21 Days of Fasting

Scripture

Joel 2:12

Prayer Focus

Pray for a heart that turns fully to God.

"Lord, draw me back to You with all my heart."

Reflection

"Even now"-the words from Joel cut through delay and excuses.

God's invitation is not for later, but for today.

When we turn, we don't just change direction; we change allegiance.

Begin this journey by naming one area where you've drifted and return it to the Lord.

Today's Challenge

Take 10 minutes today to sit quietly before God and honestly surrender the area where you've drifted.

Scripture

Joel 2:13

Prayer Focus

Ask God for true brokenness over sin.

"Father, break my heart for what breaks Yours."

Reflection

Tearing garments was visible; tearing hearts is vulnerable.

Real repentance isn't performance-it's surrender.

Respond with honesty, not theatrics.

Today's Challenge

Take 10 minutes today to ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart. Write down one area where you've been "showing" change instead of surrendering. Confess it and invite God to reshape your heart.

Scripture

Joel 2:13

Prayer Focus

Thank God for His grace and compassion.

"Lord, thank You for Your mercy that never fails."

Reflection

We return because of who God is: gracious and compassionate.

His mercy doesn't minimize sin; it overcomes it.

Let gratitude soften any shame that keeps you from His presence.

Today's Challenge

Think of one person who has frustrated you recently. Pray for them by name and ask God to help you respond with mercy, not irritation. Then do one small act of kindness toward them today-even if they don't deserve it.

Scripture

Joel 2:15

Prayer Focus

Pray for a humble spirit before God.

"Father, teach me to walk humbly before You."

Reflection

The trumpet calls a community to humble itself.

Humility is the soil where revival takes root.

Choose a posture of lowering-listen more, speak less, serve first.

Today's Challenge

Take 10 minutes today to get alone with God and pray: "Lord, show me where pride has been hiding in me." Write down what He reveals. Confess it honestly. Then ask: "Teach me to walk in the low place with joy."

Scripture

Joel 2:15

Prayer Focus

Commit your fast to God's glory.

"Lord, let my fasting draw me closer to You."

Reflection

Fasting is not diet; it's devotion.

We abstain to attend-to attend to God's presence.

Define your fast and its purpose: greater hunger for God than for anything else.

Today's Challenge

Take 10 minutes today to get alone with God and pray: "Lord, I consecrate this fast to You-purify my motives and let it be for Your glory." Write down what He reveals about why you're fasting and what He's inviting you to surrender. Confess anything that feels like performance, control, or self-focus. Then ask: "Teach me to hunger for You more than anything else, and let this fast draw me closer to Your presence.

Scripture

Joel 2:13

Prayer Focus

Ask God to change your heart, not just actions.

"Lord, transform my heart to reflect Your love."

Reflection

Behavior modification without heart renovation will not last.

Ask the Lord to reshape desires, not merely routines-He wants the spring, not just the stream.

Today's Challenge

Take 10 minutes today to get alone with God and pray: "Lord, transform my heart-not just my habits. Rend my heart, not just my routine, and make me reflect Your love." Write down what the Holy Spirit reveals about the desires beneath your actions-what's been driving you lately (approval, comfort, control, fear, distraction). Ask Him to show you the "spring" feeding the "stream." Confess any areas where you've been trying to manage outward behavior while your heart stays unchanged. Surrender the root, not just the symptom. Then ask: "Lord, reshape my desires. Replace anything in me that craves control, comfort, or validation with a hunger for You. Make my heart soft, sincere, and fully Yours."

Scripture

Joel 2:28

Prayer Focus

Pray for revival in your life and church.

"Father, send Your Spirit and ignite revival in us."

Reflection

Revival is God's life poured into human dryness.

It begins in hidden places-on our knees, in our tears, prayerful whispers- and spreads to public spaces.

Pray for fresh outpouring and open hands to receive.

Today's Challenge

Take 10 minutes today to get alone with God and pray: "Father, send Your Spirit and ignite revival in me and in my church. Pour Your life into every dry place." Write down what feels dry or dormant in your life right now-your prayer, passion, joy, worship, faith, or obedience. Don't judge it-just bring it into the light. Confess anything that may be smothering the fire (distraction, busyness, complacency, hidden sin, fear, or weariness). Then pray: "Holy Spirit, come. Breathe on what's dead, awaken what's asleep, and set my heart on fire again." Finally, pray specifically for your church: name your leaders, your worship, your unity, and your spiritual hunger. Ask: "Lord, begin revival in the secret place-with me-and let it spread into public spaces through transformed lives."

