What is 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting?
21 Days of Prayer & Fasting is a time to seek God and find healing, hope, and help. We will meet for prayer Monday-Friday at 6 am and Saturdays at 9 am. Bible reading sign-ups will be in the lobby of Union Church. We will read the bible aloud in the sanctuary from Genesis to Revelations. Sign up for your spot in the lobby!
What is prayer?
Prayer is a spiritual practice that involves communicating with God. It is a central part of many Christian's lives where individuals seek to express devotion, gratitude, supplication, or reflection.
What is fasting?
Fasting, in a spiritual sense, is the practice of intentionally going without food or certain comforts for a period of time as a way to grow closer to God, deepen one's faith, or focus on spiritual goals. It's often seen as a way to set aside worldly distractions and focus more on the spiritual life.
Different types of fasts
For a new believer in Christ, fasting can be a powerful way to grow closer to God and deepen one's faith. Here are five different types of fasts that are commonly practiced in the Christian faith:
- Complete Fast: This fast involves abstaining from all food and drinks except water. It’s a full fast that can be done for a specific period of time, such as a day or several days. It's often used for intense prayer and seeking guidance from God.
- Daniel Fast: Based on the biblical story of the prophet Daniel (Daniel 1:12 and 10:3), this fast involves eating only plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes while avoiding meats, dairy, sweets, and processed foods. It is often done for 21 days and is a way to focus on spiritual growth and prayer.
- One Meal Fast: This type of fast involves skipping one meal a day and using the time for prayer and reflection. It’s a simpler and less intense way to begin fasting, especially for someone new to the practice. It can help build self-discipline while focusing on spiritual matters.
- Media or Social Media Fast: A media fast is when you choose to abstain from distractions like television, movies, or social media for a period of time. While not a traditional food fast, it helps you focus on prayer, Bible reading, and spiritual activities without the distraction of modern entertainment.
- Partial Fast: This fast involves giving up certain foods or beverages for a time, such as caffeine, sweets, or specific meals. A common form of partial fasting is the "sunrise to sunset" fast, where you eat only during the hours of daylight. It can be an excellent way to start fasting as a new believer without feeling overwhelmed.
These types of fasts help a new believer in Christ develop spiritual discipline, connect with God through prayer, and experience spiritual breakthroughs. They can be done with prayerful intentions to grow in faith and to seek God's direction.