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21 Days of Prayer & Fasting

January 1–21

Join Us in This Sacred Season

Prayer and fasting open space in our lives to slow down, listen, and experience God in deeper ways. Because our mission is to love, know, trust, and follow Jesus, we embrace these practices as essential rhythms that form us into His likeness. Even if they feel new or daunting, Scripture shows that prayer and fasting draw us closer to the heart of God.

From January 1–21, our CrossLife family will walk through 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting, engaging these practices personally, in community, and together as a church. Prayer and fasting are essential ways we grow closer to Jesus and align our hearts with His. This page brings together practical guides, tools, and teachings to help you engage these practices with clarity and purpose. Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, these resources are here to support you as you seek God more deeply.

Personal prayer and Bible reading

Personal Devotion

Group prayer in community

Community Prayer

Reflection & Renewal

Reflection & Renewal

Upcoming Corporate Gatherings

Join us at 12:00 PM on January 7, 14, and 21, as we come together for corporate prayer services. We are also ending our 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting with a special Worship & Prayer Night that you won't want to miss!

7
January

Weekly Prayer Service

Wednesday at 12:00 PM

14
January

Weekly Prayer Service

Wednesday at 12:00 PM

21
January

Weekly Prayer Service

Wednesday at 12:00 PM

21
January

Worship & Prayer Night

Wednesday at 6:30 PM

Prayer

Why We Pray

Prayer is the primary way we communicate with God and experience life with Him. Through prayer, we align our hearts with His will, learn to listen for His voice, and grow in dependence on Him. Prayer isn’t about saying the right words—it’s about cultivating a real relationship with a living God who invites us to come near. As followers of Jesus, prayer shapes how we love, know, trust, and follow Him daily.

Key Scriptures on Prayer

  • “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” — Colossians 4:2
  • “Pray without ceasing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:17
  • “Call to me and I will answer you.” — Jeremiah 33:3
  • “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” — James 5:16

Prayer Resources

Whether you’re learning how to pray or looking to deepen your prayer life, these resources are designed to help guide and encourage you.

  • Prayer Guide
    A practical tool to help you engage prayer with focus, intention, and faith.

  • Prayer Text Campaign
    Join our prayer text campaign to receive daily prayer prompts and encouragement during our 21 Days of Prayer.

    Sign Up for Daily Prayer Texts
  • 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting Guide (PDF)
    Download the complete printable guide for daily devotionals, scriptures, and fasting tips.

    Download PDF Guide

Fasting

Why We Fast

Fasting is a spiritual discipline that helps us quiet distractions and intentionally seek God. By temporarily setting aside something we rely on, we create space to refocus our hearts on Him. Fasting doesn’t earn God’s favor—it positions us to hear Him more clearly, trust Him more fully, and experience spiritual renewal. When paired with prayer, fasting helps sharpen our dependence on God and opens us to His transforming work.

Key Scriptures on Fasting

  • “When you fast, do not look somber… your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” — Matthew 6:16–18
  • “Return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” — Joel 2:12
  • “Then they fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them.” — Acts 13:3

Types of Fasts

There are many ways to fast, and not every fast looks the same. Below are several options to help you prayerfully choose what is best for your season, health, and spiritual goals.

Selective Fast

A selective fast involves removing certain foods from your diet. A common example is the Daniel Fast, where participants abstain from meat, sweets, and bread, consuming fruits, vegetables, and water or juice instead. This type of fast helps create intentional focus while still maintaining nourishment.

Partial Fast

Sometimes called a “Jewish Fast,” this approach involves abstaining from food for a specific portion of the day. This could look like fasting from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or from sunup to sundown. Partial fasts are a meaningful way to practice discipline while maintaining daily rhythms.

Complete Fast

A complete fast typically involves consuming only liquids—most commonly water, with light juices as an option. This fast requires prayerful preparation and wisdom and is best approached with discernment, especially for longer durations.

Soul Fast

A soul fast is ideal for those who are new to fasting, have health limitations, or sense God inviting them to refocus areas of life that feel out of balance. Instead of food, this fast involves stepping away from distractions such as social media, television, or entertainment. During this time, that space is intentionally filled with prayer, Scripture, and reflection—then reintroduced thoughtfully afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fasting is voluntarily abstaining from food (or other things) for a spiritual purpose, creating space to focus on God.

No. While a traditional fast involves food, you can fast from media, sugar, or anything that helps you seek God more intentionally.

Involve your family in age-appropriate ways—shorter fasts for kids, family prayer times, or reading the guide together.

Yes! See the upcoming gatherings above or check our connect page for the latest details and any additional prayer meetings.