Scripture

Joel 2:25

Prayer Focus

Ask God to restore what was lost.

"Lord, restore the years the enemy has stolen."

Reflection

God doesn't merely repair; He restores.

He turns barren fields into harvest.

Name losses such as time, trust, joy, etc. and ask Him for redemptive restoration.

Today's Challenge

Take 10 minutes today to get alone with God and pray: "Lord, restore the years the enemy has stolen. Redeem what was lost and bring life where there has been barrenness." Write down specific areas where you've experienced loss-time, trust, joy, peace, relationships, confidence, purpose, or opportunities. Name them honestly before the Lord, without minimizing or rushing past the pain. Confess any discouragement, resentment, self-blame, or unbelief you've been carrying because of those losses. Release them to God and surrender the timeline and outcome to Him. Then ask: "Father, do what only You can do. Restore not just what was taken, but what was meant to grow. Turn barren places into harvest, mourning into joy, and setbacks into testimony. I trust You as my Restorer."

Scripture

Matthew 5:6

Prayer Focus

Pray for hunger for God's Word.

"Lord, make me hunger and thirst for righteousness."

Reflection

Blessed are the hungry, because hunger moves us toward food.

Let your spiritual appetite reorder your day- start with Scripture, carry it in prayer, end in worship.

Today's Challenge

Take 10 minutes today to get alone with God and pray: "Lord, make me hunger and thirst for righteousness. Awaken my appetite for Your Word and Your ways." Write down what has been shaping your appetite lately-what you've been feeding on first (news, social media, work, entertainment, worry, people's opinions). Ask God to show you what's been dulling your spiritual hunger. Confess any neglect of Scripture or dependence on substitutes that satisfy temporarily but leave you empty. Surrender your schedule, distractions, and priorities to the Lord. Then ask: "Holy Spirit, reorder my desires. Teach me to seek You first, to start my day in Your Word, carry it with me in prayer, and end my day in worship. Let my hunger for You grow until You are my greatest satisfaction."

Scripture

1 John 1:9

Prayer Focus

Confess sins and receive forgiveness.

"Father, cleanse me and make me whole."

Reflection

Confession isn't informing God; it's agreeing with God.

Forgiveness cleanses the past and clears the path.

Walk today lighter, because grace is greater.

Today's Challenge

Take 10 minutes today to get alone with God and pray: "Father, cleanse me and make me whole. I confess my sins and receive Your forgiveness." Sit quietly and ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart. Write down anything He brings to mind-sins of action, attitude, words, omissions, or hidden compromises. Don't justify or explain; simply agree with God. Confess each one specifically, trusting His promise in 1 John 1:9. Release shame, self-condemnation, and fear, and receive His cleansing as an act of faith. Then pray: "Lord, thank You that when I confess, You are faithful and just to forgive me and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Restore my joy, renew my heart, and help me walk forward in freedom and wholeness."

Scripture

Joel 2:13

Prayer Focus

Pray for a compassionate heart like God's.

"Lord, help me love others as You love me."

Reflection

Compassion feels and acts.

It sees people not as problems, but as persons.

Ask the Lord for eyes that notice needs and hands that meet them.

Today's Challenge

Take 10 minutes today to get alone with God and pray: "Lord, rend my heart and make it like Yours-slow to anger, rich in love, and moved with compassion." Set a timer for 10 minutes and do a Compassion Scan: picture your last 24 hours and ask, "Where did I see someone's need and move past it?" Write down one moment God highlights (a coworker, cashier, family member, stranger, or even someone online). Now pray specifically for that person: "Father, bless them. Meet their need. Show me how to love them in a way that costs me something." Then ask: "Holy Spirit, give me one compassionate move today-something small but real." Write down the first prompt you sense (encourage, listen, give, serve, forgive, check in, pray with someone). Finally, commit to doing it within 24 hours and seal it with this prayer: "Lord, don't let me only feel compassion-teach me to act like You."

Scripture

Joel 2:15

Prayer Focus

Pray for unity in the body of Christ.

"Father, unite us in Your Spirit and purpose."

Reflection

Sacred assembly gathers all generations.

Unity is not uniformity; it is a shared surrender to Jesus.

Guard against gossip, cultivate encouragement, and pursue reconciliation.

