The start of a new year often brings a lot of pressure. New goals. New habits. New expectations.

But what if renewal didn’t begin with striving harder— What if it began with slowing down?

21 Days of Prayer & Fasting is an invitation to step out of the rush and into a different rhythm. A rhythm that creates space for God to renew our hearts, refocus our lives, and reshape the way we walk with Him.

This journey isn’t about perfection. It isn’t about proving anything to God. It’s about creating space—so God can do the renewing work only He can do.

As we begin the new year together, we’re choosing rhythms that lead to life.

Prayer and fasting are not religious performance. They are intentional practices that help us become more aware of God’s presence.

Prayer helps us slow down and listen. Fasting helps us let go of distractions and refocus our hearts.

Together, they form a rhythm of dependence—a reminder that renewal doesn’t come from doing more, but from walking closer with God.

As Scripture reminds us:

“Be constant in prayer.” – Romans 12:12

For the next 21 days, we’re practicing that together.

This journey is designed to fit real life.

Each day includes:

• A Scripture focus
• A guided prayer
• Space to reflect and respond

You don’t need prior experience with prayer or fasting.

You don’t need to participate perfectly.

You simply need to show up.

Some days may feel rich and encouraging. Other days may feel quiet or challenging.

Both are part of renewal.

Daily at 6:00 AM During the 21 Days

Throughout our 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting, we’re gathering every morning at 6:00 AM for a time of prayer together at the church.

This daily prayer gathering is simple, quiet, and welcoming—designed to help us begin each day centered on God before the noise of life takes over.

You don’t need to know what to say. You don’t need to pray out loud. You don’t need to come every day.

Just come as you are.

Each morning will include:

• Scripture
• Guided prayer
• Moments of silence
• Space to listen and reflect

Whether you’re new to prayer or have been walking with God for years, this is a place to slow down, breathe, and seek God together.

You’re welcome to attend once, a few times, or every morning. There’s no pressure—only an invitation.

If you’re longing for renewal, this is a beautiful place to begin.

DETAILS

• When: Daily at 6:00 AM
• Where: Courageous Church
• Dates: During the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting
• Who: Everyone is welcome

If prayer or fasting feels unfamiliar—or even intimidating—you’re not behind.

Many people participating in these 21 days are trying this for the first time.

Fasting isn’t about being “extra spiritual.” It’s about becoming more aware of God.

In Scripture, fasting is simply choosing to set something aside so we can give more attention to God. That “something” looks different for everyone.

You might fast:

• One meal a day
• Social media
• Entertainment or streaming
• A habit that often distracts your attention

If fasting food isn’t wise for you due to health or personal reasons, you are encouraged to choose another form of fasting. Participation is not measured by what you give up—but by the space you create.

There is no right or wrong way to begin. Start small. Stay honest. Trust God to meet you where you are.

This journey is not about perfection—it’s about presence.

Fasting is intentionally setting something aside to create space for God.

For some, that may mean fasting a meal. For others, it may mean fasting social media, entertainment, or a daily habit that often distracts the heart. If fasting food isn’t wise for you, we encourage you to choose another form of fasting. This journey is about dependence, not deprivation.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach. What matters is intentionality, not intensity.

Types of Fasting

Complete Fast

This fast calls for drinking only liquids, typically water with light juices as an option.

Selective Fast

This type of fast involves removing certain elements from a diet. One example of a selective fast is the Daniel Fast, during which you remove meat, sweets, or bread from your diet and consume water and juice for fluids and fruits and vegetables for food.

Partial Fast

This fast is sometimes called the Jewish Fast and involves abstaining from eating any types of food in the morning and afternoon. This can either correlate to specific times of the day, such as 6:00 am to 3:00 pm, or from sunup to sundown.

Media Fast

This fast is common for those who do not have much experience fasting foods, who have health issues that prevent the fasting of food, or who wish to refocus certain areas of their life that are out of balance. For instance, someone might select to abstain from using social media or watching television for the duration of the fast—and then choosing how to carefully bring that element back into their life in an orderly fashion.

Scripture about Fasting:

Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-15, Luke 18:9-14

Prayer and Reading of the Word:

1 Samuel 1:6-8, 17-18, Nehemiah 1:4, Daniel 9:3, 20, Joel 2:12, Luke 2:37, Acts 10:30, Acts 13:2

Corporate Fasting:

1 Samuel 7:5-6, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 9:1-3, Joel 2:15-16, Jonah 3:5-10, Acts 27:33-37

Resources 

7 Steps to Successful Fasting and Praying by Bill Bright - http://www.cru.org/train-and-grow/devotional-life/7-steps-to-fasting.html

Your Personal Guide to Fasting and Praying by Bill Bright - http://www.cru.org/train-and-grow/devotional-life/personal-guide-to-fasting.html

Lasting renewal is rarely instant. It grows through repeated, faithful practices.

Over the course of 21 days, prayer begins to feel less like a task and more like a rhythm—a natural part of everyday life.

Our hope is that these practices don’t end when the 21 days do, but become part of how we continue walking with God throughout the year.

Why We Fast

The ultimate goal of fasting is to grow closer to God. Biblical fasting is about intentionally saying “no” to distractions for a spiritual purpose. It’s a way to reset our hearts and souls, renew our spirits, and make room for God to work.

Fasting enables us to celebrate God’s kindness and goodness while positioning our hearts to receive the blessings He desires to bring into our lives. It’s important to remember that your fast should be both meaningful and personal. It should challenge you, but it should also be appropriate for your body, your circumstances, and how the Holy Spirit leads you.

There are many types of fasts—some may involve food, while others focus on eliminating other distractions. How you choose to fast is between you and the Lord. The key is to seek Him in prayer, listen for His guidance, and commit to a fast that helps you draw near to Him.

As we begin this 21-day journey, I encourage you to think not only about what you will fast from but also about what you will feast on. Let’s commit to feasting on God’s Word, His presence, and His promises as we pray and seek His will together.

Whether you’ve been following Jesus for years or are just beginning to explore faith, this journey is for you.

No pressure. No comparison. Just an invitation.

Let’s begin this year grounded, not rushed. Dependent, not striving. Together, not alone.