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Fasting is the biblical practice of abstaining from something as a spiritual discipline meant to help one focus on spiritual matters.
As we are taking this time to collectively fast and pray, it is good to see how it was done in the New Testament Church.
“Now in the church at Antioch, there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the ruler, and Saul. 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. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia; and from there they sailed to Cyprus.”
Acts 13:1-4 NRSV
And again, in the next chapter, we see the same practice of prayer and fasting before people are being empowered for the work of the ministry.
“And after they had appointed elders for them in each church, with prayer and fasting they entrusted them to the Lord in whom they had come to believe.”
Acts 14:23 NRSV
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“Spiritual fasting entails setting aside activities as well as reducing the intake of food and replacing these activities with the exercise of prayer and preoccupation with spiritual concerns. The NT word which is translated as “fasting” literally means one who has not eaten, one who is empty. […] Jesus’ teachings may be summarized: Fasting is transcended by the beginning of the eschatological times. The rule of the Messiah has broken the power of the evil age. Fasting would appear to be no longer consistent with the spirit of thanksgiving and joy that marks the framework of the new age, since the Christian life is not to be dominated by tragedy but by joy and happiness. Yet, the kingdom is not fully realized. There is a place for fasting, properly understood. Fasting must be done within the context of the joyful thanksgiving of the new life in Christ.
The context of fasting is prayer. It should conform to the same conditions as prayer: unostentatious quietness before God, arising out of gratitude, expressing thanksgiving, grounded in faith, as a means of spiritual growth.»
– Clarence B. Bass
WEEK 1: ME
Prayer Topics
Day 1 // Drawing closer to Jesus.
Day 2 // Revelation & Recognition
Day 3 // Repentance and Revival
Day 4 //Finding our place/purpose
Day 5 //Wisdom and discernment
Day 6 // Creativity and Inspiration
Day 7 // Be Still: Gratitude
WEEK 2: US
Prayer Topics
Day 8 // Anchored (Hebrews 6:19)
Day 9 // Strength, comfort and Joy
Day 10 // Peace Makers and prophets
Day 11 // Fruit of the Spirit
Day 12 // Flourishing & wholeness
Day 13 // Spiritual Growth & formation
Day 14 //Be Still: Contentment
WEEK 3: ALL
Prayer Topics
Day 15 // Reconciliation & Unity
Day 16 // Restoration and Healing
Day 17 // Needs near
Day 18 // Needs Far
Day 19 // Provision & protection
Day 20 // Witness – the whole earth filled with the knowledge of God
Day 21 // Be Still: Faith and Hope
Additional Resources
Campus Crusade for Christ – Personal Guide to Fasting 7 steps
Hillsong Collected Blog on Prayer and Fasting
21 Days of F(E)AST – Bob Perry & Amy Lykosh
21 Day Bible Reading Plans on YouVersion
https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/35-21-day-fast