MARCH 11-31, 2024
Each year, as a church, we dedicate time to fast and pray together for 21 days leading up to Easter to set aside the things that distract us from connecting to God. For some, it might be saying no to a certain type of food. For others, maybe the biggest distraction is social media, entertainment, or shopping. With those things set aside, we have more intentional time to seek the Lord for direction, healing, or the salvation of a loved one.
So, whatever you’re praying and fasting for, you’re not alone—let’s do this together!
START YOUR PRAYER AND FASTING JOURNEY
You can start your 21 days of prayer and fasting using this guide through YouVersion or by subscribing to a daily e-mail or text. This guide is here for you to do on your own, with a friend, or with your family. Each day offers a verse to read, a reflection, and a guided prayer. This year, you’ll find a special section dedicated just for the family! There are discussion questions and guided prayers designed for parents to do with their children or for students to do on their own.
WHY DO WE PRAY?
Prayer is an invitation to connect deeper with your Creator. The practice of prayer in this setting gives us the opportunity to go beyond our daily conversation with Jesus. It can bring us into intentional intimacy with Him and create space to receive direction and breakthrough, no matter what we’re praying for.
WHY DO WE FAST?
Fasting is a practice that traditionally involves giving up food for specific times of the day to pray and be with Jesus instead. It’s another practice that helps us focus our time, mind, and heart on talking to and hearing from God. Fasting doesn’t always have to be from food, though! Here are some different ways to fast:
- Delete social media apps
- Stop using electronics for a certain amount of time
- Don’t watch TV or play video games
- Give up a specific kind of food (like sugar or caffeine)