30 Days of Fasting and Praying
As believers in Jesus Christ, we are engaged in a great spiritual battle. This battle is not against flesh and blood but a spiritual fight against unseen principalities and powers. Darkness is fighting against light; truth is battling against lies. Amid this conflict, it is imperative for the church to seek the help of the Lord in prayer.
Prayer is a powerful weapon in the arsenal of the believer. The Lord has issued an invitation, “Call unto me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things which you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3). He has encouraged us to “Come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need: (Hebrews 4:16). He has also promised, “If My people who are called by My name will 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” (2 Chronicles 7:14). In this season of seeking the Lord, we are also encouraging voluntary fasting along with prayer.
Throughout the Scriptures, we see many of God’s servants humbling themselves before the Lord with fasting and prayer. Jesus said to His disciples, “When you fast” (Matthew 6:16), not if you fast. At one time in the ministry, the disciples found themselves powerless to cast out a demonic spirit, and when they asked Jesus why they were unable, He replied by saying, “This kind only goes out with prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21).
When Daniel was in captivity in Babylon, he needed answers from the Lord, and he prayed, “I set my face toward the Lord God to make requests by prayer, and supplications with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes” (Daniel 9:3). God does not require or demand fasting of Christians. At the same time, the Bible presents fasting as something good, profitable, and beneficial. The book of Acts records believers fasting before making important decisions (Acts 13:2,14:23). Fasting and prayer are often linked together (Luke 2:37, 5:33).
The purpose of fasting is not to twist the arm of the Lord or lose weight, but to gain a new perspective and renewed reliance upon God. It is also to detach ourselves from the flesh to focus upon the direction and will of the Lord for our lives. Jesus said: “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly” (Matthew 6:16-18). Consult your physician, if you have concerns about fasting. Fasting is in no way an obligation but an opportunity. The Lord hears our prayers whether we fast or not because He loves us.
The best way to choose the appropriate fast is to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. Pray purposefully to identify God’s purpose and direction. There is no pressure, condemnation, or legalistic burden. The goal is to pray.
Partial Fast:
Abstain from food for a set time, eat a simple meal of bread and water or sacrifice a certain food.
Water Only Fast:
Abstain from everything except water.
Daniel Fast:
Abstain from delicacies, meats, and sweet beverages, and focus on fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables.
No Food Fast:
Abstain from all food, including milk (protein) and only drink liquids and water.
It is our desire and prayer that during this time as the church, we would sense the Lord moving among us by His Spirit, drawing us closer to Him. We also pray that during this time the Lord would prepare us for what He has for our church body in the year ahead. If you cannot fast because of medical conditions, or other circumstances, don’t worry about fasting, but just keep on praying. Do what you can, and the best that you can for the glory of the Lord. The main point of these 30 days is to seek the Lord.