21 Days of Prayer and Fasting

A Note From Our Pastors

As we step into 2026, let’s do so with a mindset of growth. Growth is what makes things better than before. And better is exactly what 2026 will be as we pursue God like never before. For many, the New Year brings with it new possibilities, fresh starts, and an expectation and excitement for what lies ahead. This proves especially true when our priorities are in order. Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Something amazing always happens when we prioritize what matters most. There are three spiritual disciplines every believer should practice—giving, praying, and fasting. When we begin the year with prayer and fasting, we’re doing so with the purpose of putting God first. This sets the tone for the entire year in the right direction. Fasting replaces our physical hunger with a spiritual hunger, and the latter always leads to us being filled and satisfied by God. This is our time to encounter God in a powerful way as we become sensitive to His voice and leading. This is our time to experience breakthroughs, overcome strongholds, and receive insight and direction, healing, rest, and freedom. This is our time to grow. We encourage you to target your prayers during the fast. The three areas we’re focusing on as a church are wisdom, direction, and growth. Please target these areas with us. We encourage you to do the same for your family personally as well. Let’s access the amazing benefits God’s given us through the powerful and strategic tool of fasting. Let’s make 2026 our best year ever, so far, as we seek God during our annual 21-day fast. Let’s start the year off right by putting God first in every area of our lives, and let’s experience an amazing year by keeping Him there. This truly can be your best year ever, so far! Much love, Pastors Paul and Becki Stieb

Message On Prayer & Fasting

By Pastor Paul Stieb

FAQs About Fasting

Why Fast?

1. God expects us to fast
Matthew 6:16-17 - Jesus said, “When you fast”, not if you fast. Fasting is part of the Christian life.

2. Jesus Fasted Matthew 4:2 - “And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry.” Fasting helps make us spiritually stronger and gives us the opportunity to draw closer to God.

3. The early Church fasted Acts 13:3, Acts 14:23, & Daniel 9:3 - “Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” The Church fasted for Saul (Paul) and Barnabas. Later, Paul and Barnabas appointed leaders in various churches, fasting and praying before commending these leaders to the Lord.

“So I gave my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.” Fasting helps make us sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and brings about spiritual revival to our soul. Fasting prompts revival to an individual and to the country. It brings forth a stirring that will heal and change us and prepare us for greater things in God’s kingdom.

4. Fasting is good for our health. Daniel 1:2 & Daniel 10:3 - “Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink.” “I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” Fasting improves our physical condition. Many impurities in the body are burned up when fasting, thus, clearing the mind, cleansing and healing the body. Fasting is especially beneficial for spiritual cleansing and also for breaking addictive habits.

During A Fast

1. Seek the Lord
Commit to prayer, worship, and Bible reading during the times you usually allocate for meals. Be ready to respond when you hear from God. For maximum spiritual benefit, set aside ample time to be alone with the Lord. The more time you spend with Him, the more meaningful your fast will be.
2. Commit to change
Whatever God speaks to you, apply it immediately. If there are habits that need to change, make the adjustment immediately.

3. Pray continually
Let us use this time to intercede for our family, our Church, our country, our government, Christians around the world, missions, etc.

4. Feed on the Word of God
Although our body may hunger, our soul is being filled with spiritual food as we read His word.
5. Keep the right motive
Remember that your motive in fasting must be to glorify God, to listen to Him, and be more intimate with Him. When your motives are right, God will honor your seeking heart and bless your time with Him in a very special way.

Types of Fasts

There are several types of fasting. The one you choose is between you and God. He will honor your best sacrifice.

Full Fast Drink only liquids (you establish the number of days).

The Daniel Fast Eat no meat, no sweets, no dairy products, and no bread. Drink water and juice. Eat fruits and vegetables.

3-Day Fast This fast can be a Full Fast, Daniel Fast, or you can give up at least one item of food.

Partial Fast A partial fast involves limiting food or drink by either abstaining from certain foods (like meat, sweets, or caffeine) or by skipping certain meals.

