January 9 - 29, 2023
The goal for this 21-day fast is that you would experience a new intimacy in your relationship with God. As you prepare to begin, we encourage you to prepare your heart spiritually. The foundation for fasting and prayer is repentance. Unconfessed sin can hinder your prayers.
Why Fast?
Why you should fast?
Fasting has the potential for significant impact in our lives. Through fasting and prayer, the Holy Spirit can transform your life personally and God can speak to you in new and dynamic ways.
Fasting and prayer can also work on a much grander scale. According to Scripture, personal experience and observation, we are convinced that when God’s people fast with a proper Biblical motive – seeking God’s face not His hand – with a broken, repentant, and contrite spirit, God will hear from heaven and heal our lives, our churches, our communities, our nation and world. Fasting and prayer can bring about revival – a change in the direction of our nation, the nations of earth and the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
Biblical fasting is, very simply, denying oneself something for the sake of seeking and honoring God. Pastor Stovall Weems says that “prayer is connecting with God; fasting is disconnecting ourselves from the world.” That’s a great way to describe the feeling. In addition to food, you can also fast from other things that keep you connected to the world. These may include television, social media, online games and more.
If you do not already know of the power and importance of fasting, here are some very important facts:
- Fasting was an expected discipline in both the Old and New Testament eras. For example, Moses fasted at least two recorded 40-day periods. Jesus fasted 40 days and reminded His followers to fast, “when you fast,” not if you fast.
• Fasting and prayer can restore the loss of the “first love” for your Lord and result in a more intimate relationship with Christ.
• Fasting is a Biblical way to truly humble yourself in the sight of God (Psalm 35:13; Ezra 8:21). King David said, “I humble myself through fasting.”
• Fasting enables the Holy Spirit to reveal your true spiritual condition, resulting in brokenness, repentance and a transformed life.
• The Holy Spirit will quicken the Word of God in your heart and His truth will become more meaningful to you!
• Fasting can transform your prayer life into a richer and more personal experience.
• Fasting can result in a dynamic personal revival in your own life – and make you a channel of revival to
others.
If you fast, you will find yourself being humbled. You will discover more time to pray and seek God’s face. And as He leads you to recognize and repent of unconfessed sin, you will experience special blessings from God.
Guidelines for a Fast
As you consider the potential for prayer with fasting, there are multiple methods for fasting. The following are guidelines on:
One meal each day
The fast is not about only giving up food, but also includes praying during mealtime. Jesus said, “Could you not watch with me one hour?” (Matthew 26:40). It takes about an hour to prepare a meal or travel to a restaurant or get ready to eat. So this time is a perfect opportunity to pray. Those who work in hot exhausting jobs cannot fast completely because they need their strength and stamina for physical exertion. However, they can sacrifice one meal a day for the Lord.
Two meal each day
The fast is not about only giving up food, but also includes praying during mealtime. Jesus said, “Could you not watch with me one hour?” (Matthew 26:40). It takes about an hour to prepare a meal or travel to a restaurant or get ready to eat. So this time is a perfect opportunity to pray. Those who work in hot exhausting jobs cannot fast completely because they need their strength and stamina for physical exertion. However, they can sacrifice one meal a day for the Lord.
Eat only veggies
The fast is not about only giving up food, but also includes praying during mealtime. Jesus said, “Could you not watch with me one hour?” (Matthew 26:40). It takes about an hour to prepare a meal or travel to a restaurant or get ready to eat. So this time is a perfect opportunity to pray. Those who work in hot exhausting jobs cannot fast completely because they need their strength and stamina for physical exertion. However, they can sacrifice one meal a day for the Lord.
Give up television
The fast is not about only giving up food, but also includes praying during mealtime. Jesus said, “Could you not watch with me one hour?” (Matthew 26:40). It takes about an hour to prepare a meal or travel to a restaurant or get ready to eat. So this time is a perfect opportunity to pray. Those who work in hot exhausting jobs cannot fast completely because they need their strength and stamina for physical exertion. However, they can sacrifice one meal a day for the Lord.
Give up sports
Giving up bowling league, golfing, fishing, jogging or other activity for a season (such as 40 days) to pray during that time is a choice. It places spiritual exercise above physical exercise. “Bodily exercise profits little, but
godliness is profitable for all things” (1Timothy 4:8).
Give up pleasure reading
Beyond what you must read for your work or preparing for teaching the Word of God, pleasure reading could be turned into prayer time. You could consider laying aside reading from the online site too.
