21 Days of Prayer and Fasting

Why We Fast as a Church

1. We Fast to Seek God’s Presence, Not Just His Provision

Key Scriptures: Matthew 6:16–18 ““And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

; Psalm 27:4 “One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.”

Fasting realigns our hearts from what we want to Who we need.

It strips away distractions and heightens spiritual sensitivity.

As a church, fasting says: “God, we want You more than answers, breakthroughs, or blessings.”

Big Idea: Fasting doesn’t move God closer to us — it moves us closer to God.

2. We Fast to Humble Ourselves and Repent Together

Key Scriptures: Joel 2:12–17 ““Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster. Who knows whether he will not turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind him, a grain offering and a drink offering for the Lord your God? Blow the trumpet in Zion; consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly; gather the people. Consecrate the congregation; assemble the elders; gather the children, even nursing infants. Let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride her chamber. Between the vestibule and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep and say, “Spare your people, O Lord, and make not your heritage a reproach, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’ ”” ;

2 Chronicles 7:14 “if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Biblical fasting is often connected to humility, repentance, and renewal.

Corporate fasting acknowledges: we don’t have it all figured out — we need God’s mercy and direction.

God responds powerfully when His people humble themselves together, not just individually.

Big Idea: Revival begins when pride ends.

3. We Fast to Align Ourselves with God’s Will and Power

Key Scriptures: Acts 13:2–3 “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.”

In Scripture, fasting often preceded clarity, commissioning, and breakthrough.

Fasting doesn’t twist God’s arm — it tunes our ears.

As a church, we fast to walk in unity, hear God clearly, and step into what He’s already prepared.

Big Idea: When God’s people align, God releases direction and power.

Closing Challenge

“We’re not fasting to prove something to God — we’re fasting because we’re desperate for Him.”

Invite the church to:

Commit together

Pray intentionally

Expect transformation — personally and corporately