Quick Tips

How to Begin Start with a clear goal. Be specific. Why are you fasting? Do you need direction, healing, or restoration in your marriage or other relationships? Are you facing financial difficulties? Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Pray daily and read the Bible.

Deciding What to Fast The type of fasting you choose is up to you. You could go on a full fast in which you only drink liquids, or you may desire to fast like Daniel, who abstained from sweets and meats, and the only liquid he drank was water. Remember to replace that time with prayer and Bible study.

Deciding How Long (we are fasting for 21 days) You may fast as long as you like. Most can easily fast from one to three days, but you may feel the grace to go longer, even as much as 21 to 40 days. Use wisdom and pray for guidance. Beginners are advised to start slow.

How to End Don't overeat when the time comes to end your fast. Begin eating solid food gradually; eat small portions or snacks.

Fasting Devotional

A 5-day devotional to help you understand the purpose of and blessings from prayer and fasting

Day One: Following in His Footsteps

Devotional Have you ever wondered what it means to truly follow Jesus? We often think about following His teachings or His example of love, but there's another aspect of His life that we sometimes overlook—His commitment to prayer and fasting. Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness. He spoke about fasting as a normal part of the believer's life. He didn't say if you fast but when you fast, indicating this should be a regular practice for those who follow Him. Think about the heroes of faith throughout Scripture—Moses, Elijah, Daniel, and Paul. They all understood that prayer and fasting were essential tools for connecting with God's power and receiving His direction. They weren't superhuman; they were ordinary people who chose to follow extraordinary spiritual disciplines. When we fast and pray, we're not trying to earn God's favor or prove our spirituality. We're simply walking in the same path that Jesus walked. We're acknowledging that there are some things in life that require more than our natural strength and wisdom. Just as Jesus prepared for His ministry through fasting, we too can prepare our hearts to receive what God wants to do in and through us. God doesn't expect perfection from us. He simply invites us to follow. When we take that first step of faith into prayer and fasting, we're saying yes to a deeper relationship with Him. We're choosing to trust that His ways are higher than our ways, and His power is greater than our limitations. Bible Verse “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.” –Matthew 6:16 Reflection Question What areas of your life feel impossible to change through willpower alone? How might following Jesus's example of prayer and fasting open new possibilities? Quote “Prayer and fasting is following in the footsteps of Jesus. If Jesus prayed and fasted, then you should, too.” Prayer Jesus, thank You for showing us the way through Your example. Help me follow in Your footsteps—not out of obligation, but out of love and desire for a deeper relationship with You. Give me courage to step into the spiritual disciplines that will draw me closer to Your heart. In Jesus’s name, amen.

Day Two: Saying “No” to Get the Blessing

Devotional Everyday we make countless choices about what we'll say yes and no to. We say yes to an extra hour of sleep, a second helping of dessert, or an impulse purchase. What if some of our greatest breakthroughs are waiting on the other side of saying no to something good, so we can receive something better? Fasting is fundamentally about learning to say no. It's recognizing that our flesh—our natural desires and appetites—doesn't rule our lives. When we abstain from food for a spiritual purpose, we're training ourselves in a much larger principle: we choose what controls us. This isn't a punishment or deprivation. It's freedom. Every time you feel hungry during a fast and choose to pray instead of eat, you're declaring that your spirit is stronger than your flesh. You're building spiritual muscle that will serve you in every area of life. The discipline you develop in saying no to food will help you say no to anger, fear, discouragement, and anything else that tries to derail God's purpose for your life. The question isn't whether you're strong enough to fast; it's whether you're hungry enough for what God wants to give you. You position yourself to receive His blessings. When you can dethrone your appetite, you make room for God to reign in that area of your life. Bible Verse “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?” –Isaiah 58:6 Reflection Question What appetites or desires in your life have become so strong that they feel like they're controlling you? How can learning to say no in small ways help you gain freedom in bigger areas? Quote “Can you say no to the bowl so you can get the blessing?” Prayer Father, I recognize that I've allowed my flesh to rule in areas where You should be King. Help me learn to say no to temporary satisfaction so I can say yes to Your eternal purposes. Give me strength to dethrone my appetites and make room for Your Spirit to lead. In Jesus’s name, amen.