Restrict mobile phone use and text messaging
While some of these communication devices are necessary, they are serious time robbers that could be placed aside for praying.
Use of iPhone or MP3 players
Some people have the opportunity to restrict their genre to Christian music only.
Facebook and other social media
These activities can consume huge chunks of time. Part of a fast could be to cease social media and use the time for prayer and intercession.
Other
There may be something that the Holy Spirit brings to mind that you could place aside for a season while you focus on more prayer.
Week 3 January 23 - 29, 2023
Concert of Prayers
Day 20/ 21 - January 28, 2023
PRAY FOR YOUR WALK WITH THE LORD
Bible Reading : John 15:5-8
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. – John 15:5-8
Sometimes in prayer, we get our list out and pray for a whole bunch of people and situations. That is wonderful, but don’t neglect to pray over yourself and specifically your walk with God. Let this prayer point be all about your relationship with Him. Be real and honest with Him… If you draw near to Him and He will draw near to you!
Just get alone with God and share your heart. He truly desires to hear from you!Top of Form
Day 19/ 21 - January 27, 2023
PRAY FOR YOUR LEADERS, BOTH GOVERNMENTAL AND SPIRITUAL
Bible Reading : 1 Timothy 2:1-4
Key things to pray for spiritual leaders:
- Cover your spiritual leaders in prayer by praying for protection, wisdom, strength, grace, peace, etc…
- Pray that they would be protected from temptation, fiery darts, and snares of the devil.
- Pray for their hearts to burn for passion for God. To love and devour His word, walk in truth, and purity.
- Pray they would preach the word with boldness and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit.
Key things to pray for governmental leaders:
- Pray for your leaders to come to the knowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior. And if they do know the Lord that their relationship with Him would grow and prosper.
- Pray for they would have Godly wisdom and laws would NOT be passed that go against God’s Word.
- Pray that God would surround these individuals with people that know the Lord and would be a mouthpiece for Him.
- Pray for protection over any scheme of man or the enemy that would cause this leader to make wrong decisions both governmental and personally.
Day 18/ 21 - January 26, 2023
PRAY FOR GOD’S WILL TO BE DONE
Bible Reading : Matthew 6:9-13
Our desire should always be for God’s will to be done, no matter what the cost. Jesus prayed in the garden giving up His will for the will of the Father!
In your Personal Life – Pray for God’s will to be established and be done in your own personal life. Cover your family as well. If you know what God’s will is and having a hard time accepting it. I encourage you to pray for grace, and strength to embrace what the Lord has for you.
In the Church – Pray for God’s will to be done in the body of Christ. That we would line up according to what He has called us for. You can also pray this on a more personal level for the church you attend.
In the World – Pray for God’s will to be in the Earth and that prophecy would be fulfilled according to His word. The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. (Revelation 22:17)
Day 17/ 21 - January 25, 2023
PRAY FOR THOSE BEING PERSECUTED BECAUSE OF THE GOSPEL
Bible Reading : 1 Ephesians 6:18
Some key things to pray for this prayer point:
- Pray for the persecutors to stop and that they would get saved. God did it with Paul the apostle…He can do it again!!
- Pray for protection and strength over believers.
- Pray for God to hide your brothers and sisters in Christ. That those persecuting them would be blinded not to see who they are and what they are doing.
- Ask God send angels to protect His children in these nations.
Day 16/ 21 - January 24, 2023
FOR CCM TO BE IN UNITY AND WALK IN LOVE
Bible Reading : 1 Corinthians 1:10 John 13:35
Some key things to pray for this prayer point:
- Pray for CCM to walk in God’s love and experience God’s love in a greater way.
- Pray for CCM to release what it means, love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8 )
- Pray for unity within the body. That disaccord, disunity, offense, and rejection would have no place in the church.
- Pray for those whose hearts have been hurt to be healed and for reconciliation to take place.
- Pray for protection for those in church leadership and those in the congregation. That every scheme and plan of the enemy would fail.
Day 15/ 21 - January 23, 2023
PRAY FOR A GREAT AWAKENING AND FOR SALVATIONS
Bible Reading : 1 Timothy 2:3-5 Acts 2:17
Some key things to pray for this prayer point:
- Pray that hearts would become soft and turn to God. That people would have an incredible experience with Jesus. That they would repent and be born again! If someone comes to mind get specific! Pray for their salvation!