Today's Challenge

Take 10 minutes today to get alone with God and pray: "Father, unite us in Your Spirit and purpose. Gather Your people with one heart-shared surrender to Jesus." Write down any places where division has tried to creep in-misunderstandings, offenses, competing preferences, criticism, or distance in relationships. Ask the Lord to show you your part clearly and gently. Confess any agreement with gossip, sarcasm, suspicion, or silent resentment. Renounce the urge to "be right" more than to be reconciled. Then pray: "Jesus, make me a peacemaker. Give me a clean mouth, a humble heart, and the courage to pursue peace." Finally, choose one unity-building step you will take today and write it down: send an encouraging text, apologize, refuse to join a negative conversation, pray for someone you disagree with, or reach out to reconcile. Close with: "Lord, let unity start with me-and spread through Your church."

Scripture

Acts 4:31

Prayer Focus

Ask for courage to share the Gospel.

"Lord, fill me with boldness to proclaim Your Word."

Reflection

When the Spirit fills you, fear shrinks and Jesus shines.

Boldness isn't volume; it's obedience.

Pray for divine appointments and bold courage today.

Today's Challenge

Take 10 minutes today to get alone with God and pray: "Lord, fill me with boldness to proclaim Your Word. Let fear shrink and let Jesus shine through me." Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where fear has been controlling you-fear of rejection, awkwardness, not knowing what to say, or being misunderstood. Write down what you've been avoiding and why. Confess agreement with fear and comfort, and surrender your reputation to God. Then pray: "Holy Spirit, shake what needs to be shaken in me. Make me obedient, not just confident. Give me courage to take the next step." Next, ask for one divine appointment today. Write down one person you could intentionally engage (a coworker, friend, neighbor, server, family member). Pray for them by name and ask: "Lord, open a door and give me words seasoned with love." Finally, commit to one bold step within 24 hours-share a testimony, offer prayer, invite someone to church, or speak Jesus naturally in conversation-and seal it with: "Jesus, I will obey. Use me today."

Scripture

Proverbs 3:5-6

Prayer Focus

Seek God's direction for your life.

"Father, direct my steps according to Your will."

Reflection

Trust is leaning your full weight on God's wisdom.

Acknowledge Him in every decision and watch how He straightens paths that felt tangled.

Today's Challenge

Take 10 minutes today to get alone with God and pray: "Father, direct my steps according to Your will. I trust You with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding." Write down the decision(s) or area(s) where you need guidance right now-direction, timing, relationships, work, finances, ministry, or next steps. Be specific, not vague. Confess any self-reliance, impatience, anxiety, or need to control outcomes. Surrender your preferred plan and timeline to the Lord. Then pray: "I acknowledge You in this. Close doors that aren't from You, open the ones that are, and give me peace to obey." Finally, ask: "What is the next right step?" Write down the one step God is prompting-something small and obedient (make the call, seek counsel, repent, apply, rest, wait, apologize). Close with: "Lord, I will trust You enough to follow."

Scripture

Philippians 4:7

Prayer Focus

Pray for peace in your heart and home.

"Lord, let Your peace guard my heart and mind."

Reflection

Peace is not the absence of storms but the presence of Jesus within them.

Let prayer be your guard and gratitude your gate.

Today's Challenge

Take 10 minutes today to get alone with God and pray: "Lord, let Your peace guard my heart and mind. Rule over every anxious thought and restless place." rite down what's been disturbing your peace lately-worries, pressures, unresolved issues, fears, or conflicts at home or within your heart. Bring each one before God by name instead of carrying it silently. Confess anxiety, striving, or the habit of rehearsing worst-case scenarios. Then intentionally thank God for three things, even in the middle of uncertainty, allowing gratitude to shift your focus. Finally, pray: "Jesus, I welcome Your peace into this storm. Guard my heart, guard my mind, and guard my home. Teach me to return to prayer instead of panic and to rest in Your presence."

Scripture

Psalm 16:11

Prayer Focus

Ask God for joy in His presence.

"Father, fill me with joy that comes from You alone."

Reflection

Joy flows where God is known.

Make space to delight in Him-sing, smile, remember His goodness- and let joy strengthen your steps.

Today's Challenge

Take 10 minutes today to get alone with God and pray: "Father, fill me with joy that comes from You alone. Lead me into the fullness of joy found in Your presence." Write down anything that has been draining your joy-stress, disappointment, comparison, fatigue, cynicism, or discouragement. Bring it honestly to the Lord and release the weight you've been carrying. Then do a Joy Remembrance: write down three specific moments where God has been good to you (answered prayer, provision, protection, comfort, guidance). Thank Him for each one out loud. Finally, take two minutes to delight on purpose-play a worship song, sing a chorus, or speak praise even if you don't feel "up." Pray: "Lord, teach me to delight in You again. Let Your joy strengthen my steps and shape my attitude today."