Day Three: Connecting and Disconnecting

Devotional In our hyper-connected world, we're constantly plugged in to phones, social media, and an endless stream of notifications and distractions. What if the key to connecting with what matters most requires us to disconnect from what matters least? Prayer and fasting work together like a spiritual reset button. Prayer is getting online with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It's tuning into heaven's frequency and aligning our hearts with God's heart. Fasting is getting offline with “me, myself, and I”. It's disconnecting from the constant noise of our own wants, needs, and distractions so we can hear God's voice more clearly. When we fast, we're not just abstaining from food; we're creating space for God to speak. His priorities become our priorities. His peace replaces our anxiety. The hunger pangs we feel become reminders to turn our attention upward instead of inward. This isn't earning God's attention. You already have that. This is giving God your attention. When you disconnect from the world's demands for a season, you create room for God to do what only He can do. You position yourself to receive the clarity, direction, and breakthrough that comes when your spirit is fully engaged with His Spirit. The beautiful paradox of fasting is that by saying no to physical nourishment, we open ourselves to spiritual nourishment that satisfies in ways food never could. Bible Verse “And they appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.”—Acts 14:23 Reflection Question What worldly distractions or connections are preventing you from fully connecting with God? What would it look like to intentionally disconnect from them for a season? Quote “Prayer is connecting with God. Fasting is disconnecting from the world.” Prayer Lord, help me disconnect from the noise and distractions that pull me away from You. As I connect with You through prayer and create space through fasting, fill that space with Your presence, voice, and peace. Teach me to hunger for You above all else. In Jesus’s name, amen.

Day Four: From Revelation to Transformation

Devotional Have you ever had a moment when something just clicked? When God opened your eyes to see something about yourself, a situation, or His character that you'd never seen before? Those moments of revelation are precious gifts, but they're meant to lead somewhere. They are meant to transform. When we combine prayer and fasting, we create the perfect environment for God to reveal things to us. Sometimes we need to get cleansed before we can get clarity. The discipline of fasting helps clear away the fog of our daily routines, allowing us to see ourselves and our circumstances from God's perspective. Revelation without transformation is just information. God doesn't show us things about ourselves to make us feel bad. He reveals truth to set us free. When He shows you an area where you've been stuck, it's because He wants you unstuck. When He reveals a pattern of thinking that's been holding you back, it's because He has a better way forward. The most beautiful part of this process is that you don't have to figure out how to change on your own. The same God who gives revelation also provides power for transformation. What you can’t accomplish with willpower alone, you can accomplish with God's power working in and through you. There's no greater feeling than knowing that you know you just heard His voice, and then watching Him transform what He revealed. Bible Verse “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.” –Joel 2:28 Reflection Question In what area of your life do you sense God wanting to reveal truth? Are you prepared to let Him transform what He reveals? Quote “God will reveal things to you not only about life, but about you personally. His revelation brings transformation.” Prayer God, I invite You to reveal whatever You want to show me about myself and my life. I don't want to stay stuck in old patterns or limited thinking. Give me courage to receive Your revelation and faith to trust You for the transformation that follows. In Jesus’s name, amen.