- Pray for the prodigal sons and daughter to return to God.
- Pray for a revival and an outpouring of God’s Spirit to fall on our church, city, nation…etc.
- Pray for workers in the field (Those working in the ministry).
- Pray for CCM to have a prayer burden for the lost.
- Pray for the saints to be equipped for a great harvest.
- Pray for world leaders and people of influence to turn to God.
Week 2 January 16 - 21, 2023
Day 13/ 21 - January 21, 2023
PETER’S SECOND CHANCE
Bible Reading : John 21:1-19
Friday: National Leaders and Policemen/Soldiers
- Pray for Executive, Legislative and Judiciary branch of our government
- Pray for government leaders that they will yield to God’s influence, authority and power
- Ask God to protect our policemen and soldiers as they protect us
Day 12/ 21 - January 20, 2023
THE RISEN CHRIST
Bible Reading : John 20:1-18
Friday: National Leaders and Policemen/Soldiers
- Pray for Executive, Legislative and Judiciary branch of our government
- Pray for government leaders that they will yield to God’s influence, authority and power
- Ask God to protect our policemen and soldiers as they protect us
Day 11/ 21 - January 19 2023
JESUS’ PRAYER
Bible Reading : John 17:1-26
Thursday: Business, Job and Co-workers
- Thank God for the business/job you have and ask for wisdom
- Pray that you would be a light in the midst of your workplace and that He would use you for His glory
- Pray for co-workers by name and be specific about their needs
Day 10/ 21 - January 18 2023
THE MASTER SERVANT
Bible Reading : John 13:1-20
Wednesday: Church Pastors/Leaders and Ministries
- Pray for the CCM to stay centered on God’s Word
- Pray for important decisions coming up and for trust in God
- Pray for everyone’s divine covering and to remain steadfast in this time of Covid-19 pandemic
Day 9/ 21 - January 17 2023
THE LOSS OF A FRIEND
Bible Reading : John 11:17-44
Tuesday: Friends and Finances
- Pray for friends by name and their needs
- Pray for financial needs and thank God for financial blessings
- Pray for guidance on what to do with the provision He has provided
Day 8/ 21 - January 16 2023
A MAN BORN BLIND
Bible Reading : John 9:1-12
Monday: Family and Relatives
- Pray for family members by name
- Ask for God’s help in strengthening a family’s bond, protection and strength
- Ask God for reconciliation and restoration
Week 1 January 9 - 14, 2023
Day 6/ 21 - January 14, 2023
A GUILTY WOMAN
Bible Reading : John 8:1-11
Saturday: Sick, Weak and Unsaved
- Pray specifically for the sick people you know, whether it be physical or emotional sickness
- Ask God to give strength and endurance to all our health frontliners, making them safe and healthy
- Pray for those who are unsaved and ask God to use you in their lives
Day 5/ 21 - January 13, 2023
A HUNGRY CROWD
Bible Reading : John 6:1-15
Friday: National Leaders and Policemen/Soldiers
- Pray for Executive, Legislative and Judiciary branch of our government
- Pray for government leaders that they will yield to God’s influence, authority and power
- Ask God to protect our policemen and soldiers as they protect us
Day 4 / 21 - January 12, 2023
HEALING THE SICK
Bible Reading : John 5:1-15
Thursday: Business, Job and Co-workers
- Thank God for the business/job you have and ask for wisdom
- Pray that you would be a light in the midst of your workplace and that He would use you for His glory
- Pray for co-workers by name and be specific about their needs
Day 3 / 21 - January 11, 2023
THE WOMAN AT THE WELL
Bible Reading : John 4:5-30
Wednesday: Church Pastors/Leaders and Ministries
- Pray for the CCM to stay centered on God’s Word
- Pray for important decisions coming up and for trust in God
- Pray for everyone’s divine covering and to remain steadfast in this time of Covid-19 pandemic
Day 2 / 21 - January 10, 2023
A WEDDING IN CANA
Bible Reading : John 2:1-11
Tuesday: Friends and Finances
- Pray for friends by name and their needs
- Pray for financial needs and thank God for financial blessings
- Pray for guidance on what to do with the provision He has provided
Day 1 / 21 - January 9, 2023
WHEN GOD BECAME MAN
Bible Reading : John 1 : 1 – 18
Monday: Family and Relatives
- Pray for family members by name
- Ask for God’s help in strengthening a family’s bond, protection and strength
- Ask God for reconciliation and restoration