practice of abstaining from something, most often food, for a period of time in order to focus and feast more completely on God. Throughout Scripture, God's people fasted as they sought His direction, expressed repentance, interceded for others, prepared for ministry, and drew near to Him.
Fasting is not about impressing God or earning His favor. Through Jesus Christ, we already have access to the Father because of His grace. Fasting simply removes distractions and creates space for us to seek Him with greater intentionality.
"When you fast..." Matthew 6:16
Notice Jesus didn't say if you fast, but when. He assumed fasting would be a normal part of the believer's life.
Before You Begin
Spend time asking God to prepare your heart.
Prayerfully consider:
What am I asking God to do during these 21 days?
What habits or distractions is God inviting me to surrender?
How do I want to grow spiritually?
Who can I pray for each day?
What specific prayers am I believing God to answer?
Write these prayers down. Revisit them throughout the journey and celebrate how God works.
Choose Your Fast
Not everyone is able to participate in the same way. The goal is not the type of fast but the posture of your heart.
Some examples include:
Food Fast
One meal each day
Sunrise to sunset
A Daniel-style fast (eating only fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and water)
Another food fast as you feel led
Media or Technology Fast
Social media
Streaming services
Video games
News
Non-essential screen time
Secular music
Comfort Fast
Sweets or desserts
Coffee or soft drinks
Shopping
Other comforts that regularly occupy your attention
If you have medical conditions, are pregnant, nursing, have a history of disordered eating, or take medications that require regular nutrition, consult your healthcare provider before beginning a food fast. You can still fully participate by fasting something else that helps you focus on Christ.
Replace, Don't Just Remove
Fasting is most meaningful when we replace what we give up with time spent pursuing God. When you fast, you should also feast:
Instead of scrolling, pray.
Instead of snacking, read Scripture.
Instead of watching another episode, worship.
Instead of filling every quiet moment, listen for God's voice.
Every hunger pang or temptation can become a reminder to turn your attention back to Jesus.
Daily Rhythm
Set aside time minutes to an hour each day :
Read the assigned Scripture.
Ask the Holy Spirit to speak through His Word.
Read the daily devotional.
Spend time praying through the prompts.
Write your reflections in your journal.
Ask God to help you live out what you've learned.
A great way to do this would be to join in our corporate gatherings Monday through Friday from 7-8 am in the worship center.
A Few Encouragements
Don't compare your fast with someone else's.
If you miss a day, simply begin again.
Expect challenges: spiritual growth often requires perseverance.
Celebrate small victories and answered prayers.
Remember that God desires your heart more than your performance.
As you practice these holy habits, trust that God is shaping you into the image of Christ. May these 21 days become more than a temporary challenge, but the beginning of a lifelong pursuit of Jesus in a world that desperately needs His light.