Day Five: Restoration and Revival

Devotional Maybe you're reading this and thinking about the time you feel you've wasted, opportunities you've missed, or years that feel lost to poor decisions or difficult circumstances. If so, God has a message specifically for you today: He is in the restoration business. When we seek God through prayer and fasting with sincere hearts, He promises to restore what the enemy has stolen. Those years that feel lost? God can redeem them. Those dreams that appear dead? God can resurrect them. Those relationships that seem broken beyond repair? God specializes in the impossible. Restoration isn't just getting back what was lost. It's receiving something even better than what you had before. When God restores, He doesn't just patch things up. He makes them new. God doesn't just give you back your old life. He gives you a life filled with His presence, power, and purpose. This promise isn't just for the future. It starts now! As you commit to seeking God through prayer and fasting, you position yourself to receive His supernatural intervention in your current circumstances. You open the door for Heaven's help to invade your earthly situation. The same God who promises restoration also promises revival. You can receive a fresh outpouring of His Spirit that brings dreams, visions, and prophetic insight. Your best days aren't behind you; they're ahead of you. What God has planned for your future is greater than anything you've lost in the past. Bible Verse “So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you.”—Joel 2:25 Reflection Question What areas of your life feel like they need God's restoration? How might committing to prayer and fasting position you to receive His supernatural intervention? Quote “Prayer and fasting are spiritual keys that unlock Heaven's help on earth, and put you in a position to receive supernatural breakthrough.” Prayer Father, I believe You are the God of restoration and revival. I bring to You every area of loss, disappointment, and broken dreams. Restore what the enemy has stolen and revive what feels dead, according to Your will. Pour out Your Spirit fresh on my life, and give me hope for the future You have planned for me. In Jesus’s name, amen.

Fasting Recipes

Try these fast-friendly recipes for all meals of the day, including suitable snacks and sides.

Barley & Black Bean Salad

1 cup barley (cooked according to package directions) 1 - 15-ounce can black beans (rinsed) 1/2 cup corn (thawed, if frozen) 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro 2 tablespoons lime juice 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil Salt to taste
Combine cooked barley, beans, corn, cilantro, lime juice, oil, and salt in a medium bowl. Serve on bed of chopped or torn lettuce.

Quick Tomato Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil Salt to taste 1 medium yellow onion (chopped) 1/4 cup cilantro (finely chopped) 2 - 14.5-ounce cans diced tomatoes (or substitute fresh tomatoes)
Sauté onions in heated oil over medium heat, cooking until soft. Add tomatoes (including juice) and salt. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Add cilantro and simmer for 5 or 10 more minutes. Serve over pasta, rice or cooked vegetables.

Easy High-Protein Breakfast Stir-fry

1 tablespoon olive oil 1 medium onion (sliced) 1/2 green pepper (chopped) 1 cup firm tofu (diced in bite-sized pieces) Fresh Italian herbs to taste
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add oil and heat for a couple minutes. Add the onions and green peppers and stir fry for 2-3 minutes. Add tofu, garlic salt and Italian herbs. Continue to cook until vegetables are soft. Makes two servings.

Minestrone Soup

8 cups vegetable stock 1 1⁄2 cups of garbanzo beans 2 cups red kidney beans 1⁄2 cups carrots 3 medium tomatoes (or 1 - 14-ounce can of unsweetened, unsalted Italian tomatoes) 1⁄2 cup fresh parsley Sea salt 1 cup cabbage 1⁄4 teaspoon oregano 3⁄4 teaspoon basil 1⁄4 teaspoonthyme 1⁄2 cup celery 1⁄2 cup onion 1 clove garlic 1 package spinach noodles (cooked)
Soak garbanzo and kidney beans overnight; drain and rinse. Peel and dice tomatoes. Cook and drain kidney and garbanzo beans as per directions on pkg. Mince garlic and parsley. Chop carrots, onion, celery, cabbage and garlic and sauté in water or soup stock over medium heat 5-7 min. Stir in cooked and drained kidney beans, garbanzo beans, diced tomatoes, and minced herbs. Bring to a simmer, then turn heat down and simmer 10 min. Stir in cabbage and parsley with lid partially on for about 15 min. or until cabbage is tender. Add more soup stock or tomatoes as needed. Serve over noodles.

Stir Fry Vegetables

1 red onion (sliced) 3 stalks celery (thinly sliced) 1⁄2 cup broccoli (chopped) 1 bell pepper (sliced) 1 teaspoon sea salt 3 carrots (peeled and sliced) 1⁄2 cup cauliflower (chopped) 1 cup zucchini (thinly sliced) 1 cup yellow squash (thinly sliced) 1 tablespoon Oriental seasoning
Stir-fry all vegetables in 1-2 Tbsp. olive oil until tender. Add salt and seasoning. Serve alone or over brown rice.

