21 Days of Prayer & Fasting: Prep Week

What is Prep Week? 

Have you ever tried to start a new habit only to fail the first day because you forgot to plan? Prep Week is a time leading up to our 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting, where you can begin to prepare both spiritually and practically. You may want to take this week to: 

• Begin to pray about what you’re giving up (see below for fasting options) and what will take its place to help you draw closer to God.
  
• Grocery shop according to what is allowed on your fast. 
• Create a plan. Think about a time and place where you will pray each day. 
• Download the Christ Fellowship App to read the Prep Week daily devotional and the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting devotional, from March 11-31. 

What is Fasting? 

Fasting can sound intimidating, but it’s really quite simple. Fasting is a period of time that you give up food—or something else you depend on—so you can turn your focus toward God in prayer. Fasting isn’t about cutting calories—it’s about cutting things that hinder our connection to God. It’s about letting go of the natural (such as food) to take hold of the supernatural. 

Fasting isn’t something we have to do, but it’s a spiritual discipline that we get to do to draw us closer to God. Jesus never commanded that we fast, but in Matthew chapter 6, He said, “...when you fast.” Fasting isn’t commanded—but it is expected in the life of the Christ-follower. Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Prayer and fasting is all about you seeking God with all your heart, drawing closer to Him, and learning to hear His voice.

How Should I Fast? 

There are many different types of fasts. Fasting from food is not for everyone, especially those with certain health conditions. Here are some ideas: 

Full Fast: 
Drink liquids only for a set period of days (we recommend consulting your physician before beginning a full fast).

Intermittent Fasting: 
Intermittent fasting is usually abstaining from food from sun up to sun down (or another pre-selected time frame)—drinking water, and eating a light dinner at night.

Daniel Fast: 
Avoid meats, sweets, and treats—usually for 21 days. Instead, eat fruits, vegetables, rice, and beans. Avoid dairy, bread, meats, and alcohol. More details about the Daniel Fast.

Selective Fast: 
A selective fast involves giving up a specific food (such as meat or sweets) for the duration of your fast. 

Digital Detox: 
A digital fast can be spent giving up certain types of media (T.V. or streaming, social media or specific social apps, and/or video games) and replacing that time with prayer. 

Whatever your fast looks like, remember, it’s not about what you’re giving up but what you're going to gain. Even if you decide not to fast at all, don’t let it stop you from having a time of intentional and extended prayer each day! 

Where is fasting mentioned in the Bible? 

We’re glad you asked! You can read about fasting in the following references: 

• Matthew 6:16-18
  
• Matthew 9:14-15
• Luke 18:9-14
• 1 Samuel 1:6-8,17-18
• Nehemiah 1:4
• Daniel 9:3,20
• Joel 2:12
• Luke 2:37
• Acts 10:30
• Acts 13:2
• 1 Samuel 7:5-6
• Ezra 8:21-23
• Nehemiah 9:1-3
• Joel 2:15-16
• Jonah 3:5-10
• Acts 27:33-37