Scripture

John 8:36

Prayer Focus

Pray for freedom from bondage.

"Lord, set me free from every chain and stronghold."

Reflection

Freedom is the inheritance of the children of God.

Name the chains you have, renounce them, and receive the liberty Jesus secured.

Today's Challenge

Take 10 minutes today to get alone with God and pray: "Lord Jesus, You said if the Son sets me free, I am free indeed. Set me free from every chain and stronghold." Write down any bondage you've been battling-sin patterns, addiction, fear, anxiety, anger, lust, shame, control, people-pleasing, bitterness, or lies you keep believing. Be specific and bring it into the light. Confess where you've agreed with it, tolerated it, or tried to manage it in your own strength. Then renounce it out loud: "In Jesus' name, I renounce __________. I break agreement with this chain and every lie attached to it." Next, receive what Christ secured: "Jesus, I receive Your freedom. Fill the place where this bondage has been with Your Spirit, truth, and power." Finally, take one practical step that matches your prayer (remove a trigger, text an accountability partner, make a plan, forgive, set a boundary) and seal it with: "Lord, teach me to walk in freedom daily-free indeed."

Scripture

Hebrews 11:6

Prayer Focus

Ask God to increase your faith.

"Father, strengthen my faith to trust You fully."

Reflection

Faith pleases God because it takes Him at His word.

Feed your faith: read a promise, pray it, and act on it today.

Today's Challenge

Take 10 minutes today to get alone with God and pray: "Father, strengthen my faith to trust You fully. Help me believe You are who You say You are and that You reward those who seek You." Write down one area where your faith has felt weak or hesitant-waiting, provision, healing, direction, obedience, or hope. Be honest about where doubt has been louder than trust. Open Scripture and write down one promise of God that speaks to that area. Read it slowly and turn it into prayer, thanking God for it as if it were already at work. Then ask: "Lord, what is one step of faith You're inviting me to take today?" Write it down and commit to acting on it-no matter how small. Close with: "I choose to trust You, and I believe You are faithful."

Scripture

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Prayer Focus

Thank God for His goodness.

"Lord, I give thanks for Your blessings and grace."

Reflection

Gratitude reframes the day.

It doesn't deny pain; it notices grace within it.

Write three specific thanks and share one with someone.

Today's Challenge

Take 10 minutes today to get alone with God and pray: "Lord, I give thanks for Your blessings and grace. Teach me to see Your goodness in every part of this day." Write down three specific thanks-not general (like "family"), but specific (a conversation, provision, protection, strength, a door God opened, peace He gave, a small kindness). If you're in a hard season, write one place where you still see grace within the pain. Confess any complaining, entitlement, or negativity that has been shaping your perspective. Then thank God out loud for each item on your list, slowly and sincerely. Finally, share one of your thank-yous with someone today (text, call, or in person): encourage them with what God has done and how you're grateful. Close with: "Lord, let gratitude reframe my heart and set the tone for my day."

Scripture

Psalm 100:4

Prayer Focus

Spend time in praise and worship.

"Father, I enter Your gates with thanksgiving and praise."

Reflection

Worship relocates the center from self to God.

Lift your voice, lift your eyes, and let praise turn burdens into offerings.

Today's Challenge

Take 10 minutes today to get alone with God and pray: "Father, I enter Your gates with thanksgiving and Your courts with praise. I choose to worship You."Begin with thanksgiving-write down or speak aloud three things you're grateful for. Let gratitude open the door to God's presence. Next, spend a few minutes in expressed praise: play a worship song, sing out loud, speak Psalm 100, or declare who God is (faithful, holy, good, powerful, near). Don't rush-lift your voice and your focus. Then bring any burdens you're carrying and consciously turn them into offerings by praying: "Lord, I give You this concern as an act of worship. You are greater than what I carry." Close with this prayer: "God, recenter my heart on You. Let praise lift my eyes, lighten my load, and remind me who You are. I worship You today."

Scripture

Joel 2:12

Prayer Focus

Commit to walk with God beyond the fast.

"Lord, I dedicate my life to follow You faithfully."

Reflection

The finish line is a starting line.

Carry the habits of these 21 days forward-Word, prayer, humility- and keep returning to Him, even now.

Today's Challenge

What God has stirred in you during these 21 days isn't meant to end when the fast ends. Your challenge today is to intentionally keep these practices going-continue coming to the Word, maintain a steady rhythm of prayer, choose humility daily, and make room for worship and gratitude.