Vegetarian Chili

2 medium-sized green peppers (chopped) 1 medium-sized yellow onion (chopped) 1 zucchini (sliced) 1 yellow squash (sliced) 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons chili powder 3⁄4 teaspoon salt 1⁄4 teaspoon ground red peppers Chop and sauté in oil the peppers and onions. Add the sliced squashes, chili powder, salt, ground red peppers, and corn. When all the vegetables are soft but still firm, add the tomatoes, all the beans, the green chilies, and the tomato paste. Stir until just blended. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat. Let simmer for 20 minutes stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Susan's Black Bean & Brown Rice Stuffed Peppers

1 quart 100% Vegetable or Tomato Juice 2 cups cooked black beans 1 cup cooked brown rice 2 med green onions (chopped) 1⁄4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped) 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 2 tablesoon lime juice 1 clove garlic (finely chopped) 2-3 large bell peppers (cut in half lengthwise and deseeded) Combine all ingredients except juice and bell peppers in bowl and mix well. Place peppers in glass dish and stuff with mixture. Pour juice over peppers and plenty of excess in the dish. Cover and bake in oven on 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes.

Polenta “Biscuits” for the Daniel Fast

1/2 cup dry polenta 2 - 12-ounce packages extra-firm tofu, drained 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1 tablespoon olive oil Salt Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine polenta, Italian seasoning, & salt on a plate. Slice the tofu into 2′′ x 2′′ squares (approximate). Brush tofu pieces with olive oil and dredge in polenta mixture. Transfer to baking pan lined with parchment paper or sprayed with 100 percent olive oil spray. Bake 30 minutes or until browned. Serve by laying polenta biscuits on top of stew or with soup or casserole.

Rice, Raisin, & Vegetable Stuffed Peppers

2 tablespoons olive oil 2 stalks celery, minced (1/2 cup) 1 medium onion, minced 1 teaspoon salt 1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.) 2 cups cooked brown rice 1/2 cup yellow raisins 1/2 cup vegetable broth 5 oz tofu, mashed 3 red bell peppers, laved lengthwise 2 tablespoons fresh flat leaf parsley
Preheat oven to 400 degrees Heat oil in pan over medium heat. Add celery, onion, 1⁄2 tsp. salt, and garlic. Sauté until soft (about 7 minutes). Add rice, raisins and broth; cook for about 5 minutes. This should be the consistency of stuffing. Meanwhile, mash tofu, 1⁄2 tsp. salt, and the parsley. Divide the tofu among the pepper halves then top with rice mixture. Place peppers in 9′′ x 12′′ casserole dish. Add water until it comes 1/2′′ up sides of peppers. Bake for 30 minutes or until peppers are soft and the stuffing is hot.

Granola

4 cups rolled oats 1cup crushed almonds 1⁄2 cup whole grain flour 1 tsp. cinnamon 1⁄4 cup shredded coconut 1 cup sunflower seeds 1⁄2 cup wheat germ or other whole grain bran 3⁄4 - 1 cup honey 1 cup pumpkin seeds
Mix all together and spread out on a non-stick cookie sheet. Bake 20 min. in a 250 degree preheated oven. Stir and continue to bake another 20 min., stirring periodically to prevent burning. The granola should be lightly browned. Remove from oven and serve warm or cool thoroughly and store in tightly sealed container or plastic bags.
Option: After the granola is cooled, add raisins or other organic, unsulphured dehydrated fruit.

Apple Blueberry Oatmeal Cereal

2 sweet apples 3⁄4 cup rolled oats 1 cup blueberries 1⁄2 cup almonds 1 cup apple juice
Cook the oats as directed on box. Chop or grind the almonds, chop the apples and combine. Add the blueberries. Top with a sprinkle of nutmeg, cinnamon, and